Cranberries found wide application not only in cooking, but also in folk medicine. It has a beneficial effect both on certain systems and organs, and on the work of the whole organism as a whole. What is useful for cranberries - later in the article.
What is useful cranberry for the human body?
Cranberries are very useful for the human body, thanks to the fact that it contains a large amount of vitamin C , which makes the berry an excellent preventive agent, which strengthens the immune system and increases the protective functions of the body. Cranberry syrups, juices and fruit drinks are used in the treatment of colds. They have antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.
Useful properties of cranberries, both fresh and frozen, are due to the high content of tannin, which is an excellent assistant in the fight against infectious diseases. With the regular use of this berry or juice from it, you can reduce the risk of inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and prevent the deposition of kidney stones.
Potassium and magnesium, which are found in cranberries, perfectly help to improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system, increasing the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, reducing the level of cholesterol and blocking the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Also, cranberries are useful for such diseases as hypertension, colitis, gastritis, ulcer, psoriasis, eczema.
Cosmetologists recommend using cranberries to prepare home nutritious and toning masks for the skin. They help to cope with acne, freckles and age spots, making the skin more fresh, clean and healthy.
In addition to fresh, for medicinal and culinary purposes, you can also use dried cranberries - a dried berries, a special method. Useful properties of dried cranberries can be used for cystitis, liver and kidney diseases, fever, rheumatism and Adesson's disease. In addition, dried cranberries, as well as fresh, are used to decorate various dishes and prepare tasty and healthy drinks.
Contraindications to the use of cranberries
Despite the abundance of beneficial properties of berries, cranberries have a number of contraindications, which are very important to consider when using it. It is strictly forbidden to include cranberries in the diet and use it for medicinal purposes to people who are diagnosed with any liver disease. Also it can not be used with high acidity of gastric juice and individual intolerance of the product. In the presence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is better not to use this berry, since it contains organic acid, which, if ingested in the stomach and duodenum, can provoke irritation of the mucosa of these organs.
When treating colds, it is better not to take cranberry drinks and sulfa drugs at the same time. Also, people who suffer from gout and low blood pressure should stop using this berry. No less harmful to cranberries and those who have weakened tooth enamel, which is accompanied by a sharp reaction of teeth to cold and hot food.
To prevent complications with the use of cranberries, you should not eat berries on an empty stomach and it is important to rinse the mouth after using it. When making drinks from cranberries, you do not need to boil the berries, but rather just pour them with hot water and let it brew. This will help preserve the whole vitamin complex of the product. If you follow all the recommendations and remember about the contraindications, the cranberry will bring the body only benefit, enriching it with useful components.