6 Reasons To Avoid Eating Too Many Blueberries

Blueberries(Cyanococcus) are delicious blue colored berries that grow on the shrub of the same name and belongs to genus Vaccinium. These delicious berries are native to South America but are now grown in many parts of the world. Blueberries are a good source of a number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids, dietary fibers, phytochemicals, etc. and presence of these compounds make them very beneficial for our health as well as for our skin and hair. Although blueberries are a safe fruit and provides a lot of benefits there are some side effects of eating too many blueberries and in this article, we will know about these side effects in detail.

# Too Much Fiber Is Bad For Our Health

Blueberries are a good source of dietary fibers that provides a lot of benefits like regulates bowel movement, provides relief from constipation, keep the digestive system healthy, absorbs bad cholesterol, keep the cardiovascular system healthy, helps in weight management and many more benefits. The presence of dietary fibers in blueberries make it very beneficial for our health but having too much fiber is bad for our health.

Excess of dietary fiber can cause stomach discomfort, gastrointestinal problems like bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, etc. It can also hamper the absorption of nutrients by our intestines and give rise to many health problems. Because of this risk associated with high fiber, it is advisable to eat blueberries in moderate quantity.

# Can Cause Salicylate Sensitivity In Some Individuals

Blueberries contain a high amount of salicylates, which is an active ingredient used in the formation of aspirin ( a synthesized medicine used for providing relief from pain, fever, inflammation, etc.). This compound is naturally found in many plants and provides a lot of benefits, but not for the individuals who are sensitive to salicylates.

The individuals who are allergic to salicylates should stay away from blueberries ( which contains them in high amount) as it might cause rashes, headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. So those who are allergic to salicylates should avoid consuming blueberries or blueberries juice.

# Side Effect Of Vitamin K Overdose

Blueberries are a good source of Vitamin K and eating one cup of blueberries provide around 29 micrograms of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is a vital nutrients that plays an important role in keeping us healthy and performs a number of functions in our body, like regulates blood clotting, improving bone density and making our bones stronger, reducing risk of cancer, providing cardiovascular benefits etc (source).

Although Vitamin K provides a lot of benefits there are some side effects associated with the intake of high dosage of Vitamin K and for this reason, it is advisable to eat blueberries in moderation.

High dosage of Vitamin K may give rise to symptoms like difficulty in swallowing, irregular breathing, fainting, shortness of breath, skin rashes, increased risk of internal bleeding and bruising, etc (source). Blueberries are also not suitable for the individuals who on anticoagulant medicines as the Vitamin K present in blueberries may interfere with the function of anticoagulant medicine and increase the risk of bleeding.

# Blueberry Leaves May Cause Hypoglycemia

If you are suffering from diabetes then it is advisable to not to use blueberries leaves as a supplement to diabetics medicine. This is because consuming blueberries leaves can decrease our blood sugar level to a dangerously low level which can give rise to hypoglycemia which can be identified by the common symptoms like blurred vision,sudden mood change, sudden nervousness,pale skin, headache, hunger, sweating,shaking,trouble thinking or concentrating, loss of consciousness, etc. (source).

Moderate consumption of blueberries is beneficial for the people suffering from diabetes as it releases sugar slowly into the bloodstream and doesn’t cause a sudden increase in the blood sugar level. But, consuming too many blueberries is bad as it can also decrease our blood sugar level to a dangerously low level. If you are suffering from diabetes then it is better to first consult your doctor and eat blueberries as per the advice of the doctor.

# Not Suitable For Individuals With Stone Fruits Allergy

Generally speaking, there are not many allergenic factors associated with blueberries and blueberries are well tolerated by most individuals. This means that most of the individuals can consume it without worrying about allergic reactions. However, those who are allergic to stone fruits ( like peaches, plums, apricots, cherries, nectarines, etc) may be sensitive to blueberries too.

# Too Many Blueberries Is Unsafe For Pregnant Women

Blueberry is a good source of a number of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids, phytochemicals, etc. and the presence of these compounds make blueberries very beneficial for pregnant women. In general, blueberries are a safe fruit to be consumed during pregnancy but for a safe side, it is advisable to consult your doctor about the same and eat blueberries only as per the recommendation of the doctor. The food and drink consumed by pregnant mother play an important role in determining the proper growth and development of baby growing under her ( and even for her own health ) and for this reason, it becomes important to consult with your doctor before adding (or removing) anything to your food plate.