"Cranberry? That's what you take for bladder infections, right?" Was that your first thought when you clicked on this blog post? You're probably not the only one. However, the small cranberry has a lot more to offer than that. The cranberry's ingredients include organic acids and fiber. Compared to other types of fruit, its vitamin and mineral content is rather average - approx. 14 mg of vitamin C per 100 g - but it does contain a lot more. however, it scores with valuable antibacterial components. These properties make the cranberry a practical helper for the prevention of various diseases such as cancer or high blood pressure. We'll now tell you a few hot facts about the little red berry.
#1 Support for urinary tract infections
As this is probably the best-known fact about the cranberry, it should of course not be omitted here. The sweet and sour berry has a supportive effect for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections on the body. But do you know why that is? You're about to find out! Although there are only a few studies that provide precise evidence of this effect, cranberries are said to have a healing effect, especially in the case of recurring bladder infections. Instead of just fighting the recurring bacteria like antibiotics, cranberries are said to cranberries actively prevent pathogens from adhering to the mucous membranes of the urinary tract in the first place. This process is due to the anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins contained in the sweet and sour cranberry. So if you are prone to urinary tract infections, cranberries could be the solution to this problem.
#2 Boost for your immune system
Especially during the windy cold season, cranberries are a welcome little helper. As soon as you notice that you're coming down with another cold, you should give your boost your immune system and supply it with vitamin C. Conveniently, one cup of cranberry provides you with around 22% of the recommended daily requirement. But don't just rely on taking cranberries! Sufficient sleep, regular exercise and a healthy diet are even more importantto stay fit and healthy.
#3 Positive effect for the intestines & digestion
Not only love goes through the stomach, but also health. For many people it is still a taboo subject, but digestion is of central importance when it comes to general well-being. That's why it's important to eat the right nutrients and support your gut as much as you can. For example, the fiber contained in cranberries stimulates digestion. You've probably heard of this before, right? These fiber-rich food components are mainly found in plant-based foods and bind in the stomach. This results in a longer-lasting feeling of satiety and gets digestion moving. 100g of cranberries contain around 4.6g of fiber - This has a positive effect on your general intestinal health, especially if you have an unbalanced diet that is low in fiber. The antibacterial effect of cranberries also prevents Helicobacter pylori bacteria from settling in the stomach and intestines - this reduces the risk of inflammation of the stomach lining.
#4 Growth inhibitor of cancer cells
Unbelievable, but true. Various studies have already looked at the the growth-inhibiting effect of cranberries on cancer cells. are used. The dyes pro-anthocyanins (PAC) have proven to be particularly effective. Due to their distorted metabolism, tumor cells produce free radicals. If there is an excess, they destroy themselves. For this reason, antioxidants are counterproductive within the tumor cell. Instead, the tumor cell should produce more free radicals, which is caused by chemotherapy, for example. Vitamin C within the tumor cell also has a paradoxical effect. It produces even more toxic free radicals, whereas ascorbic acid has an antioxidant effect in healthy cells. The PAC of the cranberry also has this paradoxical pro-oxidative effect in the cancer cell.
How can I integrate cranberries into my diet?
So, now you've got a lot of information. If you haven't yet included cranberries in your diet, you may be wondering how you can incorporate them. You can Eat cranberries in their natural form, e.g. as a snack between meals. According to nutritionists, this is definitely the best way to absorb all the nutrients and antioxidants it contains. However, as some people are put off by the tart taste of the berry, here are a few suggestions on how you can incorporate the berry into your sweet routine:
- Muesli: You can easily add your cranberries to your muesli. Whether fresh or dried, they bring a delicious sweetness and spice up your morning breakfast. But be careful: dried fruit already contains more sugar than fresh fruit. So make sure they don't contain any additional sugar.
- Rice pan: Yes, you read that right. Also the little berries give a simple rice pan a real kick. The sweet component gives a great flavor to the otherwise savory dish. A great idea for preparing your next rice dish in a different way.
- Cranberry booster: A very simple method of integrating healthy cranberries into your everyday life is offered by the Vitamin D Shot Sunshine Berry from LiveFresh. The berry-flavored shot from the Booster family attracts with its interplay of apple, strawberry, cranberry and redcurrant. These ingredients make the perfect little power drink for your everyday life.
Cranberry side effects & interactions: What you should watch out for
Cranberries are known for their health benefits and are often referred to as a superfood. In most cases, cranberries are also well toleratedwhen consumed in moderation. However, some people may experience side effects, especially if consumed in excess.
One possible side effect of excessive consumption of cranberries is increased stomach acid production. This can cause discomfort such as heartburn or stomach irritation in people with sensitive stomachs. stomach irritation. Cranberries also contain oxalic acid, which in large quantities can promote the formation of kidney stones. People who already suffer from kidney stones or have an increased risk of developing them are best advised to limit their consumption. Pregnant women should also take care when eating cranberries. Although they are generally safe, large amounts of cranberries can cause the affect blood sugar levelswhich is a concern for pregnant women with existing risk of diabetes can be problematic.
Caution should also be exercised when taking anticoagulant medication. These blood-thinning agents could possibly lead to interactions in combination with cranberries. If you are taking such medications, you should check the following before consuming cranberry products Consult a doctor before consuming cranberry products.
Overall, cranberries are healthy berries with many positive properties. When consumed in moderation Side effects rare. Nevertheless, it is important, to consider individual sensitivities and risk factors.
What effect do cranberries have on health?
Cranberries impress with many health-promoting effects. The best known is probably their preventive effect for urinary tract infections. However, the proanthocyanidins and anthocyanins contained in the berries can also against heart and circulatory diseases prevent. The vitamin C contained in cranberries also strengthens the immune system. And even tumor cells can be inhibited in their growth by the berry's ingredients.
What vitamins are in cranberries?
100g of cranberries contain around 14mg of vitamin C. This is only average compared to other types of fruit, but the berry scores points for its antibacterial properties.
How many cranberries per day are recommended?
The dosage of cranberries depends on the type of intake. In the case of cystitis one glass of cranberry juice per day can work wonders. Cranberries are generally very well tolerated and cannot be overdosed so quickly.
With our Vitamin D Shot - Sunshine Berry with 10% cranberry, you can cover your daily vitamin D requirement with just one shot a day.
How can cranberry juice help with cystitis?
Cranberry juice can have a supportive effect, especially in the case of recurrent urinary tract infections. Cranberries actively prevent bacteria and other pathogens from adhering to the bladder wall thanks to their ingredients. This is mainly due to the anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins they contain. This is why cranberries are often for the prevention of bladder and other urinary tract infections. recommended.
Which is better - fresh or dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries taste sour and very tart, so many people don't like to enjoy them on their own. Dried cranberries, on the other hand, are sweeter and only slightly tart. This is why the fresh berries are mainly used for cooking savory dishes. Dried, they go particularly well with desserts and muesli. Whether fresh or dried, cranberries are a very good and above all natural source of vitamins, potassium, sodium and magnesium.