Cranberry: properties of berries and use in various diseases

Cranberries from ancient times are familiar to man. Its properties have a therapeutic effect on the human body were seen by people and appreciated. No wonder this berry is called "forest healer." Our Slavic ancestors ate cranberries almost all year long, making their bodies healthier.

The precious components contained in cranberries can help from virtually any disease, if you know how to use them. Despite the tart sour taste, this berry is loved by both adults and children. According to the content of active biocomponents, cranberries are considered to be one of the most useful berries.

Description of the properties of cranberries is found in ancient medical treatises of ancient Rome, where this berry was considered "an invaluable source of energy necessary for life and health." The treatment of a person was carried out using not only the fruits of the plant, but also its leaves. The ancient Indian tribes rubbed dried berries and rolled pieces of meat into them in order to increase its shelf life.

In Europe, cranberries have long been called the “Crane Berry”. This name was due to the fact that the stem with a flower were very similar in appearance to the head and neck of a marsh bird - a crane. Old England considered cranberries a berry that bears love, because people have often noticed how bears enjoyed it in a swamp with great pleasure.

Cranberries grow in the wild, choosing marshes and peatlands covered with moss as their habitat. On the territory of our continent, cranberries can be found in northern regions of Central Russia, in Siberia, in the Urals, Kamchatka, on Sakhalin and in the Far Eastern District. Externally, the plant is a small creeping undersized bush, which has evergreen oval leaves.

The common berry looks like a round ball, and in some areas an elliptical cranberry grows. The color of the berries depends on their degree of maturity - their color can vary from pink to maroon-red.

Cranberry fruits are very juicy. It has been established that all the biologically active components of cranberries are contained in 10 percent of its composition, and the remaining 90 are supplemented by water. Berries ripen in September, at this time it is still the very first ripeness. Closer to November, when the first frosts occur on the ground, cranberries reach a moderate degree of ripeness. And only cranberries, which have been hibernating under a snow cover, are considered to be completely and completely ripe, and its taste becomes sweet.

The nutritional value of cranberries is 28 kilocalories per 100 grams of product. The composition of its vitamins and minerals is as follows:

• thiamine (B1) - 0.03 mg;
• Riboflavin (B2) - 0.03 mg;
• pyridoxine (B6) - 0.09 mg;
• folic acid (B9) - 1.2 μg;
• phylloquinone (K1) - 0.05 mg;
• ascorbic acid (C) - 15.5 mg;
• tocopherol (E) - 1.1 mg;
• nicotinic acid (PP) - 0.4 mg;
• potassium (K) - 120 mg;

• calcium (Ca) - 14.3 mg;
• phosphorus (Ph) - 11.1 mg;
• magnesium (Mg) - 15.5 mg;
• sodium (Na) - 1.02 mg;
• iron (Fe) - 0.7 mg;
• disaccharides and monosaccharides - 3.8 g;
• glucose - 2.7 g;
• fructose - 1.2 g;
• sucrose - 0.3 g;
• fiber, pectin, lecithin - up to 3.5 grams.

There are other valuable substances in cranberries, but their number is small. The greatest value of cranberry fruit is the high content of ascorbic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant and immune stimulant. Cranberries are quite low in calorie content, but at the same time they contain a fairly large amount of healthy biological components.

In addition to the berries, the plant is considered healing and its leaves.Broths made from them have a good bacteriostatic property, which is used for washing wounds or rinsing the throat and nasopharynx in the treatment of angina. It is good to brew tea with cranberry leaves and drink it in the bath - this will help to remove toxins from the body and invigorate.

The healing and beneficial properties of cranberries are known not only to herbalists and traditional healers - official medicine has long considered this plant a natural antibiotic and often resorts to its use. For example, if it is necessary to treat pregnant women when it is unsafe to use a chemical antibiotic, fresh cranberry juice, due to its composition, can stop the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and fecal bacteria called “Proteus”.

It is advisable to use cranberries in the following cases:

• to enhance digestive activity and increase the concentration of gastric juice;
• to normalize pancreatic activity and stimulate appetite;
• to combat pathogenic bacteria in the treatment of inflammatory processes of the kidneys, urinary tract and bladder;
• as a strong diuretic;
• for the treatment of inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs and the reproductive system;
• as prevention of the formation of tumor processes in the cells of the body;
• to improve cerebral circulation;

• to improve the myocardial conductive function, improve the stable operation of the heart;
• prevention of atherosclerosis and normalization of cholesterol levels in the body;
• prevention of ischemia, strokes;
• to enhance the action of antimicrobial agents;
• as an effective antipyretic for colds - cranberry perfectly lowers the temperature and improves the general condition;
• for the treatment and prevention of mycosis and candidiasis;
• for the prevention of development in the oral cavity stomatitis, caries, gingivitis;
• for the treatment of inflammatory processes on the skin and mucous membranes, as well as to accelerate the processes of regeneration;

• in order to stimulate immunity and increase the body's resistance to viral and catarrhal diseases;
• to reduce the inflammatory process in the joints with arthrosis, arthritis;
• in cosmetology - to improve the elasticity and softness of the skin, as well as to update and whiten its upper layers;
• to regulate the work of the sebaceous glands - reduced excess sebum production;
• for the treatment of dandruff of the scalp and improve the overall condition of the hair.

Cranberry-based herbal remedies are potent agents. Medical researchers carried out a number of observations, when patients suffering from inflammatory kidney diseases in the chronic stage of the course of the disease were given daily cranberries cooked in one form or another.

A year later, it turned out that there was practically no exacerbation of the disease in most of the subjects. In another part of the observed patients, the relapses of their disease were reduced several times and were easily corrected.

Given that cranberry is a strong biologically active agent, it can not only have a positive effect on the human body. A huge role in the question of whether cranberries are harmful is an understanding of how to use it correctly and in what quantities to take.

In addition, each person is unique, he has an individual susceptibility to certain substances that enter his body, so the reaction to them all can occur in different ways. Yes, and situations in which the same tool may be desirable or undesirable to use, also exist.

For example, we know the diuretic feature of cranberry fruit. If you take it to remove excess fluid from the body - it is good. But if a person suffers from urolithiasis, the diuretic will cause him to have forced diuresis, and this, in turn, will entail the activation of stones in the kidneys. Renal colic will begin, or, even worse, the stone will get stuck in the urinary tract - then the person will need an urgent surgical operation. Thus, it turns out that a good cause will lead to bad consequences.

For absolute contraindications for cranberry use include:

• gastritis with high acidity;
• peptic ulcer and the presence of erosions of the stomach or duodenum;
• kidney stone disease;
• diseases of the liver and kidneys in the stage of decompensation;
• gout;
• acute phase of pancreatitis;
• uterine bleeding;
• allergies to cranberry components.

Although cranberries are not regarded as an allergen, some people still have an allergic reaction to it in some cases. This is due to the individual characteristics of the body. Of course, it is not recommended to use this product for food and even externally.

The basis of any herbal medicine is an immutable rule - the treatment with natural ingredients should always begin with small doses and under continuous monitoring of your feelings and well-being.

Before you start using cranberries, the right step is to conduct a simple allergy test. To do this, a part of the means before taking inside or outwardly must be applied in a small amount on the wrist and left there for a few minutes. At the same time, it is necessary to observe if there is any redness, swelling, itching or other unpleasant sensations in this place. If, after about 10 minutes, the skin has not responded in any way, then it is possible to use the remedy.

In the case when there are disturbing symptoms, the applied preparation is urgently needed to be rinsed with water and an anti-allergy medicine must be taken inside. Cranberries for use in this case is contraindicated.

Taking drugs from cranberries, try to consider the following.

• After the test has been carried out, the cranberries are taken fresh or prepared from it by various means - decoctions, infusions, compresses, masks, and so on. It must be remembered that it is recommended to eat no more than one glass of fresh berries per day or drink up to 500 milliliters of cranberry fruit juice. This should be done not at once, but to distribute the daily dose for the whole day.
• In addition, it is important to know that a remedy that is freshly prepared is best treated, since it will contain the largest number of active ingredients.
• Any preparations made on the basis of cranberries should be taken one hour before the start of a meal. This is due to the fact that the means of these berries rather strongly stimulates the appetite and the production of gastric juice.
• At elevated temperatures, the blood in humans thickens, and cranberry thins the blood. This is important to consider when there is a risk of uterine bleeding, for example, during early pregnancy. In such a situation, cranberry drink should be drunk in its low concentration and not more than two glasses per day.

• When cooking on the basis of cranberries, try not to use metal utensils.The fact is that the vitamin C contained in the berries is able to break down, reacting with the metal, and then its beneficial properties are noticeably reduced. For cooking, use glass, ceramic or enamelware.
• Cranberries - tender berries. In order not to destroy valuable vitamins in it, try not to expose it to boiling during cooking for more than 5 minutes.

It is not for nothing that the northern peoples consider cranberries to be their main healer - it helps to cope with a multitude of diseases. From ancient times to our days, recipes for the use of cranberries for various diseases are stored and transmitted.

• With diabetes. This disease proceeds against the background of hormonal imbalance in the body. Often, diabetes mellitus is accompanied by trophic ulcers and poorly healing wounds. Thanks to the antiseptic properties of cranberries, as well as its ability to enhance the action of antimicrobial drugs, such a formidable complication as the development of gangrene can be avoided - for this you need to use the berry daily. In addition, with type 2 diabetes, taking cranberries significantly reduces the development of cataracts, sooner or later leading to blindness.
• With pancreatitis. During the period of exacerbation of the disease, cranberries cannot be consumed due to the fact that a high content of acids in it will provoke fermentation in the intestine and its swelling. In addition, cranberry products actively stimulate the production of gastric juice and pancreatic enzymes, which creates an additional load on the digestive system. Even during remission, cranberries can cause exacerbation of the disease. It can be taken only if there are persistent indicators of improving the well-being of the patient. The decision to allow the inclusion of cranberries in the list of products allowed to receive can only be made by the attending physician, since cranberry products are quite strong.

• With hypertension. Cardiologists recommend regularly taking products from cranberries to people of mature age. This should be done to improve the condition of the vessels, as due to fruit acids they are cleaned. Under the action of phytocomponents, the vessels dilate, and the increased level of blood pressure decreases. The heart rate and the tone of the heart muscle are also normalized.
• Gout. In this disease, metabolic processes are disturbed and urates accumulate in the body, which have a peculiarity of concentrating in the kidneys and joints. To use cranberries for gout or not, at all times was considered a controversial issue. Unambiguous opinion among specialists does not exist. During the period of exacerbation, concentrated drinks and juice of fresh berries can significantly aggravate the course of the disease, as well as increase pain syndrome. But if according to the testimony of a blood test, the quantitative content of uric acid has returned to normal and the remission is stable, then a small amount of a weak concentration of beverages or decoctions of cranberries can be taken.

• With gastritis with low acidity cranberries are shown for regular use.Against this background, the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach improves, its concentration increases, which significantly contributes to the improvement of the digestive process. In addition, bioflavonoids berries relieve inflammation of the walls of the stomach and intestines, facilitating the general condition of the patient and reducing pain. Thanks to the reception of cranberries, constipation and flatulence are eliminated, the stool becomes regular.
• With sore throat and cold cranberries will help to remove the swelling of the tissues of the nasopharynx, relieve the inflammatory process in the throat, eliminate hyperthermia. Irrigation of the throat cleans the glands well in case of lacunar quinsy. Irrigation of the throat with warm cranberry decoction will quickly eliminate hoarseness, removing swelling from the vocal cords. Cranberries, taken in conjunction with antibiotics, greatly enhances their bacteriostatic action. In addition, the components of the berries themselves are a natural antibiotic. Reception of cranberries enhances the body's resistance to the disease, improves the body tone, accelerates the leaching of bacteria and toxic products of their vital activity. The shock dose of vitamin C contained in the berries contributes to the rapid recovery of strength after an illness.

Pregnant women need cranberries to maintain their body during gestation. The forest berry is no worse than many drugs copes with many ailments and is an excellent prophylactic. The positive properties of cranberry during pregnancy are quite numerous.

• Prevention of inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs and kidneys. The properties of cranberry juice to destroy bacteria as well as possible help with cystitis and pyelonephritis, which are quite common during pregnancy. Cranberries will help get rid of edema, as well as protein and white blood cells in the urine.
• Regular consumption of cranberry drinks is the prevention of the development of thrush and stomatitis caused by a yeast fungus of the genus Candida. In addition, an antiseptic drink prevents the development of caries and gingivitis.
• Cranberry drinks improve appetite and digestion, bringing to the body of the future mother vitamins and minerals, so necessary for her and the baby.
• During toxicosis, thanks to its sweet-sour taste, cranberry can eliminate the discomfort in the mouth and reduce nausea.
• Applying cranberry drinks regularly, a woman strengthens her blood vessels and heart, in addition, the level of cholesterol in the blood is normalized. Thanks to the components of this berry, it is possible to prevent the development of such formidable conditions as a heart attack or stroke.

• Wild berry perfectly stimulates the appetite and helps a woman to withstand seasonal colds and viral diseases, without resorting to the help of pharmaceutical preparations, which are not always beneficial for the unborn child.
• Cranberry drink rich in vitamin C gives strength and vigor in case of indisposition, often accompanying a woman during toxicosis.
• Cranberry berry contains a fairly large amount of folic acid - this element is very valuable for the developing fruit.

After childbirth, a woman can also successfully take cranberries. In this case, it will show the following useful properties:

• increase the amount of milk produced by the mammary glands necessary for feeding the child;
• prevent the development of an inflammatory process in the breast, called mastitis;
• improve the contractility of the myometrium of the uterus, which will lead to the speedy return to its previous size;
• while taking cranberries, postoperative stitches heal faster and reduce the risk of their suppuration;
• A drink rich in vitamins and biologically active ingredients will help a woman to quickly recover strength and health after a long period of pregnancy and childbirth.

As you see cranberry is an indispensable and universal helper that helps to cure and even prevent many painful conditions. The benefits of cranberries are obvious, but a nursing mother needs to remember that cranberry drinks should be drunk in low concentrations, as they can affect the taste of milk, and if the baby does not like it, it can refuse breastfeeding.

Products made from cranberries can be given to children, moreover, starting from the age of infants. The juice diluted with water from 1-2 berries is injected along with the supplement at the age of six months, starting with a few drops and gradually increasing their number.

For a child’s body, cranberries are a source of nutrients that affect the growth and development of a baby. A rich complex of active biological components strengthens the immune system, improves digestion and food digestibility, normalizes the metabolic process and streamlines the work of the intestine.

While taking cranberries, the body's absorption of potassium and calcium, which are so necessary for a child to build his musculoskeletal system, the formation of healthy teeth, hair and nails, improves. Cranberries can be given to older children in the form of capsules with powdered berries or leaves of the plant. However, without exception, the kids just love to feast on fresh berries with sugar or honey.

In general, the effect of cranberries on the children's body is similar to how it affects the health of an adult. The main thing, when eating a cranberry as a child, is to ensure that reasonable limits are observed in the number of berries eaten and drinks drunk. Still, despite the fact that these products are very tasty, you need to treat them not as a delicacy, but as a potent healing product.

In order to preserve the harvested fresh cranberries, there are lots of ways to make them. The easiest ways are freezing at low temperatures, drying in a dark cool room without access to direct sunlight and pouring with slightly sweetened water and then storing it in a cool place. Each of these methods will allow you to save all the valuable properties of the berries for quite a long time.

In addition to simple methods of storing cranberries, there are other, more complex ones. Similar recipes belong to the field of cooking, where cranberries occupy a worthy place among other products. The northern people at all times used cranberries in the preparation of the main dishes. Over time, their recipes became widespread and accessible to absolutely everyone. Now the cranberries can be found even in the national dishes of the peoples of the south, where the cranberries are not growing.

People became interested in this berry not only because of its valuable healing properties. Thanks to its tart sweet-sour taste, cranberries are able to decorate themselves and spice up many dishes. From it prepare amazing sauces served with meat, fish, poultry. Confectioners use cranberries for baking in toppings, jams and preserves are made from it, and when salted they are added to cabbage, and various vegetable salads are preserved with it. Cranberry sbitni, fruit drinks, compotes often accompany any feast.

The mistress who cooks food at home is loved and appreciated by the cranberries for the whole family. If you look into any cookbook, you can easily find in each of them recipes that contain cranberries.

It is prepared with the addition of sour cream, based on shortbread dough. For the preparation we need the following ingredients:

1. butter - 250 grams;
2. granulated sugar - 200 grams;
3. wheat flour - 500 grams;
4. chicken egg - 3 pieces;
5. sour cream with a fat content of 15% - 250 grams;
6. potato starch - 20 grams;
7. cranberries - 250 grams;
8. baking powder test - 5 grams.

Wheat flour must be sifted through a fine-mesh sieve, and butter must be melted over low heat until softened. Add sugar to the butter, then chicken eggs and baking powder. In the mixture, throw the flour and knead a homogeneous consistency of the dough. Then lay out the shortbread dough in a pre-greased baking dish and level its surface, make the sides, thus preparing it for the filling.

Cranberries are mixed with sugar, taking about half of its total. The remaining amount of sugar mixed with starch and sour cream. On the dough, first place the berries, and put sour cream on top of them. Now you can send the cake for baking in the oven. In half an hour he will be ready.

This addition will give the meat a rich taste, add aromatic notes and decorate the dish before serving. For the sauce, we need:

1. cranberries - 200 grams;
2. onions - 100 grams;
3. wine vinegar - 10 grams;
4. granulated sugar - 30 grams;
5. cinnamon powder - 5 grams;
6. table salt - 5 grams.

Onions finely chopped and put in a saucepan with cranberries. We also add some water there and we pass it all over a small fire. After 7-10 minutes add wine vinegar, granulated sugar, salt and cinnamon powder. All components are mixed and boiled for about 10 minutes. In front of the sauce will thicken - this means that it is ready.

Such a preparation will not only be very tasty, but also become a source of a large amount of vitamins. Salting will require the following products:

1. fresh shredded cabbage - 5 kilograms;
2. fresh shredded carrots - 500 grams;
3. cranberries - 150 grams;
4. not iodized salt - 150 grams.

In a large, wide container, mix the chopped cabbage and carrots, add salt and begin to mix the ingredients, pressing the whole vegetable mass with an effort. Cabbage will provide a small amount of juice - this is exactly what we need. Now you can enter the berries cranberries and mix the whole mass as it should again. However, some berries can burst - this is good, let the cabbage juice mixed with cranberry juice.

Put the whole cabbage leaves on top of the whole mass and put on them some heavy object - for example, a three-liter bottle filled with water. Next, we take the container with cabbage to a cool place and wait for the product to pickle and more juice will stand out. After 4-5 days the cabbage will be ready, it can be packaged in jars and put in the refrigerator for storage.

Cranberry is an affordable product with unique taste properties. It is thanks to the addition of berries in the dish that its taste is revealed in a new way, brightly and unexpectedly. A touch of thin tart sourness adds charm to anyone, even the most mundane culinary creation.

Drinks from cranberries are universal - they are both a culinary product and a healing agent.This plant has medicinal properties not only its fruits - traditional medicine uses for the recovery of the body and cranberry leaves with young twigs, shoots. From the leaves you can brew infusions and decoctions, which are recommended to be recommended for violations of the heart rate and shortness of breath, for diarrhea, and also used as compresses for the treatment of trophic ulcers, they also irrigate the throat during sore throats.

A decoction of a mixture of leaves and berries of cranberry relieves migraine headache, relieves pain during exacerbation of arthritis and arthrosis of the joints, improves metabolism and removes excess salt from the body, preventing them from accumulating in the joints and kidneys. Often in the mixture for the preparation of infusions and decoctions of cranberry and add other parts of herbs, making up a unique combination of herbal remedies.

Here are some time-tested, effective recipes for drinks and cranberry decoctions.

• Infusion of cranberry leaf - 20 grams of raw materials need to brew a glass of hot boiling water and bring to a boil in a water bath. After this, the infusion is removed from the heat and allowed to stand warm until it cools completely. The tool well treats the throat during colds.
• Herbal tea with cranberries - before brewing, you need to prepare a mixture of herbs: take 5 grams of cranberry leaf, oregano leaves, raspberry leaves, currant berries, juniper berries. The resulting mixture is brewed in the teapot at the rate of one tablespoon per 500 milliliters of boiling water. Used to improve the work of the stomach and intestines. Means well helps with diarrhea, flatulence, improves digestibility of food and its digestibility. Drink a small cup of this tea three times a day.
• Cranberry Berry - take dried fruits in the amount of two tablespoons and pour them with half a liter of boiling water. Berries are steamed on low heat until boiling, then removed from the heat, covered with a lid and allowed to stand for about an hour. Consume half or half a glass three times a day, half an hour before meals. Broth well tones and stimulates the immune system.

In the pharmacy chains now you can find ready-made herbal remedies, consisting of cranberries with the addition of ingredients from other medicinal plants. In addition, you can take cranberries and in the form of capsules containing crushed fruits and leaves of the plant - the effectiveness of such drugs is also quite high.

Not paid attention to the cranberries and beauticians. This universal product is currently being actively used to treat acne, whitening facial skin, improving skin tone and moisturizing it. In addition, knowing the diuretic property of cranberries, it began to actively use those who undergo a course of weight loss. The benefits of cranberries in achieving the effect of losing weight is that it perfectly removes toxins and excess water from the body.

Due to the regular intake of cranberry drinks, the body heals, and forced diuresis cleans it from toxins.

Cosmetic industry manufacturers add cranberry extracts to creams, mousses, tonics, and masks, which are used for the body and face. However, you can make an effective cosmetic product yourself at home. Here are some effective recipes, which are based on wild berries cranberries.

• Cranberry Toning Lotion For its preparation will be required: dry pharmacy chamomile - 25 grams, berries of cranberries - 30 grams, water - 200 milliliters, alcohol - 5 milliliters. Chamomile pharmacy need to pour boiling water and let it brew until it cools down. Chamomile infusion filter and add to it the juice obtained from cranberries, and alcohol. The resulting tonic need to process the skin of the face, neck, decollete area in the morning and evening, immediately after the washing procedure. It improves the shade of the skin, the skin is cleared of pustular eruptions, toning and renewal of the epidermal layer of the skin occurs.
• Mask of cranberries and honey. 20 grams of berries to grind to a state of mashed potatoes, to which then add 5 grams of melted honey and 10 grams of warm olive oil. Apply the mask to the skin through massage lines and leave for about half an hour, then rinse with water or tonic. The tool well nourishes and moisturizes the skin, significantly reduces vascular couperosis and pigmentation. With regular use increases skin elasticity.

• Rubbing ice cubes. First, prepare the following composition: squeeze the juice from 50 grams of cranberry and dilute it with green tea infusion in proportions 1: 1. Then add 1 ml of grape seed oil and patchouli. The mixture is poured into forms for freezing and placed in the cold for subsequent freezing. A piece of ice is treated with the face twice a day. The tool tightens skin pores, reduces sebum secretion, moisturizes the deep layers of the epidermis and softens them.

In order to preserve the harvested berries of cranberries, it does not require any special tools - before people completely did without them. The method of storage of berries depends on what degree of maturity they are and how long they are collected. So, in order to preserve for the winter cranberries harvested in early autumn from September to October, it was necessary to sort out and sprinkle it in a single layer on a flat area in a cool and dry place.

Fresh cranberries can remain intact for a long time and do not require special attention. Therefore, the higher the immaturity of cranberries - the easier it is to keep it because of the high content of acids in it that prevent the processes of decay. They try to collect such cranberries when it has a white-pink color - the berry is hard, well transported, does not burst when pressed.

The older generation knows that preserving ripe berries without a refrigerator is a doable task. You need to put them in banks and pour a little sweetened with cold water. Previously, cranberries were stored in barrels and removed them in the cellar. Water was replaced with fresh every two weeks. Cranberries with this method of storage perfectly retains its qualities. Modern housewives put jars of soaked cranberries in the fridge.

You can dry the cranberries in the attic, and if you need to speed up this process, use the oven. But here it is important to ensure that the cabinet door is ajar for moisture to escape, and the temperature does not exceed 40 degrees, otherwise all valuable substances in the berries will collapse. After drying, the berry should slightly spring when pressed, but if it crumbles into dust, it means that it has been overdried. Proc from the use of such a product will not.

To freeze cranberries is also pretty easy. At the same time, it will retain all its qualities, only it is best to thaw it gradually, at room temperature. Frozen berries can be stored for more than one year and use them as needed. Such cranberries can now be purchased at any supermarket all year round.

For more information on the benefits of cranberries, see the following video.