Useful and medicinal properties of cranberries. The benefits of cranberries in the fight against PMS. Huge Benefits of Cranberries

To date, over 20 varieties of cranberries are distributed in Russia. Some of them, such as Vaccinium macrocarpon, are distinguished by their especially large berry size.

A shrub grows on moist soils: along the lowlands of lakes and in coniferous forests. The fruits ripen in October-November and are eaten both fresh and processed.

Composition and nutritional value of cranberries

The healing qualities of cranberries have been known for a very long time. In addition to being a source of vitamins and valuable substances, this berry can be stored frozen for a very long time, which makes it especially valuable.

Cranberries contain:

• titratable acids (citric, malic, quinic, benzoic, ursolic);
• sugars, among which the largest% is glucose (1.5-2.7) and fructose (1-2.5);
• vitamin C (45-77 mg per 100 g of product). It is enough in cranberries to compete with citrus fruits and garden strawberries;
• polysaccharides, in particular pectins (0.17-1.8%), which increase immunity and normalize the intestinal flora;
• vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B5, B6), as well as PP, A and K1;
• polyphenols - flavonols, anthocyanins and catechins. These elements help strengthen capillaries, and also have anti-inflammatory and anti-sclerotic effects;
• macro- and microelements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, as well as iron, copper, magnesium).

It is incredible that, despite the content of all the elements required by the human body in cranberries, its unprocessed calorie content is only 28 kcal, which is significantly lower than that of strawberries (41 kcal) and black currants (42 kcal).

The benefits and harms of cranberries

According to the results of numerous scientists from around the world, the benefits of cranberries for the body are very high. It is considered one of the most valuable food products. Due to its universal composition, the berry has a positive effect on health, helping to cure many diseases.

• It binds and removes heavy metals and radioactive components from the body.
• It helps to cure gastritis with low acidity and pancreatitis at the initial stage of development.
• Used as an antipyretic.
• Has antibacterial properties. For this reason, a drink with cranberries is advised to be used for inflammation of the genitourinary system, as well as to prevent the occurrence of stones in the kidneys and gallbladder.
• It improves the activity of the cardiovascular system: removes excess cholesterol from the blood, reduces the likelihood of strokes, heart attacks, helps to recover faster after suffering these diseases, and has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the heart muscle.
• It relieves the body of an excess of fluid, which is especially important for people suffering from hypertension. At the same time, potassium is not lost at all, since its reserves are replenished from the fruits.

The benefits of cranberries also lie in the ability to counteract harmful microorganisms, such as E. coli and the bacterium Helicobacter Pylori. Also, the crane berry is a good immunostimulating medicine and a natural tool in the fight against diseases of the oral cavity.

Harm cranberries

The fruits contain a significant amount of ascorbic acid, which makes them an extremely undesirable product for those suffering from duodenal ulcers and stomach walls, as well as for allergy sufferers. With gastritis, experts do not recommend eating cranberries at all, as well as people with high acidity of gastric juice.

Cranberries: methods of storage and use

Freezing is not the only way to store berries. Our ancestors filled a wooden barrel with washed fruits, filled it with clean water and tightly covered it with a lid with air. Provided that the container is in a dark, cool room, cranberries can remain fresh until the new harvest. You can start eating soaked berries 30 days after laying.

Fruits are added to fruit drinks, juices, kvass and all kinds of healing tinctures. They make excellent preservation: jellies, jams, preserves and marmalade. Dark red berries are perfect for decorating confectionery. Dried cranberries are added to salads and pastries, and fresh cranberries are ground with sugar. Having prepared a soaked berry for the winter, they use a recipe for cooking with honey and use it as a remedy for colds.

Preserves, jams and cranberry juices are common among lovers of home preservation. The use of such a product helps to cleanse and thin the blood, replenish blood cells, and increase hemoglobin levels.

Swamp cranberries, the benefits of which have been studied by foreign and responsible scientists, are used to prepare sauces, pickles, meat dishes. Based on it, many other recipes have been created, so even the most demanding gourmet will find an original use for the berry in cooking.

Outcome:

Regular consumption of cranberries in any form prevents the occurrence of many diseases in children and adults. Dishes with its content are not only healthy, but also very tasty. Therefore, do not limit yourself in the consumption of these berries, especially during the cold season, if you have no contraindications.

Cranberries have found wide application not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. It has a beneficial effect both on certain systems and organs, and on the work of the whole organism as a whole. What is useful cranberries - later in the article.

What is useful cranberry for the human body?

Cranberries are very useful for the human body, due to the fact that they contain a large amount, which makes the berry an excellent prophylactic that strengthens the immune system and increases the protective functions of the body. Cranberry syrups, juices and fruit drinks are used in the treatment of colds. They have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and tonic properties.

The beneficial properties of cranberries, both fresh and frozen, are due to their high content of tannin, which is an excellent assistant in the fight against infectious diseases. With regular use of this berry or juice from it, you can reduce the risk of developing inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and prevent the deposition of kidney stones.

Potassium and magnesium, which are found in cranberries, perfectly help to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, lowering cholesterol and blocking the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Cranberries are also useful in diseases such as hypertension, colitis, gastritis, ulcers, psoriasis, eczema.

Cosmetologists recommend using cranberries to make homemade nourishing and toning masks for the skin. They help to cope with acne, freckles and age spots, leaving the skin fresher, clearer and healthier.

In addition to fresh, for medicinal and culinary purposes, you can also use dried cranberries - a berry dried by a special method. The beneficial properties of dried cranberries make it possible to use it for cystitis, liver and kidney diseases, fever, rheumatism and Addison's disease. In addition, dried cranberries, as well as fresh ones, are used to decorate various dishes and prepare delicious and healthy drinks.

Despite the abundance of useful properties of the berry, cranberries also have a number of contraindications, which are very important to consider when using it. It is strictly forbidden to include cranberries in the diet and use it for medicinal purposes for people who have been diagnosed with any liver disease. Also, it can not be used with increased acidity of gastric juice and individual intolerance to the product. If there are problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better not to use this berry, since it contains an organic acid, which, if it enters the stomach and duodenum, can provoke irritation of the mucous membrane of these organs.

When treating colds, it is better not to take cranberry drinks and sulfa drugs at the same time. It is also necessary to abandon the use of this berry for people suffering from gout and low blood pressure. Cranberries are no less harmful to those who have weakened tooth enamel, which is accompanied by an acute reaction of the teeth to cold and hot food.

To prevent complications when using cranberries, you should not eat a berry on an empty stomach and it is imperative to rinse your mouth after eating it. When preparing drinks from cranberries, you do not need to boil the berries, but rather just pour them with hot water and let them brew. This will help preserve the entire vitamin complex of the product. If you follow all the recommendations and remember about contraindications, cranberries will only benefit the body, enriching it with useful components.

" Cranberry

Cranberries - a fairly well-known berry. It grows in the swamps in the wild in the northern regions of our country. Ripens in autumn much later than other types of berries.

It has earned its popularity due to its many beneficial properties.

Cranberries are simply unique in their composition, namely, in the presence of vitamins and minerals in them.

The composition of the berry includes:

1. A whole set of vitamins such as K, A, PP, groups B and C. Most of all it contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
2. Minerals (potassium, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, silver).
3. organic acids. The composition contains acids only natural acids of plant origin (citric, ursolic, chlorogenic, benzoic, oleanolic).
4. Antioxidants and catechins.
5. Polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are present only in grains.

Cranberries are not even a high-calorie berry. It contains only about 30 kcal per 100 grams.

Protein, sugar, fats and carbohydrates are presented in it in sufficient quantities. However, it is high in fiber.

Product of the day. Cranberry:

Useful and medicinal properties for the human body

Cranberries are valued for their many beneficial qualities for the human body. These include:

1. Normalization of metabolic processes. Help in the removal of all toxins and toxic substances from the body.
2. Reducing high blood pressure.
3. Strengthening capillaries.
4. Normalizes the level of cholesterol in the blood. Prevents the formation of blood clots and plaques in the vessels, thins the blood well.
5. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Good for reducing fever in colds and flu. Helps the body fight toxins.
6. Strengthening immunity. Cranberry eliminates beriberi, being a kind of source for giving strength and vigor to the body.
7. Prevention of the formation of malignant tumors in the body.
8. Improving concentration.
9. Analgesic effect for headaches or pain in women during menstruation.
10. Strengthening the nervous system, hair and nails.

About the benefits of cranberries for the body:

Possible harm to health and contraindications

Along with other products, this berry has its own contraindications for use. These include the following indicators:

• cranberry allergy. It manifests itself mainly in the form of allergic manifestations on the skin. It can be in the form of a rash, redness of the skin, itching. Therefore, it is contraindicated in women during breastfeeding, as well as in children under 3 years of age;
• having stomach or intestinal ulcers. as well as various types of gastritis. You can not eat cranberries during an exacerbation of these diseases;
• low pressure(hypotension);
• urolithiasis, gout, liver disease.

Cranberry juice must be diluted with water before use.

Folk methods for the treatment of various diseases

Cranberries are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

For colds and flu

Cranberry has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, makes a person sweat. This makes it a good heat reducer.

Drinks from it quench your thirst. For colds, it is necessary to drink an infusion of cranberries.

Cooking method: crush berries (1 cup) and pour boiling water (1 liter). The resulting solution is brought to a boil, insisted, then filtered. Drink during the day for 1 glass several times.

With hypertension

Berries, fruit drinks or jelly from them have a good diuretic effect on the human body. At the same time, potassium is not washed out of the body.

Additionally, potassium is found in the berries themselves. It helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, keeps them in good shape, thereby helping to normalize blood pressure.

One of the recipes for a cranberry drink for hypertension: crush 2 cups of berries, add 0.5 cups of granulated sugar, add 1 cup of water.

Stir the resulting mixture, bring to a boil and strain. Dilute the mixture in the amount of several teaspoons with hot water and drink like tea.

Benefits for angina

In this case, cranberry juice is used. They can be gargled and consumed internally. For rinsing, the juice must first be diluted with water by half.

When ingested, prepare the following remedy: cranberry juice and beet juice, honey, vodka are mixed with each other in equal proportions.

The mixture is infused for 3 days, periodically stirring every day. The finished composition is taken 1 tablespoon about an hour before a meal.

With cystitis

Cranberry acts on the body as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antiseptic. The proanthocyanide contained in it does not allow the bacteria that cause cystitis to accumulate on the walls of the bladder.

To strengthen the immune system and eliminate beriberi

Cranberry, due to its composition, helps to strengthen the immune system and saturate the human body with vitamins, especially in the spring.

Second drink option: cranberries grated with sugar (2 tablespoons) are poured with boiling water, infused. The finished drink is drunk like regular tea.

Cranberry - rejuvenating berry:

cranberries during pregnancy

Cranberries also benefit pregnant women. This can be explained by a large amount of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is able at this time to protect a woman from viruses and infections. well helps to strengthen the immune system.

To enhance the benefits, you can add a little honey. It is necessary to use cranberries in this form in mode 3 through 3, that is, 3 days reception, 3 days break.

Cranberry is also used as a remedy for the prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases. Every month, the uterus of a pregnant woman increases. This leads to stagnation of urine and the appearance of cystitis or urethritis.

To avoid these troubles you should drink diluted fresh cranberry juice every day. It helps to improve blood flow in the placenta, maintain the tone of the blood vessels of a pregnant woman.

Pregnant women you should not eat cranberries in any form in the last stages of pregnancy. It increases the acidity of breast milk, which is harmful to the baby. The timing of discontinuation is determined by the doctor.

Application in cosmetology

Cranberry has found its application in cosmetology. She is good at treating skin conditions., such as scrofula, psoriasis, lichen, allergic skin rashes, burns. In all these cases, lotions or cranberry ointment are used.

To prepare the ointment, you will need berries (2 tablespoons), petroleum jelly (50 gr) and lanolin (50 gr). The fruits are crushed and squeezed. Vaseline with lanolin is added to the resulting juice. Stir until a homogeneous consistency.

Store the ointment in the refrigerator. Apply as needed, applying a thin layer to damaged skin.

In addition, cranberries are part of many cosmetic products for the face and body. It helps to gently cleanse the skin of dead cells, nourishes it.

Processing methods

Cranberries can be eaten not only raw. There are quite a few ways to process it.

The most famous include:

1. Cranberries grated with sugar. To do this, 2 kg of ripe berries are ground with a blender and mixed with 3 kg of granulated sugar. It is stored for quite a long time in the refrigerator or just in a cool place.
2. Kissel from cranberries. A solution of 1 tbsp. spoons of starch and 1 tbsp. cold water is poured into water with sugar and crushed cranberries. Cook the mixture until it thickens for about 10-15 minutes. Then juice is poured into the resulting jelly, mixed and removed from the fire. Kissel is ready to eat.
3. cranberry jam. It can be cooked only from cranberries alone, or it can be made with various additives, such as apples. 1 kg of apples, 1 kg of berries, 2 cups of chopped walnuts are poured with pre-prepared syrup and put on a slow fire. The mixture is boiled for 30 minutes with constant stirring. The finished jam is transferred to sterilized jars and rolled up.
4. Morse. Berries (0.5 kg) are crushed in a blender, juice is squeezed out. Water is poured into the remaining berries and boiled for 5-10 minutes. The resulting broth must be filtered and squeezed juice is added to it. You can add sugar or honey to your taste.

Cranberries are perfectly stored and fresh within a few months. Choose a well-ventilated and cool place to store them.

The berries themselves must be ripe and well dried. In addition, cranberries can be frozen or dried, while its shelf life is increased.

Cranberries should be present in the diet of every person. It brings many benefits to a person, is a kind of natural antibiotic. But at the same time, one should not forget about some of its contraindications.

The beneficial properties of cranberries for the body are known far beyond its natural habitat. loves a harsh climate, but even in such harsh conditions she managed to concentrate a lot of useful substances that help in the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

What is rich in cranberries: calories, vitamins and minerals

The main value of this gift of nature lies in the huge amount, especially. In addition, cranberries contain useful substances of groups, B.
The berry boasts a significant content of various organic acids in it, which have an antimicrobial effect, promote metabolic and digestive processes in the body. Therefore, the treatment of colds with cranberries, the prevention of bacterial and viral infections is very popular.

Since cranberries contain a huge amount of fructose and glucose, they are an additional powerful source for muscles and nerve tissues. Also, these substances help regulate the acid-base balance in the body, synthesize.

Cranberries are used to strengthen blood vessels and whose beneficial properties and contraindications have long been studied. This is facilitated by the flavonoids in them, which have a positive effect on blood vessels, the functioning of the immune system, and reduce inflammation in the body. They also reduce the risk of thrombosis, the formation of cholesterol plaques.
Respectively, this fruit is recommended to use as a prophylaxis. Cranberries also contain tannins.

With such a high degree of usefulness, the berry has a low calorie content: no more than 28 kcal per 100 g of fresh product. Dried cranberries retain the same beneficial properties, but the same amount of dried berries will already contain about 300 kcal. The concentration of nutrients will also be higher. According to the composition, 100 g contains 90 g, 0.07 g of proteins, 6.5 g of carbohydrates, 1.36 g of fats, 3.6 g of saccharides, 0.3 g of ash, 2 g of fiber.

What is useful cranberry

What is the benefit of berries in general, we figured it out. Now let's look specifically at what affects and what contributes to the use of this treasure trove of vitamins.

For men

The main benefit of berries for the strong half of humanity is the excellent prevention of urinary infections. The mechanism of preventive action is that the substances contained in the berry do not allow pathogenic bacteria to settle in the bladder, gain a foothold on its walls and create a colony.
However, to achieve this effect, it must be consumed continuously throughout the year. Interestingly, cranberries with chronic cystitis cope with the disease faster in women than in men.

For kids

The berry is useful not only for the prevention, treatment of acute respiratory infections, cough relief. It is used as a mild but effective antipyretic. In addition, it contributes to the formation of strong and healthy muscles,. It is useful for children suffering from anemia, which is especially important in urban life. It is also prescribed for urinary incontinence.

Cranberry juice helps to improve the child's appetite, strengthen his immunity, especially in the dangerous off-season. It is recommended to drink it while taking antibacterial drugs to enhance their effect. The only thing is that you can not give it to infants, so as not to provoke an allergy.

For weight loss

Given the features and beneficial properties of fruits, they are successfully used for. On their basis, even created a special diet. Cranberry occupies a central place in it, the benefits of which lie not only in saturating the body with useful substances. 2-3 teaspoons of juice are mixed in a glass of mineral water and consumed on an empty stomach. This must be done for at least a week. At this time, it is necessary to exclude fatty and fried foods from the diet. You can lose up to 3 kg in a week.

During pregnancy

Given such a huge amount of nutrients in the berry, many are interested in how useful cranberries are for pregnant women, whether or not it can be included in the diet during this period. In this case, it is important not to abuse cranberries so as not to cause. Otherwise, it will be very useful, since women during this period often suffer from diseases of the urinary tract due to the increased content of the hormone progesterone in the blood.

The antibacterial properties of the berry help to fight pathogenic bacteria. Daily consumption of a small amount of fresh fruits, as well as tea from them, helps to eliminate the use of antibiotics. The use of cranberries benefits and has a positive effect on the body, while eliminating possible harm to pregnant women.

Use in folk medicine: cranberry treatment

The medicinal properties of the berry have been known for a long time, so the tradition of using it in has a rich experience.

With weakened immunity

With a cold

Cranberries are often used as an antipyretic, tea is made from it,. They have an anti-inflammatory effect, improve the body's resistance to infections.

With angina

Warm tea is also recommended for inflammation of the tonsils. In addition, a special remedy is prepared based on fruit juice: they are mixed in equal parts with beetroot juice. This remedy is taken three times a day for a teaspoon. Cranberry juice has also proven itself well.

With hypertension

For the treatment of this disease, an infusion of fruits is used. To prepare it, you need to fill a thermos with 2 tbsp. l. berries, pour boiling water over them, close and leave overnight. In the morning, strain and drink half a glass 3-4 times a day. Cranberries are also used in other forms, there are many recipes for.

With cystitis

In this disease, cranberry juice is used. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 1, honey is added to taste. This mixture is taken three times a day, no more than a quarter cup at a time.

For joint diseases

In the treatment of pain in the joints and other diseases, the fruits are prepared in this way: two tablespoons of berries are rubbed with sugar, and then poured with a glass of boiling water. The mixture should be allowed to brew, and then drink half a glass twice a day. But in general, cranberries are good for joints in their raw form.

How cranberries are used in cosmetology

Due to the huge amount of vitamins and antioxidants, cranberries are used in cosmetology. Masks from it contribute to nutrition and.

Important! Before using a cranberry mask, you need to do an allergy test: put a small part of the mask on your wrist or elbow bend and wait 10 minutes. If the skin does not turn red after washing off, you can use it.

To prepare a tonic cranberry mask, you need to grind fresh berries (2 tablespoons) into gruel, add the same spoon of olive oil and honey. The mass is thoroughly kneaded and thickly applied to the face. After 10 minutes, wash off with warm water and finish with cool water.

For a moisturizing mask, fresh or frozen cranberries are used. In the latter case, it must first be defrosted. A tablespoon of berries is ground with the same amount or sour cream and put on according to the principle described above.

With the help of a cranberry mask, you can narrow the pores by adding egg white, whipped into foam, to the crushed berries. Apply the mask three times with a time interval of 5 minutes. After the last application, after five minutes, the mask is removed, washed with warm water and applied to the face nourishing.

Cranberries for women are also useful as a scrub. To do this, the berries are crushed in a blender, gradually adding oatmeal there, and then lemon juice. The resulting mass is applied to the skin, constantly massaging all parts of the face, except for the area around the eyes. The procedure is carried out for three minutes.

Based on cranberries, you can prepare a nourishing mask. Its ingredients are: egg yolk, quarter and cranberries (2 tsp). All this is ground into a thick slurry and applied in a thick layer to the face. Now you can rest for about 15 minutes, then remove the mask with a damp cloth and wash with warm water.

Cranberries in cooking: when to collect and how to prepare for the winter

Having figured out how to be treated with cranberries, you need to figure out how to collect and harvest it. After all, you can use the berry not only for treatment, but also in everyday food. Collecting cranberries begins in September, this process lasts until the first frost.
It is also preserved in winter under a layer of snow, so you can continue collecting when the snow starts to melt. But the most useful will be the berry that was harvested immediately after ripening - in September. Spring berries are sweeter, but they already have much less vitamins.

Did you know? The Latin name for cranberry is translated as "sour berry". This creeping shrub grows in the damp soil of Northern Hemisphere marshes, but loves plenty of light. Moisture provokes the appearance of a fungus on its roots, but it is to him that she is grateful for the rich content of nutrients.

As for the storage of the harvested crop, it is better to freeze it. For example, when pressure cranberries are used, it is desirable to have the unprocessed berry. In addition, when frozen, it retains the greatest amount of nutrients.

To prepare it in this way, the berries must be washed and dried, laid out in a thin layer on a flat surface. Then, even when frozen in a plastic bag, the berries will not stick together. But it is better to store them in a food container. When defrosting, do not re-freeze the product.

Berries can be stored soaked. Having prepared according to the principle described above, they are poured into clean, dry jars. Then pour cooled boiled water. Closed jars can be stored on the balcony. In fact, this is a ready-made cranberry tincture, which retains useful substances for a long time.

Did you know? Cranberries are considered the only berry that can remain fresh until the next harvest, practically without losing their properties.

Contraindications

Although cranberries are an extremely healthy berry, which is even recommended by traditional medicine, it should be used with extreme caution.

First of all, it should be used with caution by those who have been diagnosed with stomach diseases, especially with gastritis with high acidity. It will also be dangerous to use with a duodenal ulcer. Even healthy people should not take cranberries on an empty stomach. After eating the berry, always rinse your mouth to avoid negative effects on tooth enamel. The berry is a strong allergen, so it should be carefully used by allergy sufferers and women during pregnancy. The use of cranberries by children under three years of age is highly discouraged. The older ones are given quite a bit.

In other cases, the berry will perfectly support and strengthen the body, help get rid of infectious diseases, and speed up recovery from a cold or flu.

Cranberries come from the lingonberry family. This evergreen, small shrub grows on swampy, damp banks and glades, in coniferous forests. Since the end of the 19th century, this plant has been grown on an industrial scale. Plantations of this berry are found both in Russia and in countries near and far abroad with a temperate and cold climate.

This evergreen shrub grows up to 30 centimeters in height. The roots are thin, adventitious. Stems creeping, filiform, thin, red-brown. At the nodes they take root. Flowering shoots are short, raised. Leathery leaves are small, ovate, short-petiolate. The edges are turned down. From above they are dark green and shiny. The underside is ash-white, covered with a network of veins.

Pedicels long, slightly pubescent, each forming a single flower. 4 flowers form in the axil of the leaves. Flowers purple or pink, drooping. The berries are dark red, ellipsoidal or spherical, about 1.5 centimeters in diameter. Wild cranberries are much smaller than cultivated ones. Some varieties of plantation berries in diameter reach 2 centimeters. Their taste is characteristic, sour with a slight bitterness, when fully ripe, sweetness appears.

Cranberries bloom in June. The first harvest ripens in September. The collection lasts throughout the autumn. Cultivated cranberries ripen 10-15 days earlier than wild ones. Fruits in a cold place are stored until spring. The most useful are berries harvested before the first frost.
They are consumed fresh, grated, frozen, dried and soaked. Juices, kissels, jelly, jams, cocktails, kvass, fruit drinks, fillings for pies are prepared from cranberries, used as additives to salads and second courses.

In terms of the amount of useful substances, cranberries can give odds to most wild berries. 100 grams of berries contain:

• Vitamin A - 0.02 grams;
• vitamin B1 - 0.2 milligrams;
• vitamin B2 - 0.2 milligrams;
• vitamin B3 - 0.2 milligrams;
• vitamin B6 - 0.09 milligrams;
• vitamin B9 - 1 microgram;
• vitamin C - 55 milligrams;
• vitamin K - 1 milligram.

Macronutrients:

• magnesium - 8 milligrams;
• potassium - 120.5 milligrams;
• sodium - 12.1 milligrams;
• calcium - 14.5 milligrams;
• phosphorus - 12.2 milligrams.

Trace elements:

• manganese - 0.65 milligrams;
• iron - 0.64 milligrams;
• copper - 0.43 milligrams;
• iodine - 5 micrograms.

In addition, cranberries contain such substances: boron, molybdenum, cobalt, nickel, chromium, titanium, tin, silver, zinc and other trace elements.

Phenolic compounds with oncostatic, antitumor and antiradiation effects are found in berries in the following composition:

• Tannins;
• flavonols;
• catechins;
• leucoanthocyanins;
• anthocyanins;
• phenolic acids.

In addition, this plant is rich in organic acids, such as:

• Lemon;
• oleanolic;
• oxalic;
• chlorogenic;
• apple;
• benzoic;
• ursolic;
• cinchona;
• amber.

Benzoic acid keeps the berries fresh for a long time.

Cinchona gives bitterness to the berries, it lowers cholesterol and relieves fever.

Ursolic acid has the properties of adrenal hormones, dilates the coronary vessels in the heart.

Chlorogenic has antiseptic properties.

Oleanolic acid dilates venous vessels, nourishes the heart muscle, and normalizes metabolism.

The total volume of acids in cranberries per 100 grams is about 3.3%.

Cranberries are low in calories. Fresh forest cranberries per 100 grams contain 35.4 kilocalories, cultivated berries contain 26 kilocalories. In frozen form, calorie values ​​​​are reduced to 15.3 kilocalories. Dried cranberries contain 309 kilocalories.

The energy index of cranberries mashed with sugar is 272 kilocalories.

100 grams of berries contain nutrients such as:

1. Carbohydrates - 6.5 grams;
2. mono- and disaccharides - 3.7 grams;
3. proteins - 0.6 grams;
4. fats - 0.2 milligrams;
5. fiber - 2 grams;
6. ash 0.32 grams.

Cranberries are 90% water.

The plant owes its medicinal properties to a large number of useful substances. They are found not only in ripe berries, but also in leaves.

Vitamin-mineral complex strengthens the body. Proanthocyanides prevent the growth of bacteria, protect against gum disease, caries. Resveratrol has anti-cancer properties. The tannin contained in the berries helps to resist infections, kills germs. Berries enhance the effect of many drugs, such as antibiotics. Citric and malic acids normalize the microflora in the body, reduce the pH of the environment.

Cranberry has a refreshing, tonic effect, increases physical and mental performance. It has wound healing, anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action.

Berries are useful for rheumatism, cystitis, nephritis, polio, skin diseases, diabetes, hypertension and toxicosis. Cranberry stimulates the work of the stomach and intestines, pancreas, liver. Cranberry prevents the appearance of plaques in the vessels, the formation of blood clots, and reduces headaches.

Juice and infusion of cranberries are used to remove age spots and freckles, treat wounds, burns, ulcers. Cranberry drinks are useful for flu, coughs, colds, high temperatures.

Morse and cranberry syrup is useful for beriberi, inflammatory diseases. They act as an anti-febrile agent, lower the temperature, quench thirst. For colds, sore throats, rheumatism, cranberries are useful in combination with honey.

fresh berry

Fresh ripe berries contain the largest amount of nutrients. Unripe fruits contain a smaller amount of ursolic, benzoic and other acids, which provide keeping quality to the fruits. If the collected cranberries are not fully ripe, they can be laid out on a paper towel. In a few days, she will fully ripen.

Dried cranberries contain slightly less vitamins, but in turn they contain more solids, which are good for digestion. It has more calories.

frozen

Frozen berries practically do not lose their useful qualities, the main thing is to store them correctly. They are used in the same way as fresh berries.

In some cases, cranberries in children cause indigestion. For children under the age of 3, cranberries can only be consumed after heat treatment, as it is an allergen. Babies are not recommended to use this berry.

Do not drink cranberry juice in concentrated form. It is better to dilute it with water and add honey or sugar to taste.

Cranberries destroy tooth enamel. People with weakened enamel should use cranberries with extreme caution.

In acute forms of diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, fresh cranberries are contraindicated, as they can do more harm than good.

Only honey should be added to grated cranberries for diabetics, since sugar cannot be used in this case.

Allergy sufferers should use cranberries with extreme caution, if a reaction occurs, for example, rashes or itching, berries should not be eaten.

Cranberries can be used both fresh and in the form of various juices, fruit drinks, jelly. Berries are ground with honey, sugar, added to various dishes. At the same time, it is necessary to clarify whether it can be used for various health problems.

For women

For women, cranberries can be used in almost any form.

1. In diseases of the female genitourinary system, cranberries are used as an antiseptic, diuretic.
2. It is used to treat gynecological and postpartum inflammation.
3. It prevents the growth of pathogens, the formation of kidney stones, relieves inflammation of the bladder.
4. Cranberries are used to remove age spots, freckles, whiten and exfoliate the skin. To do this, use masks from cranberry puree, scrub from berries with stones, cranberry juice, infusion and tea to wipe the skin.

During pregnancy

It helps the absorption of nutrients, normalizes blood circulation. Regular consumption of cranberries helps to avoid varicose veins, has a beneficial effect on uteroplacental circulation.

For men

The main benefit of cranberries for men is the prevention of urinary infections. Berries should be consumed constantly, daily.

A few berries or fresh juice can avoid problems with the genitourinary system, heart and stomach.

There are many options for taking cranberries, they can be used alternately, it can be juices, jams, jellies, compotes, fruit drinks and much more.

For kids

Children under 3 years old should not be given fresh berries, they can cause allergies. Cranberries can be introduced into the diet after heat treatment. Children over 3 years old can eat fresh berries in the form of a smoothie, berry puree.

The best cranberry option for children of any age are cranberry drinks. From fresh berries you can make fruit drinks, kissels, juices, compotes.

Cranberry strengthens the immune system, relieves colds, relieves inflammation in the urinary organs and the gastrointestinal tract. Drinks quench your thirst. Cranberry juice improves the child's appetite, strengthens the immune system.

In folk medicine, cranberries are used to treat diabetes, anemia, heart and vascular diseases, cystitis, scurvy, respiratory diseases, diseases of the digestive tract, lower blood pressure, and for weight loss. There are quite a few recipes that are used to treat certain diseases.

Cranberries with honey

• Cranberries need to be sorted out, washed and dried.
• Then grind in a blender or in a meat grinder.
• The resulting puree in a ratio of one to one is combined with natural honey and mixed.
• The mixture is transferred to a glass container with a lid and put in the refrigerator.

It is taken 50 grams, three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

It helps with colds, is used for hypertension, heart disease, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system and gastrointestinal tract, diabetes mellitus.

Cranberry juice with honey

20 grams of linden honey is taken per glass of juice. You need to take a drink of 100 grams 20 minutes before meals. It is used for sore throat, cough, acute respiratory and viral diseases.

For diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, berries should be included in the daily diet of patients. Cranberries are low in calories and have a low glycemic index. It saturates the body with the sugar contained in the berries, while not overloading the pancreas. Cranberry heals trophic ulcers, improves blood flow, restores blood vessels, eliminates swelling. From the berries you can cook a healing fruit drink.

Berries need to be crushed. Transfer to cheesecloth, squeeze. Pour water into the bowl and boil. Then the mixture is filtered, squeezed, juice and sugar substitute or honey are added. You need to take half a cup before meals.

You can also make cranberry jelly.

Juice is squeezed out of the berries. Water is poured into the squeezes. The mixture is boiled, filtered. The resulting ingredients are mixed and boiled again. A little dissolved gelatin, a sugar substitute, is added to the mixture. Poured into moulds.

Under pressure

Regular consumption of cranberry juice lowers blood pressure. The juice is taken on an empty stomach for a month and a half. To enhance the effect, you can add an infusion of hawthorn flowers to the juice. For infusion, 200 grams of water and a spoonful of flowers are taken. The mixture is infused in a thermos, filtered and mixed with cranberry juice.

The easiest way to use berries for hypertension is to add them to salads, main dishes. From berries you can prepare fruit drinks, juices, grind them with honey. If you eat a few berries a day, you can completely normalize the pressure.

For the heart and heart rate

Cranberries for problems with the heart and blood vessels are best used fresh, in the form of juice or grated with honey. It is used as a vasodilator, replaces the action of statins and protects against atherosclerosis. Berries reduce the amount of prothrombin in the blood, strengthen the walls of capillaries.

Take 0.5 liters of boiling water per 80 grams of cranberries. The infusion is aged in a thermos for 2 hours. You need to take 100 grams before meals. Also, for the treatment of cystitis, you can use cranberry jelly and cranberries, ground with sugar.

For weight loss

The best remedy for weight loss is cranberry juice, which saturates the body with useful substances and improves their absorption. 50 grams of juice is mixed in a glass of mineral water and consumed in the morning on an empty stomach. Should be taken within a week. At the same time, fried, fatty foods should be excluded from the diet. In a week, up to 3 kilograms go away.

Other recipes

Cranberry juice should be mixed with beetroot juice in equal parts. You need to take 50 grams three times a day. It is used for colitis, constipation, gastritis with low acidity, thrombophlebitis, atherosclerosis, vascular spasms, hypertension, tonsillitis, influenza and obesity.

Cranberry leaf tea

• 50 grams of dry leaves are poured into 0.5 liters of boiling water.
• Infused for 15 minutes and filtered.
• The cooled broth should be drunk instead of tea, a maximum of 2 cups per day.

It is also used as a lotion for skin rashes and ulcers.

How much should you eat for health?

You don't need a lot of cranberries to stay healthy. During the day, only a few berries are enough for a person. They strengthen the body and allow you to get rid of many health problems.

Cranberries contain benzoic acid. It is a natural preservative and antiseptic. It stops the development of bacteria in the berries. There are several ways to harvest cranberries that do not affect the beneficial properties of the berry.

fresh

The berries are moving. You don't need to wash them. Soft, overripe berries are used for juice, fruit drink or in various dishes, and the whole ones are sent for storage. They are placed in wooden boxes and stored in a cool, ventilated, dark place. Useful properties of berries are stored for 3 months.

frozen

The berries are sorted, cleaned of stalks and debris. Rinse with cold, running water. They are dried on a paper towel, poured into bags or containers and sent to freeze. Frozen berries are stored until the next harvest.

soaked cranberries

For long-term storage, peeled and washed cranberries are placed in water. Enamelled, wooden or glass containers are being prepared. Water boils. The container is filled with cranberries and filled with cooled boiled water. After that, it is covered with a lid and sent to the refrigerator or cellar. Soaked berries are used until the next harvest. During such storage, berries become watery, but do not lose their beneficial properties.

dried berries

Cranberries need to be sorted out, washed, dried on a paper towel and put on a baking sheet. The berries are placed in an electric dryer or an oven preheated to + 60 degrees for 5 hours. From time to time they are mixed with a wooden spatula. Ready berries are stored in a glass container with a tight lid.

grinding

Cranberries are washed, chopped with a meat grinder, blender, mixed with the same amount of sugar or honey. The mixture is laid out in jars, closed with lids and sent to the refrigerator. In this form, it acquires a more pronounced aroma, taste.

Application and properties of Cranberries: video

Cranberry is a universal plant for almost all diseases. The constant use of cranberries allows you to strengthen the body, make it more resilient, resistant to disease. Berries can be added to various dishes, making them more spicy and healthy.