Cranberries have numerous healing properties and nutritional values - and they have been known for a long time, because the relationship between eating cranberries and urinary tract infections was first demonstrated in 1840. Modern scientific research unanimously confirms that cranberry has antibacterial and antifungal properties, thanks to which it is effective, incl. in the fight against bladder infections, certain skin conditions and stomach ulcers. What is cranberry good for? What healing properties does cranberry have and how to use it?
Cranberryhas numeroushealing properties that have been known for a long time. Folk medicine recommends the use of cranberry in colds, angina, rheumatic diseases, bladder problems, weakening of the stomach, intestines and pancreas, as well as avitaminosis and fatigue.
Importantly, many drugs today are based on cranberries. The natural environment forcranberriesare raised bogs, which are turned into water reservoirs overgrown with vegetation.
This specific substrate means that in cranberry fruits, substances with unique he alth properties accumulate in high concentration - proanthocyanidins, which, among others, protect the liver, lower blood sugar levels, increase the strength of heart muscle contraction. However, the beneficial effects of cranberries on the urinary system are best known. In addition to their aseptic properties, cranberries also have nutritional benefits. There are, among others a rich source of vitamins A, C and B vitamins. Fresh fruit contains the most nutrients and healing substances (available from October to January).
Tightly packed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three months. Dried ones retain their properties for several years. Cranberries tolerate high temperatures well, and cooking does not destroy the bactericidal compounds contained in it.
Healing properties of cranberry
Cranberry has a number of he alth-promoting properties.
- works for urinary tract infections.Women are the most exposed to urinary tract infections (men are eight times less likely to suffer from urinary tract infections). Research shows that almost 30 percent. women in their life go through cystitis. Infectionsthe urinary tract is most often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli). They deposit in the urinary tract where they cause inflammation. Studies have shown that cranberry reduces the adhesion of E.coli bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract, while reducing the amount of these bacteria in the urine. Therefore, thanks to its properties in flushing out E. coli bacteria, cranberries may reduce the susceptibility to urinary tract inflammation.
- helps to prevent bladder infectionsin people who have problems with emptying the bladder completely (such as men with prostatic enlargement), with a catheter or with neurological disorders (e.g. after a stroke, stroke or spinal injury), i.e. in cases where the risk of infection is very high.
- prevents stomach ulcers.The substances contained in cranberries stop some bacteria that cause stomach ulcers from settling on the walls of the digestive system, e.g. cranberry stops the deposition of Helicobacter pylori in the gastric mucosa.
- reduces the risk of gum disease.Cranberry extract reduces by 60 percent. the deposition of the most common bacteria in the mouth on the gums. This reduces the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth and reduces the incidence of periodontal disease and gum disease.
- reduces the risk of heart disease.The flavonoids in cranberries are very similar to those in red wine, and therefore its consumption is excellent in preventing heart disease. Compounds contained in cranberries inhibit the formation of blood clots and have a beneficial effect on the expansion of blood vessels.
- reduces the effects of a stroke or blood clot.Has the ability to protect brain cells from damage that occurs during a stroke or blood clot.
- prevents oxidation of cholesterol , which reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis and clogging of blood vessels.
Berries - why you should eat them
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Cranberry - nutritional value and caloric value
- Energy value - 46 kcal / 100 g
- Total protein - 0.46 g
- Fat - 0.13 g
- Carbohydrates - 11.97 g (including simple sugars 4.27)
- Fiber - 3.6 g
- Vitamin C - 14.0 mg
- Thiamine - 0.012 mg
- Riboflavin - 0.020 mg
- Niacin - 0.101 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 0.057 mg
- Folic acid - 1 µg
- Vitamin A - 63 IU
- Vitamin E - 1.32 mg
- Vitamin K - 5.0 µg
- Calcium - 8 mg
- Iron - 0.23 mg
- Magnesium - 6 mg
- Phosphorus - 11 mg
- Potassium - 80 mg
- Sodium - 2 mg
- Zinc - 0.09 mg
Data Source:USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Cranberry - contraindications. Who can't eat cranberries?
Cranberries should not be consumed by people taking anticoagulants containing warfarin. Substances contained in cranberries may hinder the removal of this substance from the body, which may contribute to the occurrence of hemorrhages.
How to eat cranberries?
Cranberries can be eaten raw or dried. Raw fruit, due to the high content of anthocyanins, is very tart in taste, so eating them unprocessed is difficult.
For this reason, dried cranberries are usually added with sugar (and sometimes even glucose-fructose syrup), as well as sunflower oil, and sometimes even preservatives. These additives usually make up half of the composition.
For therapeutic reasons, the best is freshly squeezed fruit juice. Cranberry juice can also be purchased at the store.
Worth knowingNutritional values of dried cranberries
- Energy value - 308 kcal
- Total protein - 0.17 g
- Fat - 1.09 g
- Carbohydrates - 82.80 g (including simple sugars 72.56 g)
- Fiber - 5.3 g
- Vitamin C - 0.2 mg
- Thiamine - 0.013 mg
- Riboflavin - 0.028 mg
- Niacin - 0.548 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 0.038 mg
- Folic acid - 0 µg
- Vitamin A - 46 IU
- Vitamin E - 2.10 mg
- Vitamin K - 7.6 µg
- Calcium - 9 mg
- Iron - 0.39 mg
- Magnesium - 4 mg
- Phosphorus - 8 mg
- Potassium - 49 mg
- Sodium - 5 mg
- Zinc - 0.10 mg
Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Antifungal properties of cranberry
There have been many studies that have proven in laboratory conditions a much broader spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal properties of cranberries.
Their results will be helpful in using cranberry extract in the fight against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteridis and some types of fungi that cause skin diseases.
Worth knowingCranberry juice - nutritional values. How much calories does cranberry juice have?
- Energy value - 46 kcal
- Total protein - 0.39 g
- Fat - 0.13 g
- Carbohydrates - 12.20 g (including simple sugars 12.10)
- Fiber - 0.1 g
- Vitamin C - 9.3 mg
- Thiamina - 0.009 mg
- Riboflavin - 0.018 mg
- Niacin -0.091 mg
- Vitamin B6 - 0.052 mg
- Folic acid - 1 µg
- Vitamin A - 45 IU
- Vitamin E - 1.20 mg
- Vitamin K - 5.1 µg
- Calcium - 8 mg
- Iron - 0.25 mg
- Magnesium - 6 mg
- Phosphorus - 13 mg
- Potassium - 77 mg
- Sodium - 2 mg
- Zinc - 0.10 mg
Data Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Cranberry - use in the kitchen
Cranberries can be used to prepare various preserves, such as preserves, juices and syrups. Cranberries can also be found in the form of jellies, candied fruit or tea mixtures with cranberry fruit.
Dried cranberries will be a perfect addition to porridge or semolina. Dried cranberries can also be added to desserts.
Cranberry jam goes perfectly with meats, cold cuts and cheeses. Especially grilled camembert with cranberry tastes delicious.
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