Yesterday I saw a wonderful recipe for cranberry cake. The topic aroused my appetite, as I am a fan of berries in all their colors and varieties. Those wild little fruits that are juicy and sweet in taste, Another piece of information states that grandmothers used it to dye lips and cheeks. And you may be wondering, dear, does cranberry help color the cheeks in a pinkish red color, The strange information is that some canary breeders, a bird with a melodious voice, use red carrots as food for orange, the sparrow’s feathers are colored Now, how about we go on a tour together to get to know this unique plant (cranberry).

You must have picked cranberries during a school trip. It is a good fruit to eat during the summer. But it’s not the only time we eat it. It is a meal that can be consumed throughout the year. frozen, dried, or in juice form.

You may be wondering what is cranberry?

Cranberries are small, hard, round red fruits. It has a flavor that many describe as sweet and sour. They grow on vines in freshwater swamps, Mostly in the northern United States and southern Canada, it is associated with blueberries.

Nutrition facts:

Cranberries contain nearly 90% water. But the rest consists of fiber, carbohydrates and fiber.

The nutrients in 1 cup (100 grams) of raw, unsweetened cranberries are:

• Calories: 46
• water: 87%
• Protein: 0,4 grams
• carbohydrates: 12,2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fiber: 4,6 grams
• Fats: 0,1

Cranberries mainly consist of carbohydrates and fiber. As for simple sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose, The rest is insoluble fibers like pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which pass through your intestines almost intact.

Cranberries also contain soluble fiber. For this reason, excessive consumption of cranberries may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea

On the other hand, you should know, dear, that cranberry juice does not contain fiber. And you can dilute it with other juices and sweeten it with sugar.

Vitamins and minerals

Cranberries are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Especially vitamin C.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, Vitamin C is known to be an antioxidant. It is needed to maintain your skin, muscles and bones.

Manganese is also found in this wild fruit. It is necessary for growth, metabolism and the body’s antioxidant system. Vitamin E is a class of antioxidant vitamins. fat soluble essential, Vitamin K1 is known as phylloquinone. Vitamin K1 is necessary for blood clotting.

copper is a trace element, it is often low in the western diet, Its deficiency may lead to harmful effects on heart health.

Top 6 health benefits of cranberries:

1. Rich in antioxidant compounds

Cranberries contain plant compounds that have a protective antioxidant effect. Most of these compounds are found in the skin of berries. As a result, it may lose its role during the afternoon.

2. It helps in the health of the urinary tract

Studies have shown that cranberries can help protect you from the risk of UTIs. This includes women and children. Your doctor may suggest that you take it as a nutritional supplement or drink its juice from time to time.

But eating it after infection does not treat the urinary tract. Then you should consult your doctor

3. May support heart health

Numerous studies support the idea that regular consumption of cranberry juice or extract supports heart health It reduces a number of the main risks of heart disease by improving the level of cholesterol and its balance, and lowering blood pressure and reducing a compound called homocysteine, known to damage the lining of blood vessels, However, it should be noted that some conflicting results have been reported from other similar studies.

4. Maintains oral health

Just like in the digestive system, cranberries help control harmful acids in your mouth. They reduce the amount of acid you make and prevent it from sticking to your teeth. This helps stop tooth decay, gum disease and prevent oral cancer.

5. May prevent stomach ulcers and stomach cancer

Cranberries contain a plant compound that prevents the risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori. This is because the consumption of cranberries rich in compounds reduces the incidence of ulcers and stomach cancer.

6. May protect against some types of cancer

Cranberries are one of the most important sources of ursolic acid. It is a plant compound that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic effects. It has been shown to be particularly beneficial for prostate cancer.

Safety and Side Effects:

Cranberry products are generally safe if taken in moderation. However, excessive intake causes upset stomach and diarrhea. It may increase the risk of developing kidney stones in predisposed individuals.

Kidney stones form when certain minerals reach a high concentration in the urine, which is often painful. You can reduce the risk through your diet.

Most kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate. Therefore, excess amounts of oxalate are a risk factor for developing kidney stones. In general, if you are prone to kidney stones, it is advised to stay away from eating cranberries.

How to prepare and eat cranberries

Come into your kitchen and make jelly or sauce, it will always be refreshing for you, spread some jelly or sauce on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or even a delicious turkey sandwich.

Also add it to your baked goods. It can be added on top of pastries with crunchy apples. Try Sara’s cranberry sandwich for a deliciously flavorful yet healthy dish.

These may not be the cheapest ways to eat this fruit. You may spend a lot of time preparing it. And pastries may affect the diet that you follow, But when you watch Sarapopfit’s sports programs and healthy recipes, you will eat all these delicious foods. And enjoy an abundant life and health. All love to you.

Written by: Siba Babi

Sources:

healthline

webmd