Small berry, big effect: The cranberry is more popular than ever and has now made it to the new ranks of superfoods. The US relative of the cranberry protects against diseases and is said to help with bladder infections. Why you should eat a cranberry more often, you will learn today with us - at the Eat a Cranberry Day!
Origin of the cranberry
In Germany, the large-fruited cranberry is mainly known under the English name cranberry. It belongs to the genus of blueberries in the heather family.
It should not be confused with the cranberry. Despite the close relationship, from a botanical point of view they are two different fruits. They differ in size and plant growth. Cranberries are only about the size of peas, while cranberries reach the size of cherries.
The red berry originated in the high moors of North America. Native Americans already used the cranberry as a remedy for healing wounds. Later, sailors on whaling trips used the fruit to fight scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency disease. Today, the cranberry is still very popular with Americans and is an important part of the American Thanksgiving meal.
Superfruit: the cranberry is so healthy
You can do a lot for your health by eating the cranberry. The red power berry contains valuable antioxidants. These natural ingredients protect our body cells from harmful influences. Antioxidants include Vitaminsminerals and secondary plant substances. The cranberry is rich in vitamins C and A, as well as fiber and minerals such as iron, sodium and potassium.
According to scientific studies, the cranberry is also effective against vascular and cardiovascular diseases, strengthens the immune system, prevents the formation of plaque and gingivitis, is good for blood pressure and inhibits inflammation.
The cranberry is thus a real superfruit. These are currently very trendy and include berries such as acai, acerola, goji, pomegranate, chokeberry, avocado and just the cranberry. These predominantly exotic fruits are said to be beneficial to health and have a healing effect. They are all extremely rich in vitamins, minerals and important plant active substances.
Effective against cystitis
Cranberry is best known as a home remedy for bladder infections and urinary tract infections. The fruits form a fine film over the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. This prevents bacteria from adhering and causing infections. This keeps the urinary tract and bladder healthy.
Women in particular are affected by bladder infections. Many therefore take cranberry as a preventive measure so that this condition does not occur in the first place. This can be in the form of juice or the pure fruit, which however tastes sour-tart and slightly bitter. In the pharmacy, the cranberry is also available as tablets, capsules or powder.
From a medical point of view, however, this effect is controversial and the study situation is not clear. In studies, neither a preventive nor a curative effect of the cranberry against cystitis could be clearly proven. Some of these studies found evidence of efficacy, others did not.
Fit and healthy with the cranberry
You see, consuming cranberries can only benefit your health. Healthy eating is also an important element when it comes to your fitness. Superfruits like cranberries help you stay fit and healthy!
You can find more about nutrition on EMS-TRAINING.de!
Editors fitnessmarkt.de (SIS)
Published on: 23 November 2018