Cranberries – Learn About The Benefits For Your Health
In our today’s article, you will learn about the benefits of cranberry and its consumption for your health. Try to include these wonderful fruits in your diet more often.
The benefits of cranberries are countless. These wonderful little berries have the most antioxidant molecules of almost any fruit available. They belong to the group of “forest fruits” and are also known as blueberries.
In addition to the widespread use of cranberries in gastronomy (especially in desserts), it is also often used in medicine because it has the following properties:
- It has anti-inflammatory properties.
- It protects the stomach and digestive system.
- It has antibacterial properties.
- It dilates blood vessels.
- It has an antispasmodic effect.
- It works as an anticoagulant.
- It acts as an astringent.
In fact, cranberry is one of the most nutritious foods that we can include in our daily diet, along with spinach, kiwi, celery or beetroot. In addition, cranberry is an essential ingredient that helps detoxify the body.
Discover the benefits of consuming cranberries for your health!
1. Cranberry provides good eyesight
Did you know that cranberry is recommended for infections and disorders in the arteries of the eyes? Well that’s what it is. Due to its high content of vitamin A, called retinol, it is good for eye health and therefore helps to improve eyesight.
Eating it regularly can be very beneficial if you suffer from glaucoma – a disease characterized by increased eye pressure and other symptoms.
2. Protection against cardiovascular disease and diabetes
Cranberries are rich in polyphenols. Therefore, its regular consumption helps prevent metabolic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
3. Protection against urinary tract infections
Additionally, these berries are natural antiseptics (due to their antibacterial properties). It is a very effective drug for urinary tract infections.
Therefore, cranberry juice is perfect for people suffering from cystitis or kidney infections.
Why is this happening?
Because they have a cleansing function that detoxifies the body of harmful substances.
4. Cranberries are perfect for your skin
Because it is an excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins, cranberries are great for skin health as it stimulates collagen production.
Additionally, because it is rich in antioxidants, it delays premature aging of cells.
5. Cranberry strengthens your immune system
According to a series of studies conducted at Oregon State University, cranberries were found to contain a stilbene-derived compound that works in a similar way to vitamin D.
This helps to strengthen the immune system and therefore also improve its defenses.
6. It helps to improve digestion and intestinal transit
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins. These are substances that have a function in the body that prevents harmful bacteria from sticking to the walls of the digestive tract.
Of course, this feature helps prevent stomach ulcers and prevents plaque build-up (the leading cause of gingivitis and tooth decay) by preventing the spread of bacteria.
Nutritional properties of cranberries
By introducing 100 grams of cranberries into the diet, the following nutritional values are obtained:
Nutrients Value
Calories 57.0 kcal
Water 84.21 g
Carbohydrates 14.49 g
Proteins 0.74 g
Total Fat 0.33 g
Minerals 0.24 g
The good thing about cranberries is that you can eat them both dried and fresh.
However, it is recommended to eat it fresh when added to delicious smoothies or fruit salads with bananas, strawberries and apples. You can also eat it with delicious natural yoghurt as a snack.
Types of cranberries
- Black American Cranberry. It is bluish-black in color and larger than regular cranberry. It is especially rich in vitamin C.
- Red or sour cranberries. They are small, pale pink berries that are very popular in Northern Europe, Asia and North America.
- Little red cranberry. It comes from northern Europe and Asia. The plant is characterized by triangular leaves.
- American red cranberry. It is native to Canada and the United States and its taste is similar to apples.
How to choose a good cranberry and how to store it?
When choosing, you need to look at its color and texture. The best quality is light and intense in color, it is dry and hard to the touch. Soft cranberries are not good.
To keep it longer:
- Separate the moldy fruit from the fresh ones.
- Store them in the refrigerator.
- Throw away those that have white mold, tarnish or just a whitish color.
- You can spread them out on a tray and dry them in the sun.
