Cranberries - a medicinal berry, indispensable for the human body. Red fruits are successfully used in the fight against many ailments. Useful properties and contraindications of cranberries for women, men and children we will consider in the article.
Composition
The healing properties of cranberries and contraindications are due to the rich chemical composition. The berry effectively acts as an antioxidant, a catalyst for taking antibiotics, and a true source of energy.
In cranberries, there is a combination of valuable components of natural origin:
- bioflavonides - activate the intense activity of enzymes that contribute to the normal course of metabolic reactions;
- proanthocyanides - are able at the cellular level to slow down the aging process of the body, reduce intoxication;
- benzoic acid - inhibits the development of fungi and mold;
- Vitamin B1 - assists the body in growth and development, supports the work of the brain, heart muscle and nervous system;
- potassium - a high content of the element has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, heart, brain cells;
- Vitamin B2 - acts as an active assistant in the functioning of the thyroid gland;
- Vitamin B5 - essential for fat and carbohydrate metabolism;
- Vitamin B6 - is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscle tissue;
- glucose is the main source of energy;
- pectins - contribute to the effective removal of harmful compounds.
This is only a small part of the "greatness" of ripe fruits.
Berry of life
Since the product is the source of the whole vitamin complex, the healing properties of cranberries have a beneficial effect on health:
- strengthens the immune system, eliminating the symptoms of colds;
- reduces the risk of cancer;
- strengthens the walls of capillaries;
- contributes to the development of mental abilities and physical activity;
- improves metabolic processes.
In addition, homemade cosmetics based on pulp and fruit juice accelerate the healing of skin of various origins. Thanks to such healing power, it is difficult to find an alternative to cranberries.
Berry can be used to treat both individual organs and the body as a whole. A huge advantage is that acidic fruits do not lose their beneficial properties in frozen and dried form. As a result, the berry is relevant for the treatment and prevention of diseases throughout the year.
Cranberry juice
Cooking cranberry juice is the most affordable and popular treatment for metabolic disorders, acute respiratory viral infections or influenza.
A delicious drink can help with various disorders of the body, improving well-being:
- promotes the withdrawal of toxic substances in case of poisoning;
- eliminates weakness and headache;
- prevents the development of urinary tract infection;
- relieves inflammation in bone and muscle tissues;
- normalizes the digestive tract.
Despite the positive effects of vitamins and minerals, fruit drinks can adversely affect a patient with gastritis with high acidity, low pressure, or with individual intolerance to the components.
It is important to observe the rules of oral hygiene after eating fruit drinks. Acids contained in fruits negatively affect tooth enamel, destroying it and leading to high sensitivity. Therefore, dentists recommend thoroughly rinsing the oral cavity.
Recipe
Properly prepared cranberry juice will retain the maximum amount of nutrients and enrich the body with vitamins. For 1 liter of water, take 1 tbsp. berries and sugar to taste.
Step by step cooking:
- rinse the fruits well and knead to obtain a slurry;
- squeeze the juice from the resulting mass;
- transfer the flesh into an enameled container, add water, bring to a boil and leave for another 5 minutes;
- strain the ready-made broth, add sugar and previously squeezed juice.
Drink a vitamin drink after 20-30 minutes. If desired, you can dilute the cranberry flavor by putting lemon balm, peppermint or lemon zest when boiling.
Properties of Cranberries with Honey
Another affordable and unique means to maintain health is cranberries with honey. The combination of natural products enhances immunity and has a tonic effect on the body:
- normalizes blood composition;
- inhibits the development of microbes;
- has an analgesic effect;
- establishes digestion;
- gives strength and energy.
A delicious treat is widespread among the fair sex. The combination of vitamins and minerals allows women to effectively fight cystitis and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system. The fiber and tannins that make up the body activate metabolic processes, allowing you to quickly remove accumulated toxins, as well as lose weight. During pregnancy 1 tbsp. l cranberries with honey contributes to the favorable development of the baby and reduce the risk of dangerous infectious diseases.
Men can also find their benefits in sweet honey with cranberries. If you include a valuable mixture in the diet, you can increase potency and get rid of the discomfort during urination. The berry is rich in enzymes that neutralize dangerous microorganisms and support male power.
The beneficial properties of cranberries with honey are indispensable for the smallest. For children in the early days of a cold, doctors recommend a healthy treat for 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Cranberry juice with honey has a disinfecting and expectorant property. Several tablespoons of a natural medicine contain the daily norm of vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for the child’s immunity and development.
Cranberries, Honey and Lemon
The real "vitamin bomb" is cranberries, honey and lemon. A useful mixture is recommended to be prepared for the winter so as not to succumb to viruses and pathogenic microbes.
You should take 1 kg of cranberries, 2 lemons and 1 tbsp. honey. Rinse and dry the berries well. Peel lemons and peels, cut into slices. Grind the finished components in a meat grinder or in a blender. Combine the resulting mixture with the required amount of honey and mix everything. Transfer the vitamin mass to a previously sterilized liter jar. The container can be stored until spring in a cool place or in the refrigerator. Apply a natural medicine daily for 1 tbsp. l It is advisable for preschool children to dilute the mass with water or compote. Useful therapy will improve the digestive tract, heart, and brain.
Contraindications
It has not only useful properties of cranberries. Contraindications are also available. Numerous therapeutic components can adversely affect the health status of certain ailments.
Even the most ripe and red fruits, by their nature, contain a huge amount of acid, which with diseases of the digestive tract, namely an ulcer or gastritis, will bring heavy sensations, severe cramping pains and severe consequences. Pregnant women should be especially careful. At the first pain or rash, it is important to immediately seek medical help,
People who are prone to sharp jumps in blood pressure or suffering from chronic hypotension are recommended to use cranberries in very small doses, after consulting with their doctor first. The berry contains many antioxidants and flavonoids, which reduce pressure and increase vascular elasticity.
Berry in cosmetology
Women appreciated the beneficial properties of cranberries and its versatility. Ripe fruits are not only used for the treatment and prevention of a number of diseases, but also in skin care. Berries with collagen fibers, which are part of masks, rejuvenate, brighten, restore elasticity, even out skin color and relief. And most importantly, the pulp and cranberry juice is suitable for any skin type and at any age.
The complex of B vitamins and valuable elements are useful for hair and nails. Natural strength gives shine to curls, reduces brittleness and cross-section. Homemade mask recipes are the best medicine for weak and damaged hair.
Magnesium and potassium are ideal for hands and nails. The valuable composition of the berry softens the skin, strengthens exfoliated nails and softens the cuticle. It is enough to rub a ripe cranberry pulp into the hands and nail plates several times a week.
Useful recipes for oily skin
Cranberry cosmetic masks at home for oily skin - a real salvation. They dry the skin, eliminate oily sheen and tighten pores. Juice and pulp of fruits can be used both in pure form and in combination with other useful ingredients.
The easiest way to prepare a mask: 2 tbsp. l rinse the berries, grind and squeeze the juice. Take a thin cotton cloth or gauze and moisten it in freshly squeezed juice. Squeeze the cloth slightly and cover your face for 20 minutes. After the remaining juice, wipe with a damp cotton swab.
It is important to cleanse and steam the skin well for better absorption. The procedure is repeated 2 times a week for 2 months.
Excellent oily skin care is achieved by using egg white. Take one chicken egg, separate the protein from the yolk and beat thoroughly. Add 1 tsp. cranberry juice and mix again. It is advisable to apply the mask as it dries several times for half an hour.
If the skin is very sensitive, then the concentrated juice must be diluted with boiled water in a ratio of 1: 1.
Fruit pulp is also good for oily skin. A few fresh berries are kneaded in a cup with a fork. The resulting mixture is applied to the face for 20 minutes. Over time, the face is rinsed with a decoction of herbs.
Eliminate peeling and dryness
Dry and aging skin also has its own beauty recipes. Effective masks include potato and egg masks.
For cooking, you need 1 tsp. squeezed cranberry juice and 1 tsp. starch. To the consistency of sour cream, the ingredients are mixed and applied to the face, with the exception of delicate skin of the eyelids. After 15 minutes, the composition is washed off with warm water, and the face is moisturized with a cream suitable for the type of skin.
The second mask is prepared according to the following recipe. Take 2 chicken yolks, 1 tbsp. l fat sour cream and 2 tsp. cranberry juice. The components are combined, mixed and applied to cleansed skin. They stand the mass for half an hour. To get the result you need to make 10-15 masks. The course is carried out continuously every week.
For expectant mothers
Women appreciated the beneficial properties of cranberries. During pregnancy, the fair sex often experience difficulty with urination. According to doctors, diseases of the urinary tract develop as a result of changes in hormonal levels. Progesterone is an important hormone necessary for mild pregnancy and normal fetal development. But, unfortunately, it can become a source of inflammation in the ureters, bladder and renal pelvis. Such a violation also provokes a known cystitis, pilonephritis and other ailments.
Cranberries will help overcome inflammatory processes by neutralizing harmful microorganisms. The substances that make up cranberry juice inhibit the development of bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. In addition, scientists have proved that a natural remedy is able to cope with bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Drinking 100 ml of fresh juice per day during an exacerbation of diseases will help get rid of the infection and alleviate the condition.
The treatment of pilonephritis and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system is carried out according to the following recipe. You need 300 g of berries, 1 tbsp. honey. Crush cranberries until pulp, add 1 liter of water and honey. Stir everything well and divide into two days. Drink 100-150 ml several times a day.
Faced with kidney jade, you can again turn to alternative methods of treatment. Cranberry kvass is one of the effective means. To prepare a chilled drink, take 0.5 kg of fresh cranberries in 2 liters of water, 0.5 kg of sugar and 50 g of yeast. At the first stage, crushed cranberries with sugar are boiled, and then yeast is poured so that a fermentation reaction appears. The resulting mass should be infused. When the kvass is ready, the drink is filtered and drunk 1 glass a day for two weeks.
Culinary masterpieces
At first glance, it seems that the use of wild berries is very small. However, cranberries make drinks, desserts, pastries, sauces.
It is worth noting that the berry is also unique in that it retains its valuable properties even after heat treatments. From cranberries, you can cook healthy and tasty jams or jellies. Experienced housewives actively add red fruits to sauerkraut, vegetable salads or meat and poultry dishes. Having shown imagination, you can give any dish additional value and attractiveness.
And what a taste cranberry sauce is famous for! The delicacy goes well with desserts, especially raspberries and citrus fruits. The sauce is perfect for meat, fish dishes.
In Western countries, dried cranberries became one of the traditional delicacies . In appearance, it is quite similar to large raisins, but the berry tastes sour and very fragrant. Today, dried fruit is in great demand in our area. Large and useful reserves can be prepared for the whole winter.
Who will refuse fragrant cranberry tincture? Prepared at home, a strong drink is perfect both for the festive table and for the treatment of the cardiovascular system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, joints.
In a 3-liter jar, pour the mashed cranberries - 0.5 kg. Add a bottle of vodka, 2 tbsp. water and 1 tbsp. Sahara. Mix the components, close the container with a lid and put it in a dark place for 7-10 days. Next, strain the drink through a sieve and can be taken as directed.
Harvest Secrets
Properly prepared fruits for a long time will retain valuable properties and help the body in the winter-spring period. Harvesting berries is best started after the first frost. To preserve the maximum amount of vitamins, it is recommended to freeze cranberries in a freezer or grind with sugar.
If you pour the berries in a glass container and put in a cool dark place, then you can apply cranberries for 3-4 months. You can extend the storage of fruits until mid-spring, pouring them with cold water. However, this method requires meticulous care of the workpiece. Every two weeks, water must be changed. The infused liquid is often not poured, and, adding sugar to taste, they drink instead of compote. It is important not to heat the berry during harvesting so as not to lose vitamins.
Herbal Benefits
Harvesting cranberries, it is not enough to collect red fruits. In folk medicine, young leaves of the bush are effectively used. The beneficial properties in greenery are not less than in the fruits themselves.
Leaves are usually used to make a decoction or tea. Soaked in a decoction swab make lotions for various skin diseases. In addition, the efficacy of medicinal infusion in the treatment of throat and sinusitis was noted.
But tea has long been among the most popular drinks. It is not only endowed with a pleasant aroma and taste, but also with valuable strength. A natural remedy can remove delayed salts, relieve heartburn and bloating, as well as reduce headaches.
Brewing such a miraculous drink is very simple. 1 tsp chopped leaves are poured into a mug and pour boiling water. The container is covered with a saucer and left for another 15 minutes. You can add honey to tea - so many useful substances will enter the body many times more.
Doctors very often advise their patients to use decoctions and infusions to prevent cancer.
Speaking about the beneficial properties of cranberries for the body, despite some contraindications, we can conclude that it belongs to the category of the most valuable products. In addition, the ripe fruits are not inferior in taste to other wild berries.
But remember that self-medication can only aggravate the situation and harm the body. Therefore, before deciding to conduct therapy with folk remedies, consult your doctor. Be healthy!