Il cranberry, also known as cranberry, belongs to the heather family; this fruit has a very sour taste so it is usually consumed in the form of juice, which is sweetened, or as a supplement.
Cranberries are rich in vitamins and plant compounds, some of which have been shown to be effective against urinary tract infections.
Index
Nutritional values
Fresh blueberries contain the 90% of water, but the rest is mainly made up of fiber and carbohydrates.
100 grams of cranberry contain:
The sugars present in blueberries are sucrose, fructose e glucose; the fibers present are mainly of the insoluble type, such as pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose.
Vitamins and minerals
Blueberries are a source of vitamins and minerals, in particular we find:
- Vitamin C: essential for the maintenance of skin, muscles and bones
- Manganese: essential for growth, the metabolism and the body's antioxidant system
- Vitamin E: A class of essential fat-soluble antioxidants
- Vitamin K1: useful for blood clotting
- Copper: a trace element that helps heart health
Plant compounds
Blueberries are rich in bioactive and antioxidant plant compounds, especially flavonol polyphenols:
- Quercetin
- Myricetin
- Peonidin: responsible for the red color of blueberries
- Ursolic acid: compound with anti-inflammatory power
- Condensed tannins: useful for fighting urinary tract infections
Benefits Cranberry
Prevention of urinary tract infections
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections, especially among women. Cranberries contain phytonutrients such as proanthocyanidins type A (condensed tannins), which prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, making cranberries a powerful ally against urinary tract infections.
Stomach cancer and ulcer prevention
Infection of the Helicobacter Pylori bacterium is considered to be a major cause of stomach cancer, inflammation and ulcers.
Cranberry contains plant compounds that reduce the risk of these conditions by preventing bacteria from adhering to the stomach lining.
Heart health
Cranberries contain antioxidants, which can be beneficial for heart health; they can help reduce the cholesterol bad, increase good cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, decrease blood levels of homocysteine, reducing the risk of inflammation of blood vessels.
Effetti collaterali
Cranberries and products based on them they are generally safe for health when consumed in moderation. Excessive consumption can cause stomach upset and diarrhea and can increase the risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Kidney stones are mainly composed of calcium oxalate, so having excessive amounts of oxalate in your urine is a major risk factor.
Cranberries can contain high levels of oxalates, so people predisposed to stone formation should consume them in great moderation.
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