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Cranberry is a fruit often used and eaten in Polish cuisine. This fruit belongs to the type of blueberries and contains many nutrients important for health. Cranberry is successfully used in medicine, where it fulfills multiple functions.
Nutritional values of cranberries
Cranberries contain 46 kcal per 100 grams, with 0,1 grams of polyunsaturated fats, 0,4 g of protein, 12 g of carbohydrates and 4 g of sugar, which is responsible for the sweet taste of this fruit. Cranberries are also a source of fiber, which can be found at 4,6 g per 100 grams.
Important micro- and macronutrients and vitamins (x grams / 100 grams)
- Magnesium: 6g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Potassium: 85mg
- Ascorbic acid: 13,3 mg
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 0,2mg
- Vitamin B6: 0,1mg
Cranberries also contain large amounts of vitamin C responsible for supporting the body’s immunity.
Urinary and genital system: cranberry fruit and infections
It is a great medicine, and at the same time a prophylactic ingredient in the treatment of any urinary tract infections (often found in women). The healing potential of cranberries was first discovered in 1840, and modern research has 100% confirmed the old reports. Cranberry has bactericidal and antifungal properties.
Cranberry fruit and cranberries treat:
- Any infections and infections of the urinary tract
- Cystitis (so-called honeymoon disease)
- Skin conditions
- Stomach ulcers
- Colds and angina
Located in cranberries proanthocyanidins improve the strength of heart contraction and lower blood sugar levels. They are also responsible for protecting the liver. Cranberry fruit prevents heart attacks and strokes.
Treatment with cranberries
cranberry can be purchased in pharmacies in the form of tablets, as a separate drug and dietary supplement. However, cranberry fruit extract is included in an increasing number of other drugs dedicated to various diseases. The cranberry itself can also be purchased in a processed form (jams, dried cranberries) or unprocessed (fruit) in various types of stores and grocery stores. Fresh fruit contains the highest amounts of the above-mentioned vitamins and nutrients. Interestingly, they can be stored in the fridge (without losing their nutritional value) for up to three months. Dried cranberries can be stored in the right conditions for several years without losing their medicinal properties. This makes cranberry a great and long-lasting home remedy. Importantly, also cooked cranberries will still interact with bacteria, destroying them – high temperature does not destroy the bactericidal compounds contained in these fruits.