Nutrition of Edible Juniper Berries
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Vitamins and Minerals
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Juniper berries contain high amounts of vitamins C and B as well as a small amount of calcium. Because of these substantial dosages, this berry is thought to have been used in Greece by Olympic athletes as a performance enhancer.
Volatile Oils
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Volatile oils are a main ingredient in the makeup of a juniper berry, causing it to be the No. 1 distilled asset in making and flavoring gin.
Medicinal Benefits
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Juniper berries go above and beyond when it comes to medicinal properties. It is not only a detoxifier, as most berries are, but it also prevents and fights urinary tract infections, contains high natural insulin, and is traditional used as an herbal medicine for skin growths, including acne and warts. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Medical Warning
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Although edible juniper berries do have several health benefits, they are also a diuretic. Consuming too much may cause further medical issues for people with kidney problems. Expectant mothers should avoid the consumption of juniper berries as well, as they may heighten blood pressure and cause uterine spasms and a decrease in fertility.
Healthy Dosage
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A healthy, daily dose of dried juniper berries is roughly 1,000 to 2,000 mg. They should be taken over several small doses and taken for no more than six weeks at a time. They are great in dishes and as tea.
Taste
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Because juniper berries are not true berries but actually very small conifer cones, they tend to have a bitter and woody taste with a slight crunch.
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