Blueberry extract, also known as lingonberry extract, is a deep purplish-red or purple fine powder extracted from the fruit of the blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium), which has a bitter taste and is usually labeled by its blueberry proanthocyanidin content. The following is a detailed introduction to blueberry extract:
1. Basic Information
Product name: Blueberry Extract
English name: Blueberry Extract
Plant Latin Name: Vaccinium angustifolium
Family: Rhododendron
Genus: Vaccinium angustifolium
Use parts: fruit
2. Preparation process
The preparation process of blueberry extract mainly includes the following steps:
Raw material preparation: select fresh and ripe blueberries as the raw material for extraction to ensure the quality and effect of the extract.
Cleaning and processing: remove the impurities and pesticide residues on the surface of blueberries to ensure the purity of the extract.
Crushing and shattering: use mechanical crushing or ultrasonic crushing and other methods to make the blueberry tissue cells rupture, which is conducive to the subsequent extraction process.
Solvent extraction: mix the crushed blueberries with the appropriate amount of extraction solvent (e.g. ethanol, acetone, etc.), and carry out extraction by immersion or ultrasonic extraction, so as to make the active ingredients in the blueberries dissolve into the solvent.
Filtration and concentration: Filter the extract, remove the solid residue, and then evaporate the solvent by vacuum concentration, decompression evaporation and other methods to obtain blueberry extract.
Freeze-drying: the obtained blueberry extract is subjected to freeze-drying treatment to remove the water and get the dried extract powder.
Packaging and storage: The blueberry extract is packaged and sealed and stored in a dry and cool place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature, in order to maintain the stability and effectiveness of its active ingredients.
3. Main effects
Blueberry extract is rich in a variety of biologically active substances, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols and polysaccharides, etc., which are natural antioxidants with a variety of health effects:
Antioxidant: Anthocyanins in blueberry extract have strong antioxidant capacity, which can neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, thus protecting cells from damage.
Improve vision: Anthocyanins are particularly beneficial to eye health, as they enhance blood circulation to the retina and improve the eye’s ability to adapt to light, helping to relieve eye fatigue and prevent vision loss.
Promote cardiovascular health: The polyphenols in blueberry extract help reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and prevent atherosclerosis, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Application Areas
Due to its rich nutritional composition and wide range of biological activities, blueberry extract has shown great application value in many fields:
Food industry: blueberry extract, as a natural pigment and antioxidant, is widely used in beverages, ice cream, pastries and other food products, which not only adds an attractive blue-purple color to the products, but also enhances the added value and shelf life of the products.
Health care field: Blueberry extract is made into capsules, tablets, oral liquid and other forms of health care products, designed to help people resist free radical damage, prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic diseases, as well as to improve vision fatigue, enhance immunity.
Cosmetic industry: The antioxidant properties of blueberry extract can effectively resist external environmental damage to the skin, such as ultraviolet radiation, air pollution, etc., thus slowing down the skin aging process and maintaining youthful skin.
In addition, it can also promote blood circulation in the skin, enhance skin elasticity and improve uneven skin color and other problems.
Pharmaceutical field: Studies have shown that certain components in blueberries have positive effects on the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.
For example, certain compounds in blueberry extract can inhibit the growth of tumor cells, providing new ideas for cancer treatment.
At the same time, it also has the function of regulating blood sugar and improving lipid metabolism, which also has a certain auxiliary effect on the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hyperlipidemia.