Red cranberry: properties, benefits and contraindications

What differentiates the red cranberry from the blue cranberry?

the berries of the american cranberry (cranberry) either bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)with a slightly acid taste, are rich in anthocyanins pigments from the family of polyphenols that give them a characteristic reddish color and valuable medicinal properties.

It is a low, creeping bush, barely 30 cm tall, with oval-lanceolate leaves, green and shiny on the upper side and whitish on the back, flowers with four white petals bent backwards and long ocher stamens that face the ground. . The fruits are spherical, fleshy, red and acidmuch more than blueberries.

These fruits contain trace elements such as manganese 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.

Red cranberry properties

The main virtue of blueberries is that of improve circulation and protect the wall of blood vessels. Its anthocyanins help to preserve a good brain microirrigation by reducing capillary permeability, stopping the seepage of harmful substances through the walls of blood vessels and improving the redistribution of microvascular flow.

On the other hand, the cranberry antioxidant cocktail is useful for preventing and treating various conditions:

Anticancer. According to recent studies, the extract of red fruits blocks the action of enzymes that stimulate the development of cancer.Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic. Cranberry inhibits the release of histamine and enhances the action of vitamin C.urine infections It is undoubtedly one of the best known properties of the cranberry, and it is that it has compounds with non-stick properties that prevent bacteria from settling in the epithelial cells of the urinary tract, thereby preventing infection. They also acidify the urine and prevent the proliferation of pathogens and the formation of calcium phosphate stones.
The French Agency for Food Safety has confirmed that cranberry juice helps reduce the adherence of sources of infection by certain types of Escherichia colli to the walls of the urinary tract, as long as the juice contains Sufficient doses of proanthocyanidins (about 40 mg). It is therefore considered a optimal remedy for cystitis, but more preventive than curative. This very annoying ailment usually entails pressure and pain when urinating, the need to do it often and, on occasions, small bleeding.Antibiotic. The antibacterial properties of cranberry can also help stop sources of infection of the bacteria. Helicobacter pylori in the epithelium of the stomach and dental plaque. The cranberry has digestive benefitssince it balances the intestinal microbiota and relieves constipation.Mouthguard. Cranberry juice reverses and inhibits the growth of certain bacteria responsible for dental plaque and periodontal disease.hypoglycemic effect. The mirtilina present in the cranberry provides a slight hypoglycemic effect useful in diets for diabetics.Preserve the view. By improving ocular microcirculation and oxygen and energy levels in eye tissues, cranberry delays or prevents macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathies.cardiovascular protection. It stabilizes vascular collagen, facilitates vasodilation, and prevents platelet aggregation, which reduces cardiac risk—another potent benefit of cranberries.Improves circulation. Like black cranberry, it improves circulation and tones the veins. It is indicated in cases of venous insufficiency, in varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

How to take cranberry

Blueberries can be eaten fresh, juiced or dried. They are also found as a dietary supplement in the form of liquid or dry extract (500-600 mg capsules).

In case of infection, take two capsules or 10 ml three times a day before meals for a week. The preventive or maintenance dose ranges between 500 and 1,500 mg daily of dry extract.

The most effective is drink the juice, that is made with the fruits. It is recommended to take a minimum of two or three tablespoons daily, without mixing with water. Although it tastes somewhat sour, It is not convenient to add sugar either, since it reduces its effectiveness.

nuts can be mixed with yogurt natural; also the fresh ones, although they can be difficult to find.