What else is useful for this berry, popular in our latitudes
Scientists, doctors, nutritionists unanimously repeat that cranberries are one of the best antioxidants. And this superfood is located next to us. One condition – do not interfere with the stick in other berries. That is, if you cook fruit drinks, or cook a cranberry pie, it should not contain other berries.
Doctors and nutritionists will confirm that cranberries are a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Dark red berries with a characteristic sourness are rich in pectin, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, leucoanthocyanins, catechins, betaine, macro- and microelements, vitamins of group B, PP, K1, C, and also contain potassium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper, calcium, iodine and zinc. And this is not a complete list of cranberry virtues.
It is important to note that we are not talking about sweet sauces or berry jelly. Cranberries do not need to be mixed with other berries and fruits. Especially useful is fresh cranberries, which are not difficult to find on sale, regardless of the season. Moreover, the unique berry does not lose its beneficial properties even when frozen. Which ones? Let’s find out.
CRANBERRY IS ONE OF THE BEST ANTIOXIDANTS
You probably did not know that cranberries are recognized as one of the most effective antioxidants, as they neutralize the oxidative effects of free radicals more successfully than other berries, in particular blueberries. By adding cranberries to the menu every day, you will look and feel great, forgetting about your age.
CRANBERRY FIGHTS INFLAMMATION
Phytonutrients (bioactive components that have a positive effect on health) contained in cranberries serve as an excellent prevention of inflammation, successfully coping with existing and chronic ones. In folk medicine, the berry has been used since ancient times for anti-inflammatory therapy of the oral cavity and is considered simply an indispensable tool in the fight against infections of the genitourinary system.
CRANBERRY STRENGTHENS IMMUNITY
In the off-season, the popularity of cranberries breaks all records, because this berry literally oozes vitamins C and B, providing the body with the necessary support during the cold and spring slush. Cranberries have also been proven to help you get over colds and flu faster.
CRANBERRY CLEANSES THE LIVER AND VESSELS
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of superfood help to detoxify the liver and the body as a whole. Cranberries have a positive effect on the vascular system, preventing the growth of cholesterol plaques, maintaining blood flow activity and protecting against blood clots, which allows all systems in the body to function more vigorously and more smoothly. But it is important to drink pure cranberry juice, without the addition of other berries and dried fruits.
CRANBERRY HELPS REGULATE BLOOD SUGAR
The impressively low sugar content sets cranberries apart from other berries and fruits. Studies by nutritionists confirm that it is able to curb the spikes in blood sugar that often accompany eating high-calorie meals. Adding berries to fatty meals – at least in the form of cranberry sauce – is useful for anyone who monitors glucose and insulin levels.
CRANBERRY PROMOTES DIGESTION
Vitamin berry improves appetite and normalizes digestion. Plus, cranberries have a lot of fiber – a handful of fruits contains about five grams. Fiber is important for the functioning of the digestive tract, promoting regular bowel movements, and is useful for weight control, as it keeps you feeling full longer, which therefore reduces the likelihood of overeating.
CRANBERRY IS LOW CALORIES
There are really very few calories in cranberries – in the same handful there are only 50 of them. For comparison: a medium-sized banana has about 110 calories, and a handful of blueberries has 80. Which confirms that cranberries are a sure way to fight excess weight.
In addition, thanks to its exquisite sourness and light sweetness, cranberries will add an exquisite note to culinary experiments. Feel free to pour it into porridge, yogurt, salads, smoothies, salsa, roasts, pastries – this super-berry is worthy not only of desserts.
