The benefits and harms of cranberries, application

Cranberries grow on a low-growing shrub, which is characterized by increased resistance to frost. The plant tolerates changing weather conditions well, prefers to settle near swamps and peat bogs.

The berry begins to ripen in September. It is during this period that cranberries contain the entire set of vitamins and trace elements.

The composition and calorie content of cranberries

Cranberries are a source of phytonutrients. There are no fats in the berry, so it belongs to low-calorie foods. The calorie content of cranberries is only 46 kcal, while the product has a low glycemic index. When eaten, cranberries have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effect on the human body.

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols — 5,4 mg (9,8% of RDI)

• Purine — 6 mg (5% of RDI)

• Oxalic acid — 6 mg (1,5% of RDI)

In addition to vitamins and minerals, cranberries contain:

• Antioxidants. There are so many of them in the berry that it leaves behind such “superfoods” as blueberries and strawberries. Cranberries are richest in proanthocyanidins.

• Electrolytes. The balance of potassium and sodium in the berry is optimal.

• Sahara. Cranberries are a source of glucose, sucrose, fructose and high molecular weight carbohydrates, which are represented by dietary fiber and pectin. These substances are perfectly absorbed, contribute to the maintenance of metabolic processes and charge the body with energy.

• Organic acids: tartaric, oxalic, chlorogenic, cinchona, ursolic, benzoic, succinic, oleic, ketobutyric, ketoglutaric. All of them take part in metabolic processes, are responsible for the metabolism of proteins and fats in the body. Some acids help speed up metabolism, while others strengthen cell walls. The use of cranberries in food allows you to stop inflammatory processes in the body, reduce blood sugar levels. Most organic acids have bactericidal properties. Cranberries are well stored, this is possible due to the benzoic acid, which is part of it.

• Flavonoids: betaine and quercetin. These substances help strengthen the vascular wall, normalize blood viscosity, and have antioxidant properties.

• Other substances. Cranberries contain catechins, leukoanthocyanidins, glycosidic compounds. It also has antioxidant properties, helps protect the liver and blood vessels from negative impact factors, and normalizes metabolic processes in the body. Berries contain tannins. They have an astringent, enveloping and anti-inflammatory effect.

Cranberries are a source of valuable antioxidants, the most useful of which are:

• Anthocyanins. These antioxidants are detrimental to free radicals. In medicine, they are used to combat obesity, to lower blood cholesterol levels, as well as to treat and prevent breast cancer.

• Quercetin. It has pronounced anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce the intensity of an allergic reaction. In medicine, it is used to reduce pain in the joints, as well as to strengthen the walls of blood vessels.

• Benzoic acid. It has strong antioxidant properties, can destroy bacteria and viruses. With the help of this component contained in cranberries, you can cope with urinary tract infections, get rid of acne.

• Epicatechins. These phytonutrients are found in green tea and red wine. They help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease, reduce the risk of cardiovascular pathologies.

Useful properties of cranberries

Cranberries help support the immune system. Its use in food allows you to charge the body with energy, increase overall performance.

The benefits of berries for the human body:

• Prevention of cancerous tumors.

• Strengthening blood vessels.

• Stimulation of the brain, increased mental activity.

• Normalization of the work of the heart muscle.

• Improve digestion, stimulate appetite.

• Getting rid of viral infections, alleviating the symptoms of the disease.

• Acceleration of tissue regeneration. A person will heal faster abrasions, burns, cuts and other injuries.

To appreciate the benefits of cranberries, you need to take a closer look at all the effects it has on the body.

1 Urinary tract infections

Cranberry juice is the best natural antibiotic that helps to cope with various urinary tract infections. It contains proanthocyanides, which slow down the pathological activity of microbes and prevent them from increasing in numbers. Bacteria lose their ability to attach to the walls of the bladder and uterus. It is enough to drink a glass of juice a day to prevent the development of cystitis.

2 Maintaining cardiovascular health

Cranberries are a source of flavonoids that help the body fight atherosclerosis and help strengthen the vascular wall.

It has been proven that blood vessels are damaged when cholesterol is deposited in them. Its level in the body rises when eating foods rich in unhealthy fats. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of heart attack and stroke.

Cranberries lower blood cholesterol levels. In addition, berries have a sedative effect and are useful for people who experience mental overload.

3 Help the kidneys and bladder

Cranberries contain citric acid, so eating it is a prevention of the formation of kidney stones. In general, berries heal the urinary system.

4 Prevention of dental problems

Scientists from the University of Paris conducted experiments that made it possible to establish that cranberries are good for teeth and gums. People who consume this berry are less likely to suffer from periodontitis, gingivitis, stomatitis and other diseases of the oral cavity.

5 Cranberries help prevent cancer

Cancer is a deadly disease. The tumor can develop in the body of any person. To minimize the risks of this terrible disease, you need to include cranberries in your diet. Studies have shown that berries help fight 17 types of cancer. This is possible due to the content of polyphenols in them, which have antioxidant properties. They destroy young cancer cells. There is evidence that cranberries increase human immunity.

6 Cranberries help fight common infections

Cranberries should be eaten for infectious diseases.

It helps to improve overall well-being, as it has the following properties:

• Decreased body temperature.

• Reducing the intensity of inflammation.

• Destruction of the viral flora.

• Strengthening of immunity.

• Removal of irritation from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.

To enhance the therapeutic effect of eating cranberries, you need to drink enough liquid. You can cook fruit drinks based on these healthy berries.

7 Cranberry gives you flawless and youthful skin

Cranberries contain antioxidants that fight toxins and free radicals. Their presence in the body leads to early aging and wilting of the skin.

The hydroxylysine and hydroxyproline contained in cranberries are beneficial for the skin. These substances stimulate the production of collagen – the skin’s main assistant in the fight against aging. In general, epidermal cells begin to renew themselves faster.

8 Cranberries improve immunity

Some researchers claim that cranberry extract helps boost the immune system as well as reduce the risk of contracting colds. Stimulate the immune system proanthocyanides contained in cranberries.

Cranberries help to improve the intestinal microflora. The use of berries in food contributes to the destruction of harmful microbes and the growth of beneficial bacteria.

9 Digestion Improvement

Cranberries are good for the digestive tract, as they stimulate the production of pancreatic and stomach juices. Berries can be consumed by people with duodenal ulcers and colitis.

Cranberries are recommended to be included in the menu for patients suffering from hemorrhoids, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. People who regularly consume cranberries are less likely to suffer from bloating and flatulence.

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