Nowadays, natural ways of taking care of health are in fashion. That’s why there is so much talk about the health-promoting properties of spirulina. However, before these two products gained popularity, Polish homes ate small, dark blue fruits. Therefore, it is worth remembering about them and fully using their potential.
In the past, juniper berries were collected in late summer and seasoned with meat, cabbage, pickles and tinctures.. In addition, our grandmothers stored these fruits in their pantries along with dried herbs and smoked meats. They were therefore an important ingredient in the kitchen.
Nowadays, we can also enrich the above dishes with them. We also recommend adding them to sauces, marinades or roasted vegetables in olive oil. Store them in tight jars in a dark place. Only thanks to such conditions will they retain their valuable properties.
What do juniper berries taste like? They have an intense, resinous and slightly bitter aftertaste. We can feel forest notes in them, giving the dishes a unique aroma.
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The intense aroma of juniper berries is not the only advantage. The greatest benefit is their health properties. These small balls contain essential oils, tannins, flavonoids and anti-inflammatory compounds. That’s why they are used in herbal medicine.
Essential oils support the functioning of the digestive systemincreasing the production of gastric juices and bile. It is therefore worth adding these fruits to fatty and difficult to digest dishes, because they will not only give them a unique aroma, but will also help in their digestion.
Juniper berries are good for a “flat stomach” because eliminate bloating and the feeling of fullness after a large meal. In addition, they are believed to have an antispasmodic effect – they reduce tension in the digestive system.
Juniper berries have a diuretic effecttherefore they support the functioning of the kidneys. They help remove excess water from the body.
We also attribute anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit bacterial growth to them. Therefore, they support the body’s natural defense processes, and their gentle warming effect can additionally improve circulation.
However, remember that these fruits should be eaten in moderation. Otherwise, abdominal pain and urinary tract irritation may occur. That’s why you should eat just a few pieces. In turn, pregnant women and people with kidney diseases should not use them at all.
