In ancient Rome, cranberries were called balls with a charge of vital energy. The word "cranberry" is translated as "sour ball". Indeed, cranberries have unique properties that make them a valuable product. This berry grows in the northern regions, in forest and swampy places. And the best varieties grow in Karelia.
What is cranberry good for?
Due to its chemical composition, cranberries are famous for their medicinal properties. Its high tannin content helps to fight infections.
Research confirms that regular consumption of cranberry juice prevents viral diseases. And if you drink it in addition to antibiotics, then their effect is enhanced.
This property of berries is all the more important, since bacterial resistance to drugs is often observed.
Cranberries are also known as a good antipyretic and diaphoretic, which is explained by the action of vitamin C - there is more of it in cranberries than in lemons and oranges.
For a long time, cranberry juice has been used for fever.
For heart disease, doctors recommend adding cranberries to food instead of salt.
Cranberries also play an important role in the prevention of cancer. Cranberry extract has been tested on prostate and breast cancer cells. In both cases, the growth of cancer cells was significantly inhibited. Cranberries also contain substances that inhibit the growth of intestinal cancer cells.
Contraindications
Despite its unique medicinal characteristics, cranberries have their own contraindications. They are associated with its sour taste. The berry should not be consumed by those people who have gastritis with high acidity or duodenal ulcer.
At the same time, cranberries can be used to prevent these diseases.
How to eat cranberries
Cranberries are useful in any form - fresh or frozen, in the form of fruit drinks, compotes, juices, it still does not lose its healing properties.
You can add the berry to salads or meat sauce. Sauerkraut with cranberries turns out to be not only tasty, but also healthy.
Medicinal properties are present not only in cranberries, but also in the leaves, so teas made from them are useful.
Storage
Thanks to organic acids, especially benzoic acids, it can be used as a natural preservative. Studies by American scientists have proven the effectiveness of cranberries in the fight against pathogenic microbes in the production process of producing apple juice.
Cranberries are also unique in that they are perfectly stored throughout the winter. For storage, berries must be selected whole, firm, bright in color and without damage. Previously, cranberries were poured into barrels with water and placed in a cellar.
Today, you can also use this method - pour boiled water in jars, close the lid and put in the refrigerator or on the balcony.
Or you can sprinkle with sugar and store in the cold or freeze. Then, all winter, there will be fresh berries on the table, rich in vitamins.
Cranberries in the diet
Cranberries are indispensable in fasting diets, as a low-calorie product, as well as an agent that improves metabolic processes and has a diuretic effect.
Improves the processes of digestion and peristalsis with a sharp change in nutrition.
