Surely on some occasion you have eaten red cranberries without knowing about their wonderful properties. Did you know that history tells that the Native American Indians were the first to take advantage of its natural benefits? Well, in this article we will tell you the secrets of this spectacular fruit.
What is cranberry?
The American Red Cranberry or Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait .) is a shrub native to North America. It usually grows spontaneously and its fruit was used in its day for food. The red berry ripens before winter and is highly appreciated by the population because it is an important source of vitamins and antioxidants, and is widely used today to make jams, juices, and food supplements.
Red and blue cranberries: how are they different?
The berries of the American red cranberry ( cranberry ) or bilberry ( Vaccinium myrtillus ), with a slightly acid flavor, are rich in anthocyanins, pigments from the polyphenol family that give them a characteristic reddish color and valuable medicinal properties. Both cranberry and blueberry are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial for health. However, cranberry is especially known for its proanthocyanidin content , which can help prevent urinary tract infections. Blueberry contains anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may contribute to heart health. These fruits contain trace elements such as magnesium and selenium, essential for the activity of certain enzymes that protect against free radicals, organic acids, tannins and vitamins A and C. All this makes them great allies against aging.
What benefits does cranberry have?
The cranberry offers a number of health benefits. Of which we explain some of them below:
- Prevents gastric ulcers: some studies confirm that cranberries prevent the appearance of gastric ulcers, since thanks to proanthocyandins it has the ability to inhibit the adhesion of certain bacteria that cause infection, such as Helicobacter Pylori.
- Antioxidant: anti-aging effect thanks to its high content of vitamin C.
- Fat burner: helps reduce body fat. Cranberries are low in calories and high in fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and control your appetite.
- Anti-cavities: mouth guard. Cranberry juice reverses and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria responsible for dental plaque, tooth decay, and periodontal disease.
- Cerebral microirrigation: thanks to its anthocyanins, improves circulation and protects the wall of blood vessels.
- Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy: cranberry inhibits the release of histamine and enhances the action of vitamin C.
- Balances the intestinal microbiota: cranberries are rich in fiber and compounds such as polyphenols , which help keep the intestinal microbiota balanced and relieve constipation.
- Improves circulation: like black cranberry, it improves circulation and tones the veins. It is indicated in cases of venous insufficiency, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
- Prevents urinary infections: It has been shown that cranberry consumption helps prevent urinary infections from recurring and even helps reduce the symptoms of these if you already have it.
Main properties of cranberry for urinary infection
It has been shown that cranberry consumption helps prevent urinary tract infections from recurring and even helps reduce the symptoms of these if you already have it. Their effect is due to the fact that they prevent the adhesion of microorganisms to the cells of the urinary tract. This effect is produced by proanthocyanidins ( PACs ), polysaccharides present in cranberries that minimize and inhibit the activity of E.coli bacteria (responsible for most recurrent urinary tract infections) in the bladder and urinary tract, helping thus to eliminate the bacteria through the urine. Combining antibiotic treatment with cranberry supplements has been shown to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics. Therefore, cranberry reduces the duration of urinary tract infections, helps to alleviate the symptoms produced and is effective in preventing recurrent infections.
How you can consume cranberry
It can be consumed fresh, in juices or smoothies. In addition, you can find it in food supplements in liquid or capsule form which will help you supplement with food and the effect will be more visible.
Vitae solution
At Vitae we care about your health and that is why we present UrinVita ® is a natural food supplement based on cranberry, pomegranate, grape and rosemary extracts that, thanks to its proanthocyanidin and procyanidin content, contributes to the well-being of the urinary system. It is aimed at women who suffer from recurrent urinary tract infections.
How can UrinVita help you ?
UrinVita helps reduce the symptoms generated by urinary infection. Protects the body by cleaning the urinary tract. Helps prevent the formation of free radicals. Contributes to the prevention against the formation of bacterial resistance in the form of bioflim.
