In folk medicine, cranberry has been used for high cholesterol for decades. And many articles and forums are devoted to various recommendations and recipes.
People in the know “sing the praises of cranberries” for many reasons. It is tasty, it is healthy, it contains a large amount of useful substances and has many medicinal properties. Composition and properties of the berry
This unpretentious plant grows more often in swampy areas. Contains vitamins, pectin, organic acids.
For example, there is no less vitamin C in cranberries than in citrus fruits. And then there is group B, E, K, polyphenols, sugars (glucose, fructose) and trace elements (iron, magnesium, iodine, potassium, titanium, calcium).
Doctors of both traditional and traditional medicine value its antioxidant properties, ability to lower blood sugar, benefits in the treatment of colds and pulmonary diseases, and as a good prevention of oncology.
It is impossible to do without it in the treatment and prevention of cystitis - thanks to the abundance of carboxylic acid and flavonoids. Cranberries can be classified as natural antibiotics, metabolic stimulants, and immune-strengthening agents - they can significantly increase resistance to infections.
But one of the most important natural properties of cranberries is its ability to increase the strength of the vascular wall and cleanse the inner surface of blood vessels.
Cranberry in the fight against cholesterol
There is no need to convince a literate person of the importance of good blood circulation. Vessels are the transport routes of the human body; the heart “drives” five liters of blood through them every minute, and coping with such a load becomes more and more difficult over the years.
In order for organs and systems to receive enough oxygen and nutrients, there should be no deposits on the walls of blood vessels that lead to narrowing of the lumen - otherwise “traffic jams”, blockage of blood vessels and the threat of serious illnesses arise.
High cholesterol, as a sad consequence of poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, etc., is recognized as the culprit and contributor to the development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, phlebitis and thrombophlebitis, impotence, coronary heart disease - to avoid these diseases, it is necessary to cleanse the blood vessels on time and constantly.
Cleaning allows you to remove cholesterol plaques, reduce high cholesterol, increase the firmness and elasticity of the wall and the ability of blood vessels to perform their functions in full.
But first, you still need to make the right preparations and weigh all the risks.
Contraindications to the use of cranberries
Sugar level
You should not take any, even the most effective, drugs without thought and preparation.
Any procedures designed to cleanse the body and remove harmful substances require changes in nutrition.
At least a few days before the start of therapy, priority should be given to cereals and plant foods in the menu.
In the diet, you need to limit salty, fatty, fried and smoked foods, and completely avoid coffee, tea, nicotine and alcohol.
A stable diet, sleep, physical activity, and work is also important.
You need to understand that there are conditions in which cleansers and procedures can do more harm than help:
- Pregnancy and lactation.
- Age up to 18 years.
- Diabetes mellitus and other systemic diseases.
- Pancreatitis and other pancreatic diseases.
- Vasculitis or other vascular pathology.
- History of bleeding.
- Having had a heart attack or stroke in the recent past.
- Oncological diseases (malignant).
- Epileptic seizures.
- Kidney or liver failure.
- Any severe chronic diseases in the decompensation stage.
In any case, you should be wary of recipes that promise “instant results” - as a rule, the burden on the body has negative consequences and does not bring benefits in the long term.
If you choose a recipe with cranberries, the same rules apply.
You need to be sure that there is no intolerance to the berry or allergies to it. There is also a serious risk if a person suffers from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer, gastritis), genitourinary system (nephritis, urolithiasis) and severe liver diseases.
It is worth mentioning that sour cranberry juice has an adverse effect on tooth enamel, so it is better to use it not in its pure form, but as part of a fruit drink.
In any case, a preliminary consultation with a doctor will only be beneficial.
Traditional medicine recipes
If there are no contraindications, you can eat cranberries at least every day - fresh, juice, compote, and fruit drink.
There are simple recipes, there are more complex ones - there are plenty to choose from.
In just a couple of minutes you can easily make a healthy drink - cover the berries with sugar, pour boiling water, and cool. If desired, add honey and drink warm - especially good for colds and fever.
Cranberry juice: mash the berries, add water and strain.
It can be a little more complicated - boil the cranberries in water for 5-10 minutes, strain, throw in a little thyme or lemon balm, boil for another 5 minutes and strain again. Delicious and super healthy.
You can place the berries in a blender, grind, then add honey and/or milk, beat again and cool. Such a cocktail on a hot day is simply a gift to your well-being and health.
And now to the main thing. Let's look at how cranberries are used for cholesterol. The recipe is very simple.
Rinse a kilogram of ripe cranberries and strain off the water. Mash thoroughly, add 200 grams of fresh garlic pulp and place the mixture in a dark place for 12-14 hours. After this time, add half a kilo of honey and mix well.
The daily dose is 60 grams, 30 g in the morning and evening, the course of treatment lasts until the remedy runs out. Most often it is recommended to take it in the autumn and spring periods.
The second recipe includes lemons, garlic and cranberries. Grind all components (pass through a meat grinder), mix with honey to taste. Take two teaspoons in the morning and evening for a month.
In addition to lowering levels, the composition has a beneficial effect on the liver, general well-being, visual functions and hearing.
If a rash, itching or shortness of breath appears during the course, stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.
New attempts to cleanse blood vessels (necessarily with a different composition!) are possible only after a break of at least 1-3 months.
What else helps lower cholesterol?
Elevated cholesterol levels pose a serious danger to the human body.
If we are talking about lowering cholesterol levels, then it is worth briefly talking about other possibilities.
In addition to cranberries, fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, soybean and olive oil and grain products (porridge) also help reduce cholesterol.
In addition, they help:
- almond;
- beans
- bran;
- wheat germ;
- red wine;
- red fermented rice;
- ginger;
- peanut.
Products of plant origin contain phytosterols, which are similar in function to cholesterol, but unlike the latter, they inhibit the absorption of harmful lipid-based compounds in the gastrointestinal tract and accelerate their elimination.
Plant polyphenols are extremely important - substances that promote the synthesis of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are necessary for proper fat metabolism, and are also natural antioxidants that reduce the level of harmful LDL.
Dietary plant fibers (plant fiber) have an excellent effect on the activity of the gastrointestinal tract as a whole, improve peristalsis and flora activity, and reduce cholesterol absorption.
Pectin is a natural polysaccharide found in all fruits and vegetables. It has enveloping properties and inhibits the entry of harmful fats into the body.
Another active compound, resveratrol, contained in wine, prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels and reduces LDL levels in the blood.
Unsaturated acids (omega-3, omega-6), when consumed regularly, cleanse and strengthen blood vessels, preventing the formation of blood clots and cholesterol plaques.
Studies conducted around the world confirm that a diet high in these components (if the products are consumed fresh or with a minimum of heat treatment!) reduces the risk of cancer, osteoporosis and problems with the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Cranberries are considered healthy for good reason: they contain a huge amount of minerals, antioxidants and vitamins. It is also no secret that this berry has anti-inflammatory and antibactericidal properties and serves as an excellent preventive and therapeutic agent for many diseases.
The huge benefits of cranberries
The range of uses for this berry is quite wide, as it suits everyone without exception. Therefore, you need to understand why cranberry is useful and how to use it correctly to improve the condition of the body:
- the berry contains many antioxidants, which protect cells from free radicals and slow down their aging;
- it contains a huge amount of vitamin C and potassium, so if cranberries are consumed daily, you can prevent colds and protect the body from viruses;
- tea based on it is the first assistant at high temperatures, used as a diaphoretic;
- cranberry is simply irreplaceable for cystitis in women;
- by consuming this berry, you can prevent the appearance of harmful microorganisms in the bladder;
- thanks to the presence of vitamins PP and C, cranberry improves the condition of blood vessels, reducing the risk of the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots.
- normalizes digestion and improves appetite;
- helps regulate blood clotting;
- removes toxins from the body;
- improves skin, nails and hair;
- a fruit drink made from berries will help against colds and remove toxins that accumulate during illness;
- lowers cholesterol levels and helps fight hypertension.
How to collect and preserve cranberries
The best time to harvest this wonderful berry is in September. Just by this time, the cranberry accumulates all its healing power and grows large and sweet. To preserve berries for a long period, a very simple method is used - soaking.
To do this, you need to rinse the cranberries well and put them in sterilized jars, then fill them with boiled water and close them with nylon lids. Store in a cellar, basement or just a cold place. Everyone knows the benefits of dried cranberries, which, by the way, are harvested during the same period in order to preserve as many beneficial properties as possible.
Cranberries can also be harvested after frost. This berry is best preserved in the freezer.
You can pick the berries after winter, then they will become even tastier, but will lose most of their beneficial properties. It is not suitable for long-term storage; it must be eaten immediately.
The benefits of cranberries for children
Have you always dreamed of a child genius? Then start eating cranberries while you are still pregnant. Information about how cranberries are beneficial for children will help you safely include them in the diet of a small schoolchild: the berry is called a “smart” product. This is all thanks to the antioxidant content it contains. It has been proven that free radicals cause enormous harm to the cells of the body: they contribute to the production of cholesterol, which is considered harmful to the blood vessels of the brain and heart, and impairs memory.
Cranberries during pregnancy
Many people ask how cranberries are beneficial for pregnant women, and why doctors strongly recommend eating them during this period. The vitamins and minerals contained in the sour little berry significantly enrich the diet of a woman who is expecting a baby and help avoid problems with the kidneys and intestines. Let us briefly list the benefits of cranberries for women who will soon become mothers:
Cranberries contain many flavonoids, substances that make vitamin C better absorbed and contribute to the strength of blood vessels;
At such a time, the good condition of the circulatory system and the elasticity of the placenta are more important than ever, this contributes to a better supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus;
It often happens that women complain of memory impairment and constant absent-mindedness, and if you add cranberries to your diet, this will help avoid such disturbances in the functioning of the central nervous system;
The berry contains a huge amount of antioxidants that improve the functioning of the body at the cellular level;
During pregnancy, women's immunity decreases. Due to the structural features of the genitourinary organs, she may develop cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis. With constant consumption of cranberries, you can forget about such problems;
If you drink cranberry juice, you don’t have to worry about varicose veins and high blood pressure;
Often during this period, a pregnant woman’s legs begin to swell. By consuming cranberries daily, this can be avoided, as the berry is a diuretic.
Losing weight with cranberries
What else is cranberry good for women? Of course, the majority of the fair sex dreams of having a beautiful and slender figure, for this they perform labor-intensive exercises, exhaust the body with strict diets, and only a few know that cranberries can be extremely useful for losing weight.
This berry contains a small amount of calories. Experts believe that cranberries are an excellent natural fat burner. That is why nutritionists strongly recommend that overweight people include berries in their diet. It will also be necessary for adults and children with diseases of the endocrine system and metabolic disorders.
Cranberries for beauty
If we talk about how cranberry is useful for beauty and how it affects appearance, then it is necessary to emphasize that the berry can make a person more beautiful both when consumed internally and when exposed externally.
We will definitely emphasize that the microelements and acids contained in cranberries accelerate cell renewal and cleanse the body of toxins. It's no secret that the cleaner the body, the faster metabolic processes occur in it. Skin, hair and nails will become more beautiful and healthier.
Improve skin with cranberries
Anyone who wants to have healthy and beautiful skin should definitely know how cranberries are beneficial for them:
Cranberry juice is a natural lifting agent for the skin, it perfectly tightens the face, removes fine wrinkles and crow's feet. The juice can be added to masks, and also applied to problem areas as a warm compress, which must be heated to 37 0 C;
Perfectly fights acne and age spots. For a positive effect, it is enough to rub your skin with cranberry juice every morning. You can freeze it, and tonic ice cubes will help to effectively tighten enlarged pores on the wings of the nose, forehead and chin. Such treatments are best suited for oily and combination skin;
You can massage your scalp with cranberry juice, and also apply it over the entire length of your hair. With regular procedures, the amount of dandruff decreases and the hair becomes very soft.
Strengthening nails with cranberries
Knowledge about the benefits of cranberries can be used not only to improve the condition of the face and scalp, but also to strengthen the structure of the nails. In order for them to always grow well and remain strong, you need to rub cranberry juice into the nail plate, as well as into the area around it. The procedure is best done 3 times a week. After such manipulations, the nails will become white, since thanks to the acid they will whiten perfectly, and the nail plate itself will be strong and elastic.
Benefits of cranberry juice
Everyone knows the benefits of lingonberries and cranberries. But together they give an amazing healing and healing effect! By making a cocktail from these berries, we will get another very useful product. It will be very effective for treating acute and severely itchy dermatitis. Its strong bactericidal effect against pyogenic and putrefactive microorganisms has been confirmed. Therefore, very often the juice is used to treat wounds, burns, ulcers, abscesses, mastitis and carbuncles. It is a powerful antimicrobial drug that dissolves well in water and alcohol extracts, after which it becomes applicable to the surface of the skin. Science knows how cranberry and its juice are useful in the treatment of surgical patients, because it heals burns and purulent wounds well.
For the treatment of skin diseases, cranberry ointment has an excellent effect, which removes inflammation, relieves pain, dries wet areas and limits suppuration. And if you combine cranberry and beet juice in a 1:1 ratio, then this mixture can be used for vascular spasms, as well as hypertension.
Harm from cranberries
Many facts have been given about how cranberries are beneficial for humans. But, like any useful product, it also has contraindications. Those who have gastritis, liver disease, and high acidity are not recommended to consume cranberries. The acids that are present in the berry can irritate the mucous membrane of the duodenum and stomach, which subsequently harms the body. Another harmful factor is the effect of cranberry acid on teeth. This product perfectly fights caries and strengthens gums, but, in turn, destroys enamel.
Be that as it may, in certain proportions and dosages, any product can be useful, or it can give side effects, and cranberry is no exception. Therefore, you need to consume even the healthiest foods wisely and carefully listen to your individual characteristics and the needs of the body.
Cranberries are a priceless treasure of the forest pantry. The rich chemical composition of this berry gave it a second, popular name - “sour doctor”. Everyone knows how great the benefits of cranberries are for the body. But in order for this berry not to cause harm, it is advisable to know its properties well, in what case it should be used, and to whom it is contraindicated.
General information
Cranberry is a low-growing evergreen shrub of the heather family. It grows in peat bogs and swamps. The plant blooms in late spring or early summer, and bears fruit in September.
Low cranberry shoots reach thirty centimeters. The fruits are small, round, dark red in color, from 8 mm (in wild varieties) to 2 cm (in some cultivated varieties) in diameter.
In Russia, as a rule, berries are picked by hand, although this is a rather troublesome process. And in Canada, the USA, Belarus, and Poland, the industrial method of collecting cranberries is widespread. They do this in autumn, spring and even winter.
It is generally accepted that “snow” berries, obtained in early spring, are the sweetest. But in the autumn harvest, harvested after the first frost, the benefits of cranberries are most clearly manifested. At this time, the berry turns out to be the juiciest and most delicious.
Calorie content
The energy value of cranberries is low. For berries grown on plantations, it is 26 kcal, and for wild berries - 35.4 kcal (per 100 grams). Frozen cranberries contain 15.2 kcal. But the berry, mashed with sugar, is much more nutritious - almost 272 kcal. The energy value of dried cranberries is 308 kcal.
The share of carbohydrates in the indicated amount of fresh berries accounts for almost 4 g. There is less than half a gram of protein, and 0.2 g of fat. On average, 2 g is fiber, 0.3 g is ash. Fresh cranberries are 90% water.
Useful material
The complex of valuable substances on which the unique benefits of cranberries are based is truly impressive. It is a storehouse of vitamins (C, K, A, many from group B). The berries have a high potassium content. Cranberries are rich in other macroelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium). It also contains iron, iodine, manganese and copper.
Organic acids (citric, oxalic, quinic, malic, benzoic and others) are present in large quantities in cranberries. As well as phenolic compounds that provide protection against radiation and prevent cancer.
The benefits of cranberries for the body experiencing the harmful effects of radioactive substances, as well as heavy metal salts, are due to the high content of pectin in it. Its important quality is the ability to bind and remove compounds of lead, cesium, and cobalt. Therefore, it is advisable to include cranberries in the diet of people engaged in hazardous production.
Benefits of cranberries
Since ancient times, cranberries have served as an important source of vitamins in winter. It was used to treat scurvy, as well as various viral and colds. The benefits of cranberries as a natural antibiotic have long been recognized by official medicine.
Eating raw berries will help prevent hemorrhoids and varicose veins. The amino acids in its composition support blood vessels, helping them become more elastic.
There is an opinion that the benefits of cranberries are invaluable for people who are hereditarily prone to cancer (primarily stomach cancer). Since this berry helps prevent disease.
Compresses made from fresh and frozen cranberries help eliminate headaches. They are also used to make ointments that accelerate the healing of wounds and burns.
Cranberry juice is an excellent remedy for kidney stones. It is also applied to areas of the skin affected by herpes or fungus. By rubbing your face with cranberry juice frozen in ice cubes in the morning, you can achieve an excellent rejuvenating and toning effect.
Cautions and contraindications
People prone to allergies should consume cranberries with extreme caution. Intolerance to any substance in its composition cannot be ruled out.
Nursing mothers, as well as children under three years of age, are prohibited from eating cranberries.
This berry can significantly harm people who have high levels of gastric acidity. The same goes for those who suffer from ulcers. The acids contained in cranberries in abundance can damage gastric tissue. The benefits and harms of cranberries in this situation, however, can be balanced - just grind the berries with sugar. Then they will retain their healing qualities, but will not cause trouble to the body.
You should not drink whole cranberry juice. It is advisable to dilute it with water, adding honey or sugar to taste. It is also not recommended to eat cranberries on an empty stomach - it is best to complete the meal with them. After eating berries, it will be useful to rinse your mouth with water to avoid acid damage to tooth enamel.
The benefits and harms of cranberries during pregnancy
Moderate consumption of cranberries during pregnancy will help prevent or eliminate many health problems that await a woman during this time.
During the period of bearing a child, the expectant mother very often encounters diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys. Drinking drinks based on cranberry juice blocks the spread of bacteria and has a detrimental effect on many strains of microorganisms. It also resists cystitis, urethritis and pyelonephritis.
The undoubted benefit of cranberries for a woman preparing to become a mother lies in her ability to strengthen the immune system, normalize uterine placental blood circulation, and prevent intrauterine growth arrest.
Also, drinks made from this berry improve tissue reactions in the body of a pregnant woman. As a result, it is possible to avoid dropsy and edema.
The benefits of cranberries during pregnancy are also associated with the antioxidants that are part of them. These berries have a positive effect on memory and the activity of the central nervous system, and minimize the risk of postpartum depression.
However, you should know that cranberries should not be consumed by women with diseases of the digestive system, as well as by expectant mothers taking sulfo drugs.
Dried cranberries
It is interesting to know that the benefits of dried cranberries are no less than freshly picked ones. Therefore, this method of harvesting these berries is popular and widely applicable.
First, the berries should be sorted, washed, and then kept for several minutes over hot steam (or blanched in boiling water).
Next, they need to be scattered on a wide surface (wooden or covered with linen cloth) and left to air dry in the shade or in a well-ventilated area. You can also use an oven, a special fruit dryer or a microwave oven for these purposes.
Ready berries do not stick together into lumps and stop staining your fingers with juice. They are scattered in cloth bags and stored for up to three years.
Cranberry juice
A healthy and tasty drink, cranberry juice, can be prepared according to the following recipe:
- You should take a glass of fresh (or frozen) cranberries, a third of a glass of sugar and one and a half liters of water.
- If necessary, defrost the berries and squeeze out the juice, which is set aside for now.
- Sprinkle the cake with sugar and add water. It needs to be boiled over low heat for no more than a couple of minutes, then cooled.
- Mix the broth with cranberry juice.
You can also make jam, kvass, jelly, pie filling and even candy from cranberries. In any form, it will additionally serve as medicine to the body.
An evergreen creeping shrub that grows mainly in marshy areas, cranberries produce dark red fruits.
Cranberries ripen in April-October.
The berries are quite difficult to pick.
Ruby balls scatter abundantly in the place where the plant grows.
The beneficial properties of cranberries allow them to be used year-round as jelly, jam, compotes, etc.
Composition, calorie content and use of cranberries
The spherical berry is rich in fiber, pectins, and organic acids. Cranberries are beneficial for the body due to their vitamin composition. It contains vitamins A, B, C, K.
In addition, cranberries contain microelements necessary for the normal functioning of the human body: potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, iron, iodine, etc.
The calorie content of cranberries is low and amounts to 27 kcal per 100 G product.
Cranberry is a tasty and healthy berry., which has found its use not only in cooking, but also as a remedy.
1. For mental or heavy physical work, drink a cranberry drink, which is prepared from berries, rose hips and honey.
2. Cranberry is beneficial for the body due to its ability to cleanse toxins, normalize intestinal function.
For this they use mixture of cranberry and beet juices(in equal proportions). Drink the drink three times a day, several sips.
The juice mixture is used for persistent constipation, hypertension, and cerebral vascular spasms.
3. Helps cure colds or inflammation of the upper respiratory tract cranberry juice with aloe juice.
In addition to this composition, they use healing balm, consisting of cranberries, lemon juice, onions, aloe, beets with the addition of sugar, honey, alcohol (all in equal quantities).
The medicinal mixture is stored in the refrigerator. Use it three times a day, just a couple of large spoons.
4. Athletes use cranberry juice after intense training. However, they do not drink it in its pure form, but dilute it with water. Compound enriches the brain with oxygen, relieves vascular spasms, restores strength.
5. Cranberries are good for health and are an excellent means of preventing diseases of the genitourinary system. Daily consumption of small amounts of cranberry juice (100 ml three times a day) normalizes metabolism and protects the body from infections.
6. Cranberry widely used by diabetics. To maintain a stable state, you need to prepare a drink every day from 2-3 tablespoons of berries crushed into puree, poured with a glass of hot water (not boiling water!). The composition is taken several times a day, 2 large spoons.
7. Daily consumption (2-3 times a day) of cranberry juice, a quarter glass, helps effectively for some inflammatory gynecological processes.
8. Thanks to the beneficial properties of cranberries, they are used for tuberculosis. The disease is treated with cranberry juice with the addition of honey. In addition, you can use berries ground with liquid honey, adding a little flaxseed oil to the composition.
9. For problems with blood pressure, vascular diseases, as well as for gastritis, colitis, metabolic disorders, use a healing composition, which is prepared as follows: pour boiling water in a thermos (1 glass) over a spoonful of plant leaves and berries (10 g). The composition is infused for 4 hours, filtered, diluted with boiled water and drunk during the day in three doses.
10. Cranberries are good for the body suffering from diarrhea. In this case, mix the berries and leaves of the plant (in equal proportions). Then 2 large spoons of the mixture are poured with water (2 cups). It is important that it is not boiling water. Just using hot water is enough. The composition is placed on the stove for cooking. After 10 minutes, remove the container with the healing decoction, cool, and filter. Drink half a glass at least 4 times a day.
11. Cranberries are also used as an antiseptic. An infusion of 1 spoon of berries and a glass of boiling water is used for gargling and washing open wounds.
12. The berry is indispensable for shortness of breath. The disease can be easily treated if you drink cranberry infusion (1 spoon of berries per glass of boiling water) with the addition of honey.
13. A drink that can be prepared simply can help get rid of high blood pressure: mash the berries (2 cups), add sugar (half a cup) and water (1 cup).
The composition is placed on the stove and is not cooked, but only brought to a boil. Then filter and dilute with water. Drink as a tasty and healthy drink.
14. Cranberries are good for your health during colds. In this case, drink hot cranberry tea. First, the berries are lightly crushed with a spoon, then they are covered with sugar and hot tea (green or black) is poured. The drink saturates the body with vitamins, quenches thirst, relieves fatigue, and gives vital energy.
15. For radiation sickness and some inflammatory diseases, cranberry juice with the addition of honey is used as an additional therapy. The medicine is taken in courses 1 or 2 times a year. The first week they drink the healing composition half a glass 3 times a day, the second - the same amount, but 2 times a day, the third - half a glass only 1 time a day.
16. Cranberry juice is used as a natural mild antipyretic for fever.
17. A composition of cranberry and beet juices with the addition of honey and vodka (in equal proportions) helps to get rid of sore throat and other inflammatory diseases of the throat. The mixture is infused in a dark place for 3 days, after which you drink a large spoon before meals.
18. The beneficial properties of cranberries make them irreplaceable for bedsores. The composition, which has an antiseptic and drying effect, is prepared from freshly squeezed cranberry juice (20 ml), lanolin (40 g), petroleum jelly (40 g).
19. Cranberries are widely used in cosmetology. It is used to make therapeutic masks. The berries are crushed into a paste and applied to the skin of the face, avoiding the area around the eyes. Leave the mask on for 15 minutes, then wash off with water.
20. Cranberries are also used for preparing dishes and confectionery. It is added to sauerkraut, sauces, and used as a seasoning for meat dishes.
Extremely tasty and healthy cranberry kvass. It is prepared from cranberries (1 kg), sugar (1 kg), yeast (25 g), water (9 l). To begin with, wash the berries, then grind them through a colander, add water and sugar. Everything is put on fire and boiled, after which it is cooled and filtered. Yeast is diluted separately with warm water and combined with the drink.
The composition is mixed and placed in a warm place to infuse (for 24 hours). Then everything is poured into a clean container, raisins are added and stored in the refrigerator. In a couple of days, the healing kvass is ready!
Cranberries: what are the benefits for the body?
Cranberry is a useful berry for the prevention and treatment of colds. But not only. The list of its valuable properties is very long:
It is able to resist the creation and spread of cancer.
Cranberries contain antioxidants that fight signs of aging.
Cranberry is an excellent remedy for treating sore throat.
Due to the high content of flavonoids, cranberries help improve vascular elasticity.
Berry is the best multivitamin. Moreover, it is 100% natural.
Cranberry improves appetite, fights constipation, enhances the production of gastric juice, and has bactericidal and diuretic properties.
Cranberries are beneficial for health due to their ability to lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of plaques and blood clots in blood vessels.
It is indispensable for colds, fever, and upper respiratory tract diseases.
Cranberry relieves headaches and heartburn. It can enhance the effect of antibiotics.
Berries are a real storehouse of biologically active substances and mineral salts.
Cranberries: what are the health benefits?
Cranberry is certainly useful, but it also has its contraindications. Berries are prohibited for consumption in case of gastritis with high acidity, liver diseases (in acute form).
Cranberry undesirable for ulcers(especially juice in its pure form), as well as for weak tooth enamel.
If you use cranberries thoughtlessly, they are more likely to do harm than good. Even the most valuable product should be used with caution.
If you have existing chronic diseases, you should consult a doctor about using the miracle berry.
Cranberries for children: good or bad?
Cranberries are good for children's bodies. It improves appetite and strengthens defenses. The berry helps get rid of a persistent dry cough. When combined with honey or sugar, cranberries are good for colds and flu. A healthy and tasty medicine fills the child’s body with vitamins and microelements, improves digestion, and relieves constipation.
Children are given cranberries in any form. You can sprinkle it on your usual dishes or make juice, fruit drink, infusion, or jelly from the berries.
It is best to give cranberries to very young children in the form of compote and jelly. In addition, cranberry candies are suitable for babies under one year old, which are prepared from 1 cup of powdered sugar, two egg whites, a kilogram of cranberries and half a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
To begin, wash the berries, dry them, then beat the powder with the whites, add lemon juice and mix. After this, a separate berry (it is first dipped in boiling water) is dipped in the composition, dried and placed in a jar for storage.
Cranberries are indispensable for children's colds and sore throats, itching and eczema. In the latter case, lubricate the sore spots with a mixture of berry juice and Vaseline.
Cranberries are allowed (in the absence of a tendency to allergies) for children from 6 months. Children under 2 years old are given only heat-treated berries, and older children can be given cranberries in any form.
The tasty and healthy berry has many beneficial properties. The low calorie content of cranberries makes it possible to use it in various diets.
Kissels and compotes, jams and mousses, an addition to ice cream and pie - cranberries are good in any quality for both adults and children.
It contains an abundance of antioxidants - substances that protect cells from the negative effects of free radicals: they are responsible for premature aging, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Therefore, you should not spare time and effort to collect this wonderful berry.
Cranberries can stay in the freezer until next fall and not lose their beneficial properties, and if your refrigerator is already full to capacity, just fill the cranberries with water and place them in a dark, cool place. Cranberries owe their keeping quality to the organic acids they contain, which act as natural preservatives and prevent the berry from spoiling. The same acids are usually used to increase the shelf life of other products, the only difference being that they are obtained not from cranberries, but from chemical production. Therefore, by making cranberry reserves, you can provide yourself with vitamins for the whole winter without much hassle.
Although in fairness it should be said that there are not so many vitamins in cranberries compared to other berries. For example, in terms of ascorbic acid content, cranberries are inferior to black currants by as much as 13 times, and rose hips by 40 times. However, this relative “poverty” is more than compensated for by the presence of rare vitamin PP in cranberries, without which most of the ascorbic acid is simply not absorbed by the body . And if you consider that cranberries contain a lot of B vitamins, potassium, iodine and magnesium, there is no doubt about its usefulness. This is probably why cranberries have long been considered a medicinal berry.
Swamp Doctor
Cranberry juice is a wonderful cold remedy. Firstly, cranberries have an antipyretic effect, secondly, they perfectly quench thirst, and thirdly, they remove toxins from the body, which accumulate in abundance during a cold.
And cranberry juice mixed with honey not only helps you cough up and fight a sore throat, but also boosts your immunity, saving you from the next cold or flu.
However, even for those who rarely miss work due to a cough or runny nose, it makes sense to drink more cranberry juice. After all, just a couple of glasses of this invigorating drink can restore a good mood, relieve fatigue after the hardest day of work, and even contribute to your career, since cranberry juice increases brain activity and increases productivity.
Cranberries should definitely be present on the menu of people prone to high blood pressure. Thanks to its diuretic effect, cranberry reduces blood pressure, and unlike many diuretics, cranberry juice does not wash away beneficial potassium from the body, which strengthens blood vessels. And if you consider that cranberries can lower the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood, this berry becomes completely indispensable for heart patients. In addition, it can successfully replace table salt, which is recommended to be limited in case of cardiovascular diseases and problems with excess weight. Instead of salt, add cranberries or cranberry juice to your food, and the food will not seem too bland.
However, not only heart patients and hypertensive patients should love cranberries. This sour berry can protect you from cystitis - probably the most unpleasant companion of cold weather. The substances contained in cranberries prevent bacteria from attaching to the inner surface of the urinary tract, and if there are no bacteria, there is no infection. Therefore, if you often suffer from cystitis, be sure to drink a glass of cranberry juice a day.
Often the cause of cystitis and other urological diseases is E. coli, which can also cause infection. However, fortunately, E. coli is afraid of cranberries more than anything else. That’s why this berry is often recommended for treating indigestion.
If for some reason your stomach goes on strike, pour a couple of tablespoons of cranberries into two glasses of hot water, boil over low heat for 10 minutes, cool, strain and drink half a glass four times a day. The only limitation: people with high stomach acidity are better treated in other ways - cranberry juice can cause exacerbation of gastritis with increased secretion and peptic ulcer.
Cranberry juice compresses are used for many skin diseases. With their help you can get rid of rashes, itching, skin inflammation and eczema. In addition, cranberry juice can speed up wound healing.
The Latin name of cranberry comes from the Greek words “oxis” - sour and “coccus” - spherical, that is, literally “sour ball”. Unlike other berry bushes, cranberry bushes live for a very long time. Some of them are more than 100 years old.
By the way
Cranberry against ulcers. Chinese scientists have been able to prove that eating cranberries can not only help with bladder inflammation, but also prevent stomach ulcers. Researchers have found that cranberries can prevent the emergence of a special bacterium that causes this disease. Studies conducted in China have shown that patients who consume cranberries or foods and drinks based on this berry have a significantly reduced risk of stomach ulcers.
It is important
For medicinal purposes, cranberry fruits are used, which are harvested with the onset of the first frost before snow falls.
They write to us
Masks with sourness. Everyone probably knows that cranberries are very good for health. But the value of cranberries is not limited to this. You can make many homemade masks based on this sour berry. When picking cranberries, I always leave some of the berries unprocessed in order to pamper my skin. She is oily, so cranberry masks are especially useful for her.
To remove oily shine, clean and tighten pores, prepare the following mask: mix 1 teaspoon of cranberry juice with the same amount of potato flour or oatmeal ground in a coffee grinder. Apply the mask to your face for 15-20 minutes and then rinse with warm water.
To slightly dry out oily skin, you can prepare the following mask: mix 1 teaspoon of cranberry juice with 1 teaspoon of grape juice, add half a grated apple, 1 tablespoon of honey and a little baby powder. Apply the mixture to your face for 10 minutes and then rinse off.
If there are pustules and pimples on the skin, a cranberry juice compress will do. Squeeze the juice out of a handful of berries, soak cotton cosmetic wipes in it and place them on your face. Lie down for 10 minutes, completely relaxed. Then remove the napkins, rinse your face with cool water, and lubricate with moisturizer. Natalya Romanova, Tver region.
Personal opinion
Willy Tokarev, singer:
– I eat everything, I like a variety of foods. But I have a rule: wherever I am, I divide my portion of food in half and eat exactly half. Although sometimes you want to eat everything. But a rule must be a rule. Half is enough to fill you up. The stomach tends to stretch. The more you eat, the more you want. It's unhealthy. You need to accustom yourself to order.