What are the benefits and harms of cranberries for the body? Folk recipes with cranberries. Composition and nutritional value

" Cranberry

Cranberry is a fairly famous berry.. It grows in swamps in the wild in the northern regions of our country. It ripens in the fall 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 the presence of vitamins and minerals in them.

The berries contain:

A whole set of vitamins such as K, A, PP, groups B and C. Most of all it contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
Minerals (potassium, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, silver).
Organic acids. Contains only natural acids plant origin(citric, ursolic, chlorogenic, benzoic, oleanolic).
Antioxidants and catechins.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid. 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 present in it in fairly small quantities. But it has a high fiber content.

Product of the day. Cranberry:

Beneficial and healing properties for the human body

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

Normalization of metabolic processes. Helps in removing all toxins and toxic substances from the body.
Reducing high blood pressure.
Strengthening capillaries.
Normalizes blood cholesterol levels. Prevents the formation of blood clots and plaques in blood vessels and thins the blood well.
Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Reduces well high temperature at colds and flu. Helps the body fight against intoxication.
Strengthening the immune system. Cranberry eliminates vitamin deficiency, being a kind of source for giving strength and vigor to the body.
Prevention of the formation of malignant tumors in the body.
Improved concentration.
Analgesic effect for headaches or pain in women during menstruation.
Strengthening nervous system, hair and nails.

About the benefits of cranberries for the body:

Possible health hazards and contraindications

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

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

Cranberry juice must be diluted with water before use.

Traditional methods of treating 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 and makes a person sweat. Thanks to this, it reduces heat well.

Drinks made from it quench your thirst. For colds, you need to drink cranberry infusion.

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

For hypertension

Berries, fruit juice or jelly made 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 contained in the berries themselves. It helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, maintains their tone, thereby helping to normalize blood pressure.

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

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

Benefits for sore throat

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

When ingested, prepare next remedy : cranberry juice and beet juice, honey, vodka are mixed together in equal proportions.

The mixture is infused for 3 days, stirring occasionally every day. Ready composition Take 1 tablespoon about an hour before meals.

For cystitis

Cranberry acts on the body as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antiseptic. The proanthocyanidin it contains prevents bacteria that cause cystitis from accumulating on the walls of the bladder.

To strengthen the immune system and eliminate vitamin deficiency

Cranberry, due to its composition, helps 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 and infused. The finished drink is drunk like regular tea.

Cranberry is a rejuvenating berry:

Cranberries during pregnancy

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

You can add a little honey to enhance the benefits. Cranberries should be consumed in this form in a 3-to-3 mode., that is, 3 days on, 3 days off.

Cranberries are also used as a means to prevent kidney disease and urinary tract. Every month, a pregnant woman's uterus grows larger. This leads to stagnation of urine and the appearance of cystitis or urethritis.

To avoid these troubles you should drink diluted water every day Fresh Juice cranberries. It helps improve blood flow in the placenta and maintain tone blood vessels pregnant woman.

Pregnant women You should not eat cranberries in any form. latest dates pregnancy. It increases acidity breast milk, it harms the child. The timing of discontinuation is determined by the doctor.

Application in cosmetology

Cranberries have also found their use in cosmetology. It copes well with skin diseases such as scrofula, psoriasis, lichen, allergic rashes on the skin, burns. In all these cases, cranberry lotions or ointment are used.

To prepare the ointment you will need berries (2 tablespoons), petroleum jelly (50 g) and lanolin (50 g). The fruits are ground and squeezed. Vaseline and lanolin are added to the resulting juice. Stir until smooth.

Place the ointment in the refrigerator for storage.. Apply as needed to damaged skin thin layer.

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

Processing methods

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

The most famous include:

Cranberries mashed with sugar. For this 2 kg ripe berries grind using a blender and mix with 3 kg of granulated sugar. It is stored enough for a long time in the refrigerator or just in a cool place.
Cranberry jelly. A solution of 1 tbsp. spoons of starch and 1 tbsp. cold water pour into water with sugar and crushed cranberries. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Then juice is poured into the resulting jelly, mixed and removed from the heat. Kissel is ready to eat.
Cranberry jam. It can be brewed from only one cranberry, or it can be made with various additives, for example with apples. 1 kg apples, 1 kg berries, 2 cups chopped walnuts pour in pre-prepared syrup and place on low heat. Cook the mixture for 30 minutes with constant stirring. The finished jam is transferred to sterilized jars and sealed.
Morse. Berries (0.5 kg) are crushed in a blender and the juice is squeezed out. Pour water into the remaining berries and boil for 5-10 minutes. The resulting broth must be filtered and the squeezed juice added to it. You can add sugar or honey to the fruit drink to taste.

Cranberries are perfectly stored in fresh within a few months. To store them, choose a well-ventilated and cool place.

The berries themselves must be ripe and well dried. In addition, cranberries can be frozen or dried, which increases their shelf life.

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

According to the work of scientists, taking products containing cranberries effectively prevents genitourinary infections. These berries contain a substance that prevents bacteria from gaining a foothold on the wall of the bladder. Thus, the likelihood of developing an infection is reduced.

Of the 10 studies conducted on this topic, it was found that cranberry reduced the likelihood of developing a genitourinary infection after 12 months of use compared to placebo (relative risk 0.65). However, they were more effective in reducing infection in women with chronic infection than in men whose infection was caused by the need for periodic catheterization. Only one study has shown cranberry products to be effective against symptomatic infections. The effect also depended on the duration, dosage and form of administration (juice, tablets or capsules). At the same time, a significant number side effects indicates low tolerance of this product, which limits its long-term use.

Cranberries are one of the most nutritious berries in nature. These small purple berries, which have a pleasant sour taste, grow in North America and Canada. Cranberries have long been collected by Indians, natives of the American continent. They were the first to discover the beneficial properties of cranberries and used them to treat various diseases, inflammations and infections.

IN last years Scientific research have proven that cranberries contain many proanthocyanidins (FACs), which slow down the attachment of bacteria such as E. coli to the walls of the urinary tract and prevent inflammation in these organs. Cranberry juice also helps treat inflammation of the urinary tract and gums.

A recent study has proven that cranberries are rich in antioxidants. Of the 20 different fruits and berries tested during the study, cranberry turned out to be a berry with the greatest content phenol. High content phenol and antioxidant properties cranberries make it similar in its properties to wine. They also give it a bright red color.

Has antipyretic and good thirst-quenching effects due to the presence citric acid. It has also been proven bactericidal effect cranberry juice on coccal forms of microbes and a stimulating effect on pancreatic secretion.

Reduces fever, removes toxins, enhances the effect of medications (antibiotics and sulfonamides) several times.

It has a special ability to collect various pathogenic bacteria in the body and remove them out.

Used to treat gastritis with low acidity and inflammation of the pancreas.

Cranberry is an evergreen low-growing shrub whose stems spread along the ground. Popularly, the berry has several names - “crane” and “sour doctor”. The benefits and harms of cranberries - actual question, which long years is the subject of research. Today it is known for certain that the berry helps speed up the healing process for many diseases, however, with some diagnoses, cranberry can cause complications.

The benefits and healing qualities of cranberries

Cranberry is unique product, the benefits of which are due to its rich chemical composition. Not only do they have healing properties fresh fruits and leaves, but also dried berries, in which all useful substances are preserved as a result of processing. Regardless of the preparation recipe - juice, mousse, mashed berries with honey - cranberries benefit the body.

Cranberry - a universal healing agent

The benefits of cranberries are actively used in traditional medicine recipes; they are used as a complex natural remedy. The berry has antiseptic, antisclerotic, antiscorbutic and hypotensive effects on the body.

The best known antipyretic effect is traditional healers dried berry is called natural aspirin.
The anti-inflammatory effects of cranberries are used to speed up wound healing.
The benefits of crane fruit for pathologies of the kidneys, liver and pancreas are known.
If your blood pressure is unstable, it is recommended to cook cranberries with honey. This remedy is an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis, prevents the formation bad cholesterol and maintains the elasticity of blood vessels.
The berry is indispensable for intense physical and intellectual stress. Benefit natural drink made from cranberries and rose hips with honey is much more effective and safer than coffee. It is enough to drink a cup of such a tonic elixir in the morning and your body will work clearly and harmoniously.
Cranberry effectively and gently cleanses the body of toxins and normalizes functioning gastrointestinal tract. To prepare, mix equal amounts of cranberry and beet juice. You need to take the drink three times a day, two to three sips. The product is also used to eliminate pathogenic microflora and remove dangerous microorganisms.
For tuberculosis, eat a mixture of cranberries with honey and flaxseed oil three times a day before main meals.
At diabetes mellitus a course of therapy with cranberry juice is prescribed.

The main feature of fruits is their unique ability to retain their healing properties throughout the season until the next harvest.

Note: cranberry extract is considered the most valuable. The product has a rich red color, a sour taste with an astringent aftertaste.

Benefits of cranberries for men

The berry is rich in enzymes that neutralize the action of microbes in the genitourinary system, thereby normalizing male potency. Present in cranberries unique combination enzymes, catechin and epicatechin, thanks to which it is maintained male power without additional medications.

Optimal daily dosage juice is approximately one glass.

Benefits of cranberries for women

The benefits of berries for women are determined by two qualities:

weight normalization;
slowing down the aging process.

1. Cranberries for weight loss.

Dried berries are rich in fiber and tannins. It is these components that are responsible for reducing body weight. Fiber controls hunger and removes toxins. Tannins normalize metabolic processes.

Features of cranberry weight loss:

the main advantage of such weight loss is its gentle effect on the body, while you don’t have to adjust your usual diet, but only eliminate fatty, floury and fried foods;
Considering that cranberry is a natural diuretic, it has a mild diuretic effect, removes excess fluid from the body, but at the same time supports normal level potassium in the body;
this nutritional system does not require you to eat exclusively cranberries, the essence is the following - every morning, half an hour before your first meal, drink a glass of the drink;
freshly squeezed juice should be stored in a glass container in the refrigerator, and to prepare one serving, you need to dilute a few teaspoons of cranberry extract in a glass mineral water.

Note: of course, the cranberry diet will not bring impressive results, but it will ensure the loss of two to three kilograms per week.For womenThis is the most comfortable and safe weight loss. Duration of the diet - one week or more long-term use cranberry juice can cause disruptions in the functioning of the digestive system.

2. Cranberry in cosmetology.

Berries are used for healing skin diseases. For burns, lichen, rashes allergic nature, baldness and psoriasis, you need to squeeze the juice from two tablespoons of cranberries through gauze. Approximately 50 grams of Vaseline and Lanolin are added to the liquid. All components are thoroughly mixed, and the cranberry mask is stored in a cool place.

Face masks are prepared from cranberries. Cosmetical tools based on berries:

rejuvenate the skin;
lighten freckles and age spots;
smooth out small wrinkles.

The masks are suitable for any skin type; they can be used by young girls, as well as women with aging skin. After this cosmetic procedure the skin acquires a healthy color, collagen synthesis is activated, as a result, the skin acquires elasticity and a dense structure. When preparing a mask from berries, you must first remove the skin and rub the cranberries through a sieve.

Cranberries for children

Rich chemical composition berries are incredibly beneficial for child's body. Regular consumption of cranberry juice:

promotes the formation of bone tissue;
strengthens the immune system and protects children’s bodies from colds;
helps the child absorb information, improves memory;
During illnesses, cranberries are a natural antibacterial agent for children.

You can cook for children not only delicious drinks with honey, but also healthy desserts from dried berries. Dried cranberries rich in vitamins and microelements as well as fresh berries and will provide the young body with useful substances.

How to feed children cranberries.

1. Cranberries in the diet of children under one year of age.

Berries can be introduced into the diet only after main products - vegetables, cereals and meat. You should also consider which product is the main one in your baby’s diet:

at breastfeeding You can feed children cranberries only after eight months;
at artificial feeding Children begin to be fed cranberries at the age of six months.

At this age, the berries must be pre-treated with steam or boiled for no longer than one minute. A small amount of juice is added to fruit and berry purees, and the juice and fruit drink are diluted boiled water. To avoid the development of an allergic reaction, cranberries are introduced into the diet twice a week.

2. Cranberries for babies aged from one to three years.

The daily norm is two tablespoons of berries or 20 grams. Best dishes- compote, fruit drink, jelly. During illness, the dosage is tripled.

3. Cranberries for children over three years old.

At this age, you can give cranberries in raw form, for example, the berries are ground with honey, smoothies and mousses are prepared, tea is brewed. In the absence of contraindications and allergic reactions There are no restrictions on the dosage of cranberries, the child can eat them for his own pleasure.

Cranberries during pregnancy

Berries are unique homeopathic remedy, they include all valuable substances and components that are necessary during pregnancy and support the correct and harmonious development of the fetus and the health of the woman.

Diseases genitourinary system. During pregnancy, pathologies of the genitourinary system often occur. This is caused by weakened immunity and an increase in the female body of the hormone progesterone, which promotes the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract. Cranberry juice is a powerful antibacterial natural remedy, which blocks the development and spread of pathogenic microflora. In addition, the juice, unlike dubious antibiotics, is not addictive and is the only safe means during pregnancy.
Dental problems. Another feature of pregnancy is actively developing caries and gum inflammation. In this case, cranberry is the only acceptable remedy that has antibacterial effect, which treats the oral cavity and effectively eliminates the symptoms of diseases. Experts note the activity of cranberry juice even against streptococci, which even some antibiotics cannot cope with.
The presence of flavonoids in cranberries promotes the complete absorption of ascorbic acid and increases the elasticity of blood vessels.
Berries are especially valuable during pregnancy due to their antioxidants, which normalize the functioning of the nervous system, improve memory and significantly reduce the risk of postpartum depression.
The immune system. Zhuravikha is rich ascorbic acid, which is necessary during pregnancy, when a woman’s immunity is weakened.
During pregnancy, you often have to deal with edema and dropsy. This happens because female body not always able to respond to changes in a timely manner. Cranberry juice speeds up and facilitates the process of adaptation of the body to all the changes that accompany the development of the fetus. During pregnancy, it is recommended to drink at least two liters of cranberry juice or fruit drink.

Note: crane is excellent prophylactic cystitis and kidney pathologies withpregnancy. To do this, just drink a glass of drink in the morning. It is also prescribed as a prevention of complications associated with delayed fetal development and to activate placental circulation.

Cranberry for diabetes

For diabetes, crane has a positive effect:

for type 2 diabetes, regular consumption of juice normalizes sugar levels;
In type 1 diabetes, positive dynamics are also observed - sugar levels do not increase.

People with pathology were asked to take part in the experiment - daily patients took cranberry extract in an amount that was equivalent to a glass of juice. As a result, the following positive changes were noted in diabetes:

sugar levels normalized;
the work of the pancreas was activated.

For high blood pressure, which is unstable in diabetes, it is also recommended to take berry juice. With pathology, kidney problems often arise - diseases develop infectious nature V urinary tract, stones appear. Neutralize the growth of bacteria, normalize the composition of urine and enhance the effect antibacterial therapy cranberry juice or fruit drink helps.

The duration of therapy for diabetes is three months, and it is not necessary to take the drug in pure form, enough daily norm add to juices, teas and other dishes.

Note: most useful whendiabetesjuice from a mixture of cranberry and carrot in equal proportions. You can also prepare a delicious and low-calorie dessert by using a blender to beat 150 ml of kefir or natural low-fat yogurt with 50 ml cranberry juice.

The most popular cranberry recipes

1. Cranberry drink with honey.

For preparation you will need:

ripe cranberries - a glass;
honey - to taste;
water - liter.

The berries must be washed, crushed using a blender, and squeezed out the juice. Place the resulting liquid in the refrigerator. The remaining berries are poured with boiled water and brought to a boil. The heat is reduced to minimum and the berry drink is boiled for seven minutes. After cooling, the mixture is filtered, juice is added and honey to taste.

This drink is the most popular and safe; it is prepared even for children.

2. Cranberry juice.

To enhance antibacterial therapy, which is prescribed for kidney pathologies, as well as for rheumatism, diseases oral cavity recommend drinking cranberry juice. To prepare it you will need:

cranberry - glass;
water - one and a half liters;
sugar - half a glass.

The berries need to be mashed with a spoon, squeezed out the juice, the remaining cake is poured with water and boiled. Cool the finished mixture, strain and add sugar. This fruit drink is equally healthy and tasty either cold or hot.

3. Cranberry tea.

This best drink for pregnant. Frozen berries are used to prepare it. For one serving of tea, 2-3 teaspoons of berries are enough; they are poured into a cup, kneaded with sugar and poured with boiling water.

What are the harms of cranberries?

Despite huge list useful qualities, cranberries can be quite dangerous and cause harm to health.

First of all, berries are dangerous for people with increased acidity gastric juice and liver pathologies.
Cranberries may cause harm to patients with gastrointestinal problems. In this case, consumption is allowed only in processed form. Fresh, dried and frozen berries pose a danger to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
At simultaneous use cranberries and sulfa drugs, the harm of the berry is possible education kidney stones. This should be taken into account when starting to drink juice or fruit drink simultaneously with drug therapy.
For urolithiasis (kidney stones) and gout, cranberries should be avoided.
Considering that the crane reduces arterial pressure If you have hypotension, any cranberry dishes are strictly prohibited.
If tooth enamel is weakened, cranberries can cause significant harm and worsen the condition of teeth, increasing their sensitivity to cold and hot foods.

In order for the benefits of berries to be fully realized and the harm to be minimized, it is important to adhere to simple rules:

Do not eat cranberries on an empty stomach;
after use, be sure to rinse your mouth;
if you want to save valuable composition cranberries, you don’t need to boil them, just pour boiling water over the berries.

If you eat berries, observing all precautions and remembering contraindications, the body will receive maximum amount useful substances. Berries prepared for future use retain their unique composition throughout the year, thanks to which you will always have natural, tasty remedy from many diseases.

Of the 10 studies conducted on this topic, it was found that cranberry reduced the likelihood of developing a genitourinary infection after 12 months of use compared to placebo (relative risk 0.65). However, they were more effective in reducing infection in women with chronic infection than in men whose infection was caused by the need for intermittent catheterization. Only one study has shown cranberry products to be effective against symptomatic infections. The effect also depended on the duration, dosage and form of administration (juice, tablets or capsules). However, a significant number of side effects indicate low tolerability of this product, which limits its long-term use.

We recommend using our natural remedies containing cranberries.
Cranberries are one of the most nutritious berries in nature. These small purple berries have a pleasant sour taste and grow in North America and Canada. Cranberries have long been collected by Indians, natives of the American continent. They were the first to discover the beneficial properties of cranberries and used them to treat various diseases, inflammations and infections.

In recent years, scientific research has shown that cranberries contain many proanthocyanidins (FACs), which slow down the attachment of bacteria such as E. coli to the walls of the urinary tract and prevent inflammation in these organs. Cranberry juice also helps treat inflammation of the urinary tract and gums.

A recent study has proven that cranberries are rich in antioxidants. Of the 20 different fruits and berries tested during the study, cranberry was the berry with the highest phenol content. The high phenol content and antioxidant properties of cranberries make them similar in properties to wine. They also give it a bright red color.

It has an antipyretic and good thirst-quenching effect due to the presence of citric acid. The bactericidal effect of cranberry juice on coccal forms of microbes and a stimulating effect on pancreatic secretion have also been proven.

Reduces fever, removes toxins, enhances the effect of medications (antibiotics and sulfonamides) several times.

It has a special ability to collect various pathogenic bacteria in the body and remove them out.

Used to treat gastritis with low acidity and inflammation of the pancreas.

Beneficial features cranberries for the body are known far beyond its natural habitat. loves harsh climates, 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 cranberries are rich in: calories, vitamins and minerals

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

In addition, the berry contains various microelements: manganese, iron, aluminum and other important for normal operation organism substance.

Since cranberries contain huge amounts of fructose and glucose, they are an additional powerful source for muscles and nerve tissue. These substances also help regulate acid-base balance in the body, synthesize.

Cranberries are used to strengthen blood vessels and, the beneficial properties and contraindications of which have long been studied. This is facilitated by the flavonoids contained in them, which have a positive effect on blood vessels, functioning immune system, reduce inflammatory processes in organism. They also reduce the risk of thrombosis and the formation of cholesterol plaques.
Respectively, This fruit is recommended to be consumed as a preventive measure. 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 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. In terms of composition, 100 g contains 90 g, 0.07 g of proteins, 6.5 g of carbohydrates, 1.36 g of fat, 3.6 g of saccharides, 0.3 g of ash, 2 g of fiber.

What are the benefits of cranberries?

We figured out what the benefits of berries are in general. Now let's look specifically at what the use of this treasure trove of vitamins affects and contributes to.

For men

The main benefit of berries for the stronger half of humanity is excellent prevention. genitourinary infections. Mechanism preventive action is that the substances contained in the berry do not allow pathogenic bacteria to settle in bladder, attach to its walls and create a colony.
However, to achieve this effect, it must be consumed continuously for a year. Interestingly, cranberry for cystitis chronic form copes with the disease faster in women than in men.

For children

The berry is useful not only for the prevention and treatment of acute respiratory infections, and to relieve cough. It is used as a mild but effective antipyretic. In addition, it promotes 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 improve a child’s appetite and strengthen his immune system, especially during the dangerous off-season. It is recommended to drink it while taking antibacterial drugs to enhance their effect. The only thing is that you should not give it to infants, so as not to provoke an allergy.

For weight loss

Considering the characteristics and beneficial properties of the fruit, they are successfully used for. It was even created on their basis special diet. The central place in it is occupied by cranberry, the benefit of which lies not only in saturating the body with useful substances. Mix 2-3 teaspoons of juice in a glass of mineral water and drink 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

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

The antibacterial properties of the berry also help fight pathogenic bacteria. Consuming a small amount daily fresh fruits, as well as tea made from them helps eliminate the use of antibiotics. Eating cranberries is beneficial and has positive impact on the body, while excluding possible harm for pregnant.

Use in folk medicine: treatment with cranberries

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

With weakened immunity

For a cold

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

For sore throat

Warm tea is also recommended for tonsil inflammation. In addition to this they prepare special remedy based on fruit juice: they are mixed in equal parts with, beet juice. This remedy is taken three times a day, a teaspoon. Cranberry juice has also proven itself well at.

For hypertension

To treat this disease, an infusion of the fruit is used. To prepare it, you need to pour 2 tbsp into a thermos. 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 types; there are many recipes for.

For cystitis

For 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 glass at a time.

For joint diseases

When treating joint pain 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 even in their raw form.

How cranberries are used in cosmetology

Thanks to a huge number Vitamins and antioxidants, cranberries are used in cosmetology. Masks made from it promote nutrition and...

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

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

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

Using a cranberry mask, you can tighten pores by adding mashed berries egg white, whipped into foam. Apply the mask three times with a time interval of 5 minutes. After the last application, five minutes later, remove the mask and wash warm water and apply nourishing to the face.

Cranberry is also useful for women as a scrub. To do this, grind the berries in a blender, gradually adding cereals, and then lemon juice. The resulting mass is applied to the skin, constantly massaging all areas of the face, except for the area around the eyes. The procedure is carried out within three minutes.

Based on cranberries you can prepare nourishing mask. Its ingredients: egg yolk, quarter and cranberries (2 tsp). All this is ground into a thick paste 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 treat cranberries, you need to figure out how to collect and prepare them. After all, the berry can be used not only for treatment, but also in everyday food. Cranberry harvesting begins in September, and this process lasts until the first frost.
It is preserved even in winter under thick snow, so you can continue collecting when the snow begins to melt. But the healthiest berry will be the one picked immediately after ripening - in September. Spring berries are sweeter, but they already contain much less vitamins.

Did you know? Latin name cranberry translates as " sour berry" This creeping shrub grows in the damp soil of Northern Hemisphere swamps, but loves plenty of light. Moisture provokes the appearance of fungus on its roots, but it is to this that it is grateful for its rich content of useful substances.

As for storing the harvested crop, it is better to freeze it. For example, when using cranberries under pressure, it is desirable to have the berry unprocessed. In addition, when frozen it retains greatest number useful substances.

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 plastic bag the berries will not stick together. But it is better to store them in a food container. Once defrosted, the product cannot be re-frozen.

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 essence, this is a ready-made cranberry tincture that retains beneficial 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 its properties.

You can preserve the berries by grinding them with sugar. To do this, use a meat grinder or food processor. Cranberries and sugar are taken in equal proportions, but if you plan to roll them into jars, you need to take more sugar. Cranberries with honey will be much healthier. In this case, it is also taken in equal proportions, mixing everything in a blender. If you can collect a lot of cranberries, you can make jam from them. To do this, take about 1.5 kg of sugar per kilogram of berries, and one and a half glasses of water. The berries are pre-washed and blanched for about five minutes, after which they are drained in a colander. A syrup is prepared from water and sugar, into which cranberries are poured. The resulting mixture must be boiled in one batch for about 50 minutes, then rolled into jars. Of course, in this case it loses most of the nutrients. When talking about how to brew cranberries, it is preferable to pour boiling water over them rather than boil them. The jam it makes is very aromatic.

Contraindications

Although cranberries are extremely healthy berry, which is even recommended traditional medicine, it must 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 if you have an ulcer. duodenum.Even healthy people It is not recommended to take cranberries on an empty stomach. Always rinse your mouth after eating the berries to avoid negative influence on tooth enamel. The berry is a strong allergen, so it should be used carefully by allergy sufferers and women during pregnancy. The consumption of cranberries by children under three years of age is highly discouraged. The older ones are given very little.

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