Who should avoid blueberries? The hidden risks behind the superfood

Looking closely at the properties of blueberries, one cannot help but feel that this forest product is all good. Other fruits may envy the scope of these benefits. Blueberries contain vitamins (A, B, C, E, PP), minerals (magnesium, copper, selenium, iron, and calcium) and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. They have a wonderful effect on the skin, eyesight, and brain and maintain proper cholesterol levels.

All of this looks remarkably impressive, right? So why do we insist that some people should not consume blueberries? Well, it's not our opinion but an undeniable fact. Moreover, it's even more than one group of people. It's sad but true; it is worth knowing because the consequences of not adhering to these guidelines are troublesome.

Let's start with a brief truism. Of course, people who are allergic to this fruit should not consume blueberries. Fortunately, such dietary exclusion is very rare. However, it is worth noting that another contraindication relates to fructose intolerance, which blueberries are rich in. Although these fruits have a low glycaemic index, they are not recommended when using anti-diabetic drugs.

Blueberries should also not be eaten by people suffering from kidney-related diseases. Why? Such ailments often mean high levels of potassium, and these forest fruits contain as much as 140 milligrams of potassium per 30 grams of the product. When on a low-potassium diet, one should be particularly careful.

Interestingly, doctors also forbid eating blueberries to people suffering from favism. This rare disease primarily concerns legumes (which is why favism is referred to as broad bean disease), but as it turns out, blueberries also join the list of prohibited products in this case.