The taste of these sour fruits is known to almost everyone, it is a little tart, so usually cranberries are ground with sugar and served with honey. Berries are very useful during colds, as they contain a large amount of vitamin C. The cranberry itself is an evergreen shrub that can most often be found in swampy areas. The plant tolerates harsh climatic conditions, unpretentious. Some shrubs have been growing for over 100 years. The ripening period of the fruit falls on September-October.
Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 26 |
Protein in 100 g, (g): | 0.5 |
Fat in 100 g, (g): | 0.0 |
Carbohydrates per 100 g, (g): | 6.8 |
Glycemic index: | 45 |
Cranberries during pregnancy and breastfeeding
While carrying a baby, it is even recommended to include cranberries in the diet, it will allow a woman to cope with a number of problems:
- prevent the appearance of problems of the genitourinary sphere;
- prevent the development of caries;
- strengthen the walls of blood vessels;
- to establish placental blood circulation.
In addition, with the regular use of berries, a woman will forget about puffiness and will not catch a cold.
During breastfeeding, cranberries can be introduced into the mother's diet only 3 months after childbirth. There is also an opinion that the berry improves lactation, although there is no scientific evidence for this.
Contraindications
- Cranberries have several contraindications. Berries and dishes made from them will harm in the following situations:
- allergy;
- hypotension;
- gastrointestinal ulcer;
- hyperacid gastritis;
- stones in the kidneys;
- liver pathology.
The number of useful properties of cranberries is enormous. It is both a cure for diseases, and a component of delicious dishes, and a cosmetic product. It is important to consider contraindications and possible harm to the body. With proper use, the berries will only benefit.
Is it possible for cranberries for children
Cranberries are effective in boosting immunity and preventing rotavirus infections. Therefore, berries are recommended for inclusion in the children's diet. The fruits will also be useful during colds, as they relieve fever, reduce temperature, and have an expectorant effect. Berries will be useful for dysbiosis and skin diseases.
The berry can be included in the diet only after the baby reaches 3 years of age. As a medicine, it is given from 1 year. Such a late period of administration is due to the fact that the berries increase the acidity of the stomach, and the developing organism may not be able to cope with this.
The nutritional value
The energy value of the northern berry is very low. In noble varieties grown on plantations in Russia, it is somewhere from 20 to 30 kilocalories. In the wild, the nutritive value of the fruit is slightly higher, it is about 35 kilocalories per 100 g of the product. These indicators are low and attach the cranberry fruit to a dietary product, making it suitable for use for weight loss.
This feature makes cranberries in demand in dietary nutrition, which is invaluable in getting rid of excess body weight, obesity of any degree. This fact is especially important for the fair sex, who follow the ideal parameters of their figure.
In addition, the useful composition of the berries should be called:
- vitamins: B, C, K, A, PP, etc.;
- trace elements: calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, etc .;
- organic acids: citric, malic, benzoic;
- pectin;
- phenolic compounds that prevent the formation of cancer cells.
Cranberries are especially useful for women engaged in heavy production, since the substances that make up the cranberry fruits cleanse the body of heavy metals and chemical insoluble compounds.
Cranberry juice benefits
Fruit drink from berries is useful as a means of improving the work of the digestive tract, due to the presence of cobalt. It helps the nervous system to work harmoniously. Due to the presence of manganese, the drink stimulates the growth of bones in children, and in men it normalizes the functioning of the sex glands.
Thanks to vitamin P, fruit drink helps to eliminate the symptoms of fatigue and headaches. It stimulates the hormonal system and is recommended for use during colds.
In the last century, there have even been studies. Scientists managed to establish that fruit drink enhances the effect of antibacterial drugs. Especially if they are aimed at treating pyelonephritis and gynecological diseases.
To improve your well-being, it is enough to drink 2-3 glasses of fruit drink per day. The main thing is that it is made at home, does not contain dyes and preservatives.
Correct use of crane berry
The rules depend on the goal. Let's deal with the main cases separately.
Prevention of diseases of the genitourinary system.
250 ml of fresh juice is enough to strengthen the "defense". It will be difficult for fungi and infections to break through the immune shield. The northern lemon will finish off the "survivors", leaving no chance.
Pregnancy.
The snowdrop is a real salvation for those who are expecting a baby. A natural antibiotic has a shorter list of contraindications than a synthetic one. Side effects can occur only if the recommendations are not followed. I don't count the individual reaction. There is even an allergy to the sun.
Is it possible for pregnant women to take cranberries? Each case is different, so get your doctor's permission first. Please note that you cannot eat fresh fruits, prepare jelly or fruit drink. The daily rate is 250 ml.
Lactation.
An ambiguous situation. On the one hand, for infants, the crane is a relatively strong allergen. On the other hand, women need northern lemon more than ever. After childbirth, the pressure constantly "jumps". Often, hemoglobin drops, which the marsh berry is able to raise. The drink will increase the milk flow.
How to be? If you want not to harm the child and get benefits, drink half a glass of fruit drink a day. After drinking, strain the first milk to reduce the concentration of the substances. Watch your baby's reactions closely.
Cystitis.
In official medicine, snowdrop is used for the production of many antibiotics. To protect against cystitis, you can use the fruits of the bush in any form. Sweeten if you don't like the taste of fresh berries. The maximum dose is 4 tsp.
Diabetes.
Zhuravikha is unique in that it tries to "get" to the causes, and not just heal the symptoms. With the development of diabetes, the pancreas changes pathologically. This can lead to its complete destruction! To maintain the organ, you need to drink a glass of juice every day. Additionally, you will lower your glucose levels. With mild violations, it is usually possible to normalize the indicators.
Cold.
Conventionally, the amount eaten is not limited, but do not overdo it. Too large a serving will cause allergies and stomach pain. It is advisable to take a glass of bush fruits and grind them with sugar. Drinks will also help defeat troublemakers.
Slimming.
Try to eat the crane before meals. Enough 1 tbsp. l. fresh berries or juice at a time. Of course, you will have to give up sweetness. The total daily dose should not exceed 250 ml, otherwise then you will have to deal with gastritis.
What does cranberry cure for?
First of all, cranberries are used as a means to increase immunity and in the presence of vitamin deficiency. For these purposes, it is best to prepare fruit drink, for which 0.5 kg of fruit is crushed and poured with 1 liter of water. Boil for 15 minutes, filter and cool. Drinking fruit drink is recommended with the addition of honey.
The fruits are recommended for use in case of respiratory diseases and inflammation of the gums. It has antibacterial properties and helps prevent tooth decay.
The juice is used as a means of removing "harmful" cholesterol from the body. It helps prevent blood clots and improves vascular elasticity. The juice is also recommended in the presence of tuberculosis and gynecological diseases.
When to collect and how to store correctly?
Cranberries can be harvested at different times:
- Most often this berry is harvested in September. During this period, the fruits are hard, not quite ripe, it is required that they “reach” after harvest.
- The most useful berry can be picked at the end of autumn along with the onset of the first frost, then it acquires a richer taste.
- Fruits not harvested in the fall, can be removed from the bush in the spring after the snow melts, such a berry is less acidic, but less stored.
Due to the natural preservatives included in its composition, cranberries can be stored for a long time simply in the refrigerator (several weeks), and if you pour it with water, then much longer.
How to properly store berries in the cellar
To store cranberries in the cellar, you need to put the washed, dried berries in jars and pour boiled sugar water. With this method, the fruits will last a long time, but they will contain more water.
How to properly freeze cranberries
In modern conditions, if all freezers are available, the simplest, most convenient and preserving maximum vitamins way of storing berries is freezing. In order to properly preserve the fruits by this method, you need to lay out dry and clean berries on a tray or other container, place them in the freezer.
Only after the cranberries are frozen will it be possible to put them in airtight bags.
How to grind cranberries with sugar for the winter
Another great way to store cranberries is to rub them with sugar. In order to do this right, you need to take clean, dried berries and twice as much sugar.
Place the ingredients in a non-metallic bowl and stir by pressing with a spoon (ceramic or wooden). In order to prevent the oxidation process from occurring, it is not recommended to use metal dishes (including a blender).
Put the resulting mass in sterile jars, leaving a little space for the resulting juice, close and put in a cool place. If you have no contraindications, then you should definitely try this tasty, healthy berry and constantly use it in your diet.
It should be remembered that cranberries are an excellent prophylactic agent, but in case of diseases, you should not rely only on this berry. For treatment, you need to consult a doctor, and use cranberries as an additional remedy.
How to take cranberries medicinally
During a cold, it is recommended to consume a hot drink with cranberries. To do this, make a drink according to the same recipe as fruit drink, only use it warm. It is advisable before bedtime, so that after drinking the drink, immediately lie under the covers.
If you suffer from bronchitis, then mix in equal parts honey and grated cranberries, and eat a tablespoon of the mixture 3 times throughout the day. Mandatory before meals.
Crushed fruits rub the gums in the presence of periodontal disease.
Cranberries are used as a remedy for high blood pressure. To do this, steamed a tablespoon of fruit in a thermos for 4 hours. Then the composition is drunk throughout the day, divided into 3 doses.The tincture must be drunk before a meal.
And if you add a tablespoon of honey to 200 ml of cranberry juice and gargle with such a mixture, you can get rid of sore throat as quickly as possible.
To eliminate the symptoms of cystitis, you need to drink 1.5 glasses of juice daily. And as a preventive measure against the development of this disease, it is recommended to drink 300 ml of juice daily. Also, the juice will help prevent the development of varicose veins, which is today a real scourge of modern mankind.
In case of constipation, it is recommended to mix equal parts of cranberry and beetroot juice, use ¼ cup 3 times throughout the day.
For medicinal decoctions and tinctures, the bark and leaves of the plant are used.
Sour secrets
Because of its taste, the snowdrop is often bypassed. In vain! It is the acids that "start" the stomach and kill bacteria. The properties of the product are almost not lost during heat treatment, so you can cook delicious pies and compotes. A natural gift is able to remove carcinogens from the body, prevent cancer. What else can a northern lemon do?
- Burn cholesterol right in your food. Why do chefs add crane to many fatty dishes? It not only makes the taste spicy, but also neutralizes harmful lipids.
- Calm the nervous system. Indulge yourself with fruit drinks and smoothies more often in the evening to help you sleep well. Shrub fruits relieve stress and tension.
- Get rid of bacterial diseases of the genitourinary system.
- Stop or at least slow down the development of oncology, prevent the formation of metastases.
- Strengthen the walls of blood vessels. Snowdrop "expels" excess fluid and lowers blood pressure. It is a natural protection against stroke and heart attack.
- Rejuvenate the skin. Collagen production requires two components: lutein and anthocyanin. The last one you get from the cranberries. Pumpkin and its juice are the record holders for the content of lutein. Celery also contains a small amount of beauty "serum".
- Reduce weight. Fiber cleanses the digestive tract, removing a whole layer of food debris, and tannins improve metabolism.
- Improve memory. If you want to achieve the best results, refer to the dedicated exercise suite and applications. This is especially useful for children who have not yet developed primary concentration skills.
Planning to use cranberries for your treatment? Be sure to take the course under the supervision of a doctor. If you are only interested in prevention, then it is enough to adhere to the recommendations and familiarize yourself with the contraindications. How to get the maximum effect?
The use of cranberries in cosmetology
Cranberries will help to cope with skin rashes, relieve irritation. To do this, you can simply wipe your face with cranberry juice.
You can make a small amount of gruel from the fruit and apply it on the face for 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. This mask will help get rid of acne.
Since ancient times, berries have been used as a remedy for head lice. To do this, grind 0.5 kg of fruits in a meat grinder and the resulting mixture is applied to the hair for 30 minutes. Then they wash off and wash their hair with regular shampoo.
To improve the structure of the nail plate and stimulate its growth, it is recommended to rub cranberry juice into the nails and skin around it at least 3 times a week.
To cope with the increased oily skin of the face, the juice of the berries is mixed with egg white and applied to the face for 7 minutes, after which it is washed off with running water.
Cooking drinks
Compote, fruit drink and jelly are popular.
Compote.
Traditional treat. For a glass of northern lemon, take half a glass of sugar and 1 liter of water. Rinse the berries and mash to make a gruel. Squeeze out. Send the cake to the pan. Brought to a boil? Remove sediment, mix with sugar and juice. As additional ingredients, you can "attract" apples (2 pcs.), Citrus zest and vanilla.
Morse.
Why is it drunk more often than juice and compote? The concentration of nutrients in it is lower, therefore, the healing liquid has a mild effect on the body. Rinse with 250 ml of fruit, pour 1.5 liters of cold water and mix with half a glass of sugar. The pan is kept on the stove for several minutes. Strain at the end. It is acceptable to sweeten it if it is too sour.
Kissel.
You will need 2 tbsp. l. starch, 2 liters of water and a glass of sugar and cranes. Pour the gruel, add sugar and boil for 10 minutes. Remove sediment, return to stove. Take up starch. Dissolve it in water (100 ml) and slowly pour into a bubbling piece. Is it boiling again? Remove from heat and wait. The drink will be thick soon enough.