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The beneficial properties of cranberries have been known to mankind for a long time. The berries are more popular than the fruits of their closest relatives - blueberries and blueberries. This is not surprising, because cranberries are a real storehouse of healing substances that diversify the health of the human body. And its correct and moderate use will help maintain health for many years.

Plant characteristics

Despite the fact that cranberries are not particularly demanding on the composition of the soil, cultivating cranberries is associated with some difficulties, because its growing conditions can rightfully be called special. Most often, fruit procurement is carried out on the basis of wild reserves.

Where to find thickets

Large-fruited and common cranberries are considered the most valuable for medicinal purposes. The first species is most common in the Appalachian Mountains. It is cultivated on an industrial scale in special artificial swamps.

Common cranberries are widely distributed throughout Russia. An exception is the territory of Kuban, Caucasus Mountains and Volga region. In Europe, cranberries grow north of France, in the territory North America- almost all over Canada.

The second name for common cranberries is swamp. It fully characterizes the plant’s requirements for its growth conditions. Cranberries require high soil moisture, so they grow in swamps, moistened by underground and surface sources, and less often on swampy banks of rivers and lakes. Cranberries are also capable of forming thickets in forests of coniferous trees.

The main condition for the normal functioning of cranberries is the presence of sphagnum or moss litter, since the supply of cranberries with the necessary microelements occurs due to coexistence with fungi and lichens. Access to open sun rays has little effect on the quality of fruiting of common cranberries; sufficient moisture for a good harvest of berries is much more important.

Botanical description

The plant is one of the evergreen shrub species. Due to its small size, people often call it grass.

• Roots. The plant has a taproot system. Also, all species are characterized by the presence of a large number of adventitious roots that grow from shoots and provide them with moisture and substances necessary for development.
• Stems. Bendable, thread-like, capable of widespread rooting. Length reaches 30 cm.
• Leaves. They have an oblong ovoid shape and solid edges. Small, maximum length 1.5 cm, width 0.6 cm. They are located alternately on the branches, attached using short petioles. The top of the leaf blade is dark green, the bottom is almost white. The striking contrast is due to the presence of a thick layer of waxy coating at the bottom of the leaf, which is necessary to protect the gas-exchange organs of the plant from moisture when the water level changes.
• Fruit. Cranberries bear fruit in the second year of their development. The berries appear immediately after flowering ends, but ripen for a long time - until October. They have a round or elliptical shape. It is these that birds eat, after which they spread the seeds over long distances, ensuring the spread of cranberries. After birds eat the seeds, an increase in their ascending activity is observed.

The main condition for the normal development of cranberry bushes is the presence of special fungi in the soil, with which the cranberry root system grows tightly together, forming mycorrhiza. This point is very important for the concentration of minerals in the berries, since it is the fungi that ensure their entry into the plant itself. In turn, the cranberry bush provides the fungus with organic substances, their derivatives after photosynthetic reactions. It has been proven that without the formation of mycorrhiza, cranberries quickly weaken, begin to hurt, and ultimately die from a lack of mineral compounds.

Preparation of medicinal raw materials

Dried common cranberries lose a large amount useful substances, so they are prepared in fresh. A characteristic feature is that the berry has a very complex chemical composition, keeps well in water. The collected fruits, after final ripening, are poured with ordinary cold water in jars or wooden barrels, where they can be stored until the next season.

Collection is often done manually, using special wooden hooks. They are convenient for raising branches for better access to berries, which can be collected at different times of the year. The biological value of the fruit depends on this.

• Collected in September. Berries untouched by frost ripen in boxes and contain the greatest amount of valuable substances.
• Collected after the first frost. Then the berry becomes sweeter, but loses points in terms of beneficial properties.
• Collected in early spring. The sweetest berry is after the snow melts. Regarding their health properties, such fruits are considered the least valuable.

It is correct to freeze not just picked, but also fully ripe cranberries that have been lying in a dark place for some time. The berries are washed with cold water, dried on a paper towel, and then frozen, spreading the raw materials in a thin layer on a wide dish. After three hours, the berries can be poured into a container or plastic bag.

To improve the taste, cranberries collected in time, but at the same time very sour, are preserved with sugar. The berries are ground with granulated sugar or filled with whole berries, but not just with water, but with concentrated sugar syrup.

Healing composition of fruits

Cranberries are considered one of the most healthy berries, because their chemical composition is simply amazing in its richness and diversity.

• Sahara. Contains mono- and disaccharides (glucose, fructose, sucrose), as well as high-molecular carbohydrates represented by dietary fiber and pectin. All carbohydrate compounds take part in metabolism, are sources of energy for the human body, and are consumed by absolutely all its cells.
• Organic acids. Represented by tartaric, oxalic, quinic, chlorogenic, ursolic, benzoic, succinic, ketobutyric, oleic, ketoglutaric acids. All of them are active participants in protein and fat metabolism. Many of these acids affect the level of energy consumption by cells, increasing it. They trigger metabolic processes, accelerate metabolism, and participate in the formation of cell membranes. Most acids have bactericidal, anti-inflammatory properties, and reduce blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Flavonoids. Quercetin, betaine. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels, normalize blood viscosity, and have an antioxidant effect.
• Other substances. In small quantities, cranberries contain catechins, leukoanthocyanins, and glycosidic compounds. All of them have an antioxidant effect, hepato- and cardioprotective effects, and normalize metabolic processes. Tannins give cranberries astringent, enveloping, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamins. Cranberries are considered a vitamin-rich plant due to their high concentration of vitamins. Among them are vitamin C, K, E, as well as B vitamins. They regulate the occurrence of redox reactions in the body, and therefore are necessary for the performance of all physiological functions.
• Minerals. Cranberries are the leader in potassium content, as well as calcium and iron. Among the trace elements in cranberries, there are quite rare ones: cobalt, lead, silver, nickel, titanium, chromium. Cranberries also contain familiar but vital minerals: sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium.

Scientists were able to isolate more than 20 different microelements from cranberries, and the same amount organic compounds of different nature. It is the complex composition that doctors consider to be the basis for the many healing properties of cranberries.

Beneficial properties of cranberries

The medicinal properties of cranberries are based on the content of a large number of biologically active substances that improve the health of individual systems and the human body as a whole.

The extensive therapeutic properties of the berries can be used for a variety of diseases.

• For hypertension. IN folk medicine The use of cranberries for blood pressure is popular. It is worth saying that from the point of view official medicine, berries should be used as part of complex therapy for hypertension. In this case, it is possible to achieve positive dynamics in the course of the disease, as well as stabilization of the patient’s condition.
• For digestive diseases. The berries are used as a gastroprotective agent, as well as to stimulate the pancreas and gall bladder. Indications for use: hypoacid form of gastritis, cholecystitis. Regular consumption of berries is recommended for people suffering from diabetes. Fruits regulate sugar levels and improve cell sensitivity to insulin.
• For genitourinary problems. Cranberry eliminates inflammation in pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, cystitis, urethritis, and inflammation of the bladder. Having a mild diuretic effect, cranberries help cope with swelling and fluid stagnation. The plant also helps prevent the formation of kidney stones and remove existing small deposits. Relaxation of smooth muscles facilitates this process with minimal pain. For any gynecological diseases, cranberry helps eliminate the inflammatory process, prevent it from becoming chronic, and protects against the formation of cysts and polyps.
• With ARVI. Cranberries, tea with them, jam, fruit juice will help reduce body temperature and symptoms of a feverish state. The use of cranberries for coughs is based on a mild bronchodilator effect, which facilitates the removal of mucus and reduces the risk of a cold developing into bronchitis. Rinsing the mouth and throat helps cope with pharyngitis, laryngitis, sore throat, and stomatitis.
• For immunodeficiencies. Cranberries are recommended for use by people suffering from a chronic decrease in immunity, as well as during the recovery period after illnesses and operations.
• For CNS disorders. Cranberries have mild sedative and muscle relaxant properties. Can be used during periods of increased mental and physical activity to ensure the body's resistance to stress and maintain clarity of thinking. Cranberry helps cope with seasonal depression, asthenic conditions and insomnia.

Use fresh berries cranberries will serve as an excellent preventive measure for all of the listed ailments. In addition, it will help prevent premature aging of the body.

Recipes

There are many recipes for obtaining effective cranberry medicines at home. The most popular are cranberry juice and tincture.

Alcohol tincture

Peculiarities. Alcohol tincture is used to prevent atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, as a general tonic, to lower blood pressure, and for stomach ulcers.

Preparation and use

1. A glass of cranberries is covered with a glass of sugar and placed in a warm bright place for ten days.
2. Add a glass of medical alcohol to the resulting mixture.
3. Infuse in a dark place for five days, then filter.
4. Take a tablespoon twice or thrice a day, on an empty stomach.

Vodka remedy

Peculiarities. It is used for all indications characteristic of cranberries. Vodka tincture is less strong than alcohol tincture, so it is gentler on the stomach.

Preparation and use

1. To prepare cranberry tincture, a glass of berries is pounded in a mortar or crushed in a blender to a mushy consistency.
2. In a saucepan, heat a glass of water to a boil. Add a glass of sugar and bring to a boil again.
3. Mix the ground berries and sugar syrup.
4. Add a glass of high-quality pure vodka to the mixture.
5. Leave for a month in a dark place, shaking occasionally.
6. Strain through cheesecloth into a convenient bottle.
7. Take a tablespoon twice a day.

Peculiarities. Very effective as an antipyretic for colds. Suitable for the treatment of renal diseases.

Preparation and use

1. Grind a glass of ripe berries into porridge.
2. Pour in three liters of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Add sugar, honey, and spices to taste.
4. Take a glass orally, up to six times a day.

Treatment with cranberries in the presence of chronic diseases requires prior approval from the attending physician.

Other Applications

The berries are actively used in cooking for desserts, baking, and preparing various sauces for meat dishes. They are also used in the alcohol industry, as a base for cranberry liqueur or for flavoring vodka.

Cranberry extract and its juice are used in cosmetology. Diluted with water, it helps eliminate acne and pustular rashes, prevent the formation of scars, and also eliminate rashes of an allergic nature.

Cranberry juice and whole fruits are used to prevent cancer of the prostate, mammary glands, and female genital organs. Rinsing your mouth with diluted juice helps prevent tooth decay and whiten tooth enamel.

The berry is also used for weight loss. The “cranberry diet” involves avoiding flour and fatty foods, as well as drinking a special drink on an empty stomach (a glass clean water with the addition of two teaspoons of cranberry juice). According to reviews, the result of the diet is two to three kilograms per week.

What is the danger?

Side effects from cranberry treatment can include decreased blood pressure, heartburn, pain in the right hypochondrium, and dyspeptic disorders. In this case, the use of berries should be stopped and continued after a few days, reducing the dosage by a third.

Cranberry contraindications:

• hyperacid gastritis;
• any form of liver disease;
• taking antiplatelet drugs;
• tendency to thrombosis;
• individual sensitivity.

Doctors advise using cranberries with caution during pregnancy. Despite the hypoallergenic nature of the berry, allergic reactions are still possible during pregnancy. It is undesirable to consume any amount of cranberries for gout due to the risk of deposition of purine compounds and urates. Cranberries are harmful if they are consumed against the background of hypotension, since a further decrease in pressure can lead to loss of consciousness.

With proper preparation and storage of berries, the benefits of cranberries for maintaining health and eliminating existing pathologies are simply invaluable. Even experienced doctors confirm that the mild tonic and strengthening effect of the berry can be used for most diseases studied. But for safety reasons, it is better to consult your doctor about taking cranberries.

It's golden autumn outside and it's such a pity to part with the summer benefits and pleasures that we received from fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits. Today is an article about the autumn berry cranberry, which has incredible benefits for our body.

Cranberry has persistent climatic features and thanks to them, the majority grows in Russia. Of course in Scandinavian countries there is also plenty of it, but there is no such rich harvest as in Russia. Mostly cranberries grow in swamps and peat bogs and this berry ripens in late autumn.

There are many berries in nature, but one of the most useful is cranberry. Sucrose, fructose, carotene, and almost half of the periodic table are contained in this healthy cranberry. The amount of vitamin C is greater than in citrus fruits.

Cranberries have enormous health benefits and are often recommended as a dietary supplement. It is full of various vitamins and also contains many antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. 100 gm of cranberry juice will perfectly charge you with energy and the necessary dose of proteins and carbohydrates.

Cranberries are a versatile food, making them preferred for food and medicinal uses. It is used for a variety of symptoms, diseases and disorders.

Calorie content of cranberries

Cranberries are a low-calorie product. 100 g of Cranberries contains only about 46 kcal. There are 0 fats, 0 cholesterol, proteins and sugars are also quite small compared to the many minerals.

The benefits of cranberries for the body. 8 useful properties

1. Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections reach the bladder and as a result can lead to pain when urinating and in severe cases can cause serious symptoms such as tremors and fever. According to doctors, drinking a glass of cranberry juice without sugar every day reduces the likelihood of infection of the genitourinary tract.

Cranberry juice will help prevent infections because it contains proanthocyanidins, substances that prevent the growth of bacteria present on the bladder wall. Cranberry juice contains compounds that inhibit the growing bacteria and helps get rid of them by excreting them in the urine. Another important function of this berry: it is a powerful antibiotic in treating kidney infections and viruses.

2. Cardiovascular system

Cranberries contain flavonoids, which help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by strengthening the walls of blood vessels and making them more elastic. Heart and artery diseases occur due to high intake of fats and cholesterol. These diseases can lead to stroke and heart attack. The proportion of “bad cholesterol” is significantly reduced when cranberries are eaten. Cranberry also has calming properties, which has a beneficial effect on people experiencing great emotional stress.

3. Prevention of caries

Drinking cranberries and cranberry juice will help prevent tooth decay. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidin, a compound that prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth. If bacteria are absent, production is reduced and periodontal disease is prevented. For good oral hygiene, eat cranberries or cranberry juice. It is best to consume natural cranberry juice, as store-bought juices contain excessive amounts of sugar.

4. Cancer prevention

Cranberries also contain compounds that prevent the growth of cancer cells. Many studies have shown that dietary supplements that contain flavonoids help reduce the risk of cancer by preventing the growth of cancer cells. Cranberry juice prevents the growth of prostate and colon and breast cancer. Oncologists recommend cranberry juice. Regular consumption of cranberry juice can prevent the development of cancer cells.

5. Cranberries prevent stomach ulcers

The bacteria Helicobacter Pylori are usually responsible for the formation of ulcers in the stomach. The protective layer of the duodenum and stomach attacked by Helicobacter often leads to irritation of the gastric mucosa.

Cranberries, along with some other foods such as apples and garlic, help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers. They also help in preventing the further development of H. pylori bacteria. Cranberry juice is recommended by doctors for stomach infections, as many studies have shown that people who drank the juice had 50% better stomach conditions compared to people who did not take cranberry juice.

6. Cranberries will help fight common infections

The beneficial properties of cranberries are complemented by their ability to reduce fever if you drink warm fruit juice. Cranberry juice will help get rid of cough. Cranberries will help in the treatment of runny nose, flu viruses and throat diseases. Cranberry juice is known to have a soothing effect on the respiratory tract, which helps prevent the causes of respiratory infections in children. Antioxidants contained in cranberries

7. Anti-aging properties of cranberries

Cranberries are very useful for rejuvenating the body, as they contain a large amount of antioxidants (polyphenol). For comparison - drinking a glass apple juice, the body receives approximately 0.53 mg of polyphenol. For cranberry juice, this figure is about 567 mg of polyphenol.

Therefore, you can often see this berry in cosmetology as part of skin care products. Also, cranberry juice contains a high concentration of antioxidants and vitamin C, B3 and B5, which improve skin cells and prevent the development of wrinkles and spots on the skin. All this is caused environmental factors and the sun. Cranberry juice contains ingredients that help fight aging.

8. Prevent scurvy with cranberries

Beneficial uses of cranberries with honey

Cranberries with honey are not only very healthy, but also a delicious treat. By combining cranberries and honey, we will thereby strengthen well. If you prepare a cranberry-honey cocktail with vodka or a cranberry-beetroot tincture, then you are not afraid of colds. To combat a cough, a simple mixture of cranberries and honey helps, take a few spoons a day - it’s tasty and very effective.

Harm of cranberries

A large amount of cranberries in the diet has its side effects.

Cranberries have a number of powerful effects on the body, so you need to consume them in moderation so as not to harm your health:

Teeth

For people with dental problems, eating cranberries is contraindicated, as cranberry juice will destroy weak enamel.

Gastrointestinal problems

It is not recommended to take cranberries during an exacerbation of an ulcer, with duodenal disease, and it is also contraindicated for people with high acidity gastritis. Berry acids can irritate the mucous membranes of internal organs. Cranberry juice may cause stomach upset or diarrhea.

Diabetes

Store-bought cranberry juice contains a high dose of sugar, so people with diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance should avoid drinking sugary drinks.

Read more: How to effectively lower blood sugar at home. Products. Folk remedies

Allergy

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Benefits of cranberries video

" Cranberry

Cranberry is a fairly famous berry.. It grows in the swamps in wildlife in the northern regions of our country. It ripens in the fall much later than other types of berries.

It has earned its popularity due to its many beneficial properties.

Cranberries are simply unique in their composition, namely the presence of vitamins and minerals in them.

The berries contain:

1. A whole set of vitamins such as K, A, PP, groups B and C. Most of all it contains vitamin C (ascorbic acid).
2. Minerals (potassium, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, boron, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, silver).
3. Organic acids. The composition contains only natural acids of plant origin (citric, ursolic, chlorogenic, benzoic, oleanolic).
4. Antioxidants and catechins.
5. Polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are present only in grains.

Cranberries are not even a high-calorie berry. It contains only about 30 kcal per 100 grams.

Protein, sugar, fats and carbohydrates are present in it in fairly small quantities. But it has a high fiber content.

Product of the day. Cranberry:

Beneficial and healing properties for the human body

Cranberries are valued for their many beneficial qualities for the human body. These include:

1. Normalization of metabolic processes. Helps in removing all toxins and toxic substances from the body.
2. Reducing high blood pressure.
3. Strengthening capillaries.
4. Normalizes blood cholesterol levels. Prevents the formation of blood clots and plaques in blood vessels and thins the blood well.
5. Antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect. Well reduces high fever during colds and flu. Helps the body fight against intoxication.
6. Strengthening the immune system. Cranberry eliminates vitamin deficiency, being a kind of source for giving strength and vigor to the body.
7. Prevention of the formation of malignant tumors in the body.
8. Improved concentration.
9. Analgesic effect for headaches or pain in women during menstruation.
10. Strengthening the nervous system, hair and nails.

About the benefits of cranberries for the body:

Possible health hazards and contraindications

Along with other products, this berry also has its own contraindications for use. These include the following indicators:

• cranberry allergy. It manifests itself mainly in the form of allergic manifestations on the skin. It can be in the form of a rash, redness of the skin, itching. Therefore, it is contraindicated for women during breastfeeding, as well as for children under 3 years of age;
• presence of stomach or intestinal ulcers. and various types gastritis. You should not eat cranberries during an exacerbation of these diseases;
• low pressure(hypotension);
• presence of urolithiasis, gout, liver diseases.

Cranberry juice must be diluted with water before use.

Traditional methods of treating various diseases

Cranberries are widely used in folk medicine for the treatment and prevention of various diseases.

For colds and flu

Cranberry has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and makes a person sweat. Thanks to this, it reduces heat well.

Drinks made from it quench your thirst. For colds, you need to drink cranberry infusion.

Cooking method: Crush the berries (1 cup) and pour boiling water (1 liter). The resulting solution is brought to a boil, infused, then filtered. Drink 1 glass several times throughout the day.

For hypertension

Berries, fruit juice or jelly made from them have a good diuretic effect on the human body. At the same time, potassium is not washed out of the body.

Additionally, potassium is contained in the berries themselves. It helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels, maintains their tone, thereby helping to normalize blood pressure.

One of the recipes cranberry drink for hypertension: Crush 2 cups of berries, add 0.5 cups of granulated sugar, add 1 cup of water.

Stir the resulting mixture, bring to a boil and strain. Dilute the mixture in the amount of several teaspoons with hot water and drink it as tea.

Benefits for sore throat

IN in this case use cranberry juice. They can be gargled and consumed internally. To rinse, the juice must first be diluted by half with water.

When ingested, prepare the following remedy:: cranberry juice and beet juice, honey, vodka are mixed together in equal proportions.

The mixture is infused for 3 days, stirring occasionally every day. The finished composition is taken 1 tablespoon approximately an hour before meals.

For cystitis

Cranberry acts on the body as an anti-inflammatory, diuretic and antiseptic. The proanthocyanidin it contains prevents bacteria that cause cystitis from accumulating on the walls of the bladder.

To strengthen the immune system and eliminate vitamin deficiency

Cranberry, due to its composition, helps strengthen the immune system and saturate the human body with vitamins, especially in the spring.

Second drink option: cranberries grated with sugar (2 tablespoons) are poured with boiling water and infused. The finished drink is drunk like regular tea.

Cranberry is a rejuvenating berry:

Cranberries during pregnancy

Cranberries also benefit pregnant women. This can be explained by the large amount of ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is able to protect a woman from viruses and infections at this time, helps strengthen the immune system well.

You can add a little honey to enhance the benefits. Cranberries should be consumed in this form in a 3-to-3 mode., that is, 3 days on, 3 days off.

Cranberries are also used as a means to prevent kidney and urinary tract diseases. Every month, a pregnant woman's uterus grows larger. This leads to stagnation of urine and the appearance of cystitis or urethritis.

To avoid these troubles You should drink diluted fresh cranberry juice every day. It helps improve blood flow in the placenta and maintain the tone of the blood vessels of a pregnant woman.

Pregnant women You should not eat cranberries in any form during the last stages of pregnancy.. It increases acidity breast milk, it harms the child. The timing of discontinuation is determined by the doctor.

Application in cosmetology

Cranberries have also found their use in cosmetology. It copes well with skin diseases, such as scrofula, psoriasis, lichen, allergic skin rashes, burns. In all these cases, cranberry lotions or ointment are used.

To prepare the ointment you will need berries (2 tablespoons), petroleum jelly (50 g) and lanolin (50 g). The fruits are ground and squeezed. Vaseline and lanolin are added to the resulting juice. Stir until smooth.

Place the ointment in the refrigerator for storage.. Apply as needed, applying a thin layer to damaged skin.

In addition, cranberries are part of many cosmetics for face and body. It helps to gently cleanse the skin of dead cells and nourishes it.

Processing methods

Cranberries can be eaten not only in their raw form. There are quite a few ways to process it.

The most famous include:

1. Cranberries mashed with sugar. To do this, 2 kg of ripe berries are ground using a blender and mixed with 3 kg of granulated sugar. It can be stored for quite a long time in the refrigerator or simply in a cool place.
2. Cranberry jelly. A solution of 1 tbsp. spoons of starch and 1 tbsp. Cold water is poured into water with sugar and crushed cranberries. Cook the mixture until it thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Then juice is poured into the resulting jelly, mixed and removed from the heat. Kissel is ready to eat.
3. Cranberry jam. It can be cooked from just one cranberry, or it can be made with various additives, such as apples. 1 kg of apples, 1 kg of berries, 2 cups of chopped walnuts are poured with pre-prepared syrup and put on low heat. Cook the mixture for 30 minutes with constant stirring. The finished jam is transferred to sterilized jars and sealed.
4. Morse. Berries (0.5 kg) are crushed in a blender and the juice is squeezed out. Pour water into the remaining berries and boil for 5-10 minutes. The resulting broth must be filtered and the squeezed juice added to it. You can add sugar or honey to the fruit drink to taste.

Cranberries keep well even when fresh. within a few months. To store them, choose a well-ventilated and cool place.

The berries themselves must be ripe and well dried. In addition, cranberries can be frozen or dried, which increases their shelf life.

Cranberries should be present in every person's diet. It brings many benefits to humans and is a kind of natural antibiotic. But at the same time, you should not forget about some of its contraindications.

The beneficial properties of cranberries have been valued at all times and have been a source of food for northern peoples. Entire villages followed her into the swamps, bringing home red, sour berries. She is loved not only by people; wild animals do not refuse her either. For example, a brown bear is not averse to eating juicy, vitamin-rich berries. But before eating the berry, a modern person should know what cranberries are: beneficial properties and contraindications.

Wild cranberries are a member of the Heather family and are common in northern latitudes. This is a close “relative” of lingonberries, blueberries, and blueberries. It is a small, green subshrub with spreading shoots. The berries growing in the swamp are quite small (up to 16 mm in diameter). In the places where they grow, everything is covered with a “red carpet”.

The shape of the fruit is round, in some varieties it resembles an ellipse. Colors change depending on ripeness. Unripe cranberries are pink with light sides and a dense consistency, while ripe ones are bright red and juicy.

Cranberries are late berries, ripening in September-October. It is believed that a fully ripe berry is one that has overwintered under the snow. By spring, the sharply sour taste changes to sweetish. Cranberries are 90% water; when picked, they burst easily in your hands, and only 10% are active components.