Cranberry: useful properties and contraindications for women
Since ancient times, cranberries have been used by our ancestors for the treatment of various ailments.Berry has many useful properties, so it is often used in folk and in official medicine. As part of the fruit contains a large amount of various vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the human body for the proper functioning of the systems. But before using berries for prophylaxis and treatment, one should be familiar with its features and contraindications.
Description and composition
Cranberry is a small red berry, which contains many useful substances. The fruits contain items such as:
- bioflavonoids;
- acids;
- trace elements;
- vitamins of group B and E.
Also in the cranberries present sugar in the form of fructose and glucose. An important component is pectic substances that play a significant role in the proper functioning of the body.
Cranberries contain large amounts of minerals. Calcium, iron, phosphorus - all these substances are necessary for the human body to improve the performance of individual body systems.
Especially useful cranberry is for women's health. It not only strengthens the immune system and normalizes the reproductive organs, but also allows you to get rid of acute and chronic ailments. Fruit-based recipes are often used in the process of losing weight. Cranberry is used for cosmetic procedures at home.
Benefits for the female body
As noted above, cranberries are especially beneficial for a woman’s body:
- Berries can eliminate pain, which manifests itself during menstruation. Fruits are characterized by the presence of antipyretic effect.
- Due to the periodic use of compositions based on berries, the work of the heart is improved, the vessels are cleared of deposits. Substances present in the composition, improve the protective functions of the body, which prevents the effects of free radicals.
- The cranberry contains antioxidants and ascorbic acid, which strengthen women's immunity. The impact of these elements improves the condition of the skin, restores its tone and elasticity, which helps the ladies to preserve youth.
- Often cranberries are used to make juice, which is used as a prophylactic agent. This prevents the occurrence of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
- Useful substances present in cranberries, normalize metabolic processes in the body of a woman. Slag and toxins are eliminated, which negatively affect the operation of many systems.
- Often, cranberries are used in diseases of the genitourinary system. Compositions based on the natural component are used as an antiseptic and diuretic.
- Red berries are used to eliminate gynecological inflammation. Cranberries can effectively and safely cope with postpartum disorders in the body.
- The rich biochemical composition of berries prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria and the occurrence of kidney stones. Also, cranberry-based products are often used to treat inflammation in the bladder.
Use during pregnancy
Pregnant women are advised to add cranberries to the diet, but in moderation. The rich composition of the berries is able to cope with many problems that manifest themselves during the period of gestation. Cranberry helps to normalize the work of the urinary tract, which pregnant women often face at different times.
Berry also strengthens the immune system, which prevents the penetration of various infections in the body of women. The rich composition of cranberries can cope with the swelling, improve the condition of the teeth and strengthen the blood vessels.
Some women in the period of carrying a child are faced with such a problem as a violation of uterine circulation. The use of compositions on the basis of berries in moderate quantities allows you to cope with such a pathology, without harming the body.
In the absence of contraindications, cranberries can be used during lactation. Berry is used as a remedy, and in the form of an ordinary food product. It is possible to eat cranberries from the moment a child reaches three months, several pieces per day. In the absence of adverse reactions, the dose can be gradually increased. Especially useful during the feeding of the child is the use of berry juice in a small amount.
Dry fruits are not recommended for daily use. This is due to the fact that the composition of dry cranberries contain large amounts of sugar.
Cosmetic procedures
Often, cranberries are used to make various masks and cosmetic compositions at home. Due to the content of magnesium and potassium in the composition, it restores the integrity of the nail plate, fights delamination and makes the plate shine. To obtain such a positive result, the fruit pulp is rubbed directly into the nail.
The biochemical composition of the berries is rich in various antioxidants that inhibit the aging process. Their action allows you to smooth the "crow's feet", eliminate pigmentation and restore the healthy appearance of the skin. To do this, wipe your face with ice cubes, which are made on the basis of cranberry juice.
In addition, for women after 50 years, various masks based on fruits and gelatin are suitable.
Especially useful cranberry is for hair. This is due to the fact that its composition contains a large amount of B vitamins, which return a healthy shine and fluffiness to the hair. In addition, masks based on cranberries maintain the color saturation of colored curls.
For the preparation of such a cosmetic composition will need berries (3 tbsp. L.) And finely chopped parsley. Cranberries are ground with a fork, mixed with greens and supplemented with olive oil (1 tbsp.). The resulting composition is rubbed into the skin with massaging movements so that the mask is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the head.
The remaining mask is applied along the entire length of the strands. Head wrapped package and leave the cosmetic composition for about 30-40 minutes. After this time, the mask is carefully washed off the hair. This cosmetic composition can be used several times a week.
One of the common problems of modern people is the appearance of dandruff. A mask based on cranberry juice (3 tbsp. L.) And lemon (2 tbsp. L.) Will help get rid of it. Add a small amount of olive oil to these ingredients. The mixture is heated using a water bath, and then applied over the entire length of the hair. Especially carefully should handle the root zone.
The mask is kept on the head for 6-7 minutes, after which a head massage is performed. The composition is thoroughly washed with warm water and shampoo. The duration of the mask application is 1, 5 months with a repetition of the procedure 2-3 times a week.
Harm
Despite the presence of a large number of useful properties, there are several contraindications to the use of cranberries. Fruits are not recommended for people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Acids present in the composition, adversely affect the body in the presence of gastritis, stomach ulcers and intestines.
It is not recommended to give cranberries to children under 3 years old. Berry can cause an allergic reaction in a child.
If a person is undergoing treatment for a disease, then the cranberries are not recommended to be used without prior consultation with the doctor. Also berries are contraindicated for people suffering from low blood pressure.
It is not recommended to use cranberry based formulations in the presence of weak tooth enamel and caries. Acids present in berries do not have the most positive effect in such cases.
Acquisition and storage
In order for the cranberry to benefit your body, you need to know how to choose it correctly. When buying a product in a store, special attention should be paid to its appearance.For a start it is worth saying that the surface of the berries must be absolutely dry, without any traces of mold and peel damage. The presence of defects or cracks indicates improper storage of the fruit.
If you buy a frozen product, carefully inspect the package. Berries inside the package should not be lumpy.
An important point is the proper storage of berries. The advantage of fruits is that they contain a natural preservative. Due to this, the berries can be stored for a long time in the refrigerator (at least 21 days).
A large number of berries can be frozen so that they retain their nutrients. Fruits must be thoroughly washed, dried and spread out on a baking sheet. Berries in this form are placed in the freezer. Then each batch is poured into a container for more convenient and compact storage. This method of freezing allows you to not damage the surface of the cranberry and preserve its useful substances.
Making blanks for the winter, many hostesses fray cranberries with sugar. Products are combined in proportions of 1: 1. The ingredients are ground using a meat grinder until a slurry is formed, then placed in glass jars, tightly covered with a lid. In this form, the fruit can be used to make fragrant tea. Faded fruits often replace jam as an addition to various baked goods.
All about the beneficial properties of cranberries, see the following video.