3 useful properties of cranberries for the heart and blood vessels, as well as the treatment of certain diseases with its help
Cranberries have been known since ancient times. It has always been considered a berry that protects the human immune system.
Then studies have shown that it has a positive effect on the state of cardiovascular activity and improves blood flow.
Therefore, cardiologists all over the world recommend using cranberries as an independent remedy and in combination with healthy foods.
Content
Composition and calorie content
This berry is famous for the presence of useful vitamins and amino acids, and also surpasses all other products because has a unique set of minerals and vitamins . These include:
- Phosphorus;
- Calcium;
- Magnesium;
- Retinol;
- Potassium;
- Sodium;
- Selenium;
- Tocopherol;
- Water;
- Fats;
- Carbohydrates;
- Ascorbic acid.
Cranberries are dominated by various types of acids: quinic, benzoic, chlorogenic, citric, succinic, oxalic. In terms of the quantitative composition of vitamin C, cranberries are not inferior to citrus fruits. It contains useful types of sugars fructose and glucose, as well as a small amount of sucrose.
3 facts about the effect of berries on the cardiovascular system
Cranberry berry has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system for the following reasons:
- Anthocyanins in its composition, in addition to removing excess toxins from the body, they help eliminate cholesterol. If there is a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in the blood, the formation of plaques on the vascular walls decreases accordingly, which leads to a decrease in the risk of heart attack or stroke. This action adjusts the work of the heart to the correct rhythm.
- Ursulic acid, which is part of the product, promotes the expansion of venous channels, and accordingly improves the condition of blood flow, on which cardiac activity depends. The patient's well-being becomes noticeably better and his muscle tone increases.
- Substances called phenols restore elasticity in blood vessels. In addition, they are able to participate in the dissolution of low-density cholesterol, converting it into high-density cholesterol, which is involved in the work of cellular membranes and subsequent cell renewal.
Some more facts on the infographic:
Now let's discuss the features of use for certain ailments.
Use in some diseases
Berries are used to combat various ailments, including those related to blood vessels and the functioning of the heart. Cranberries is used for both prevention and complex treatment of diseases, combined with drug therapy. Before using a particular recipe, you need to get the approval of a cardiologist, and only then start treating the disease with these unique berries.
For hypertension
In the treatment of high blood pressure, hypertensive patients are prescribed a number of medications that have a certain effect.
Many cardiologists recommend combining such therapy with the use of cranberries. It is able to reduce high blood pressure by several units.
Despite the high level of benefits of using this berry for hypertensive patients, in some cases it can cause harm. Contraindications are as follows: children under three years of age should not take this product, as well as those people who have problems with tooth sensitivity. Individual intolerance is also a serious obstacle to obtaining effectiveness from taking it.
In case of heart failure
Heart failure is characterized by a malfunction in heart contractions. The heart, like a pump, pumps blood in the body, when a pathological condition appears, its work is disrupted. Heart failure should be detected in time, and treatment should take place with both medications and folk remedies.
3 proven recipes
Many recipes have been developed based on cranberries, where this berry is combined with other heart-healthy foods. In order to understand which recipe is suitable in a particular case, you need to get advice from your doctor , which will cancel or vice versa recommend cranberries to be included in the daily diet.
1. Combined with honey and garlic
Honey in combination with cranberries and garlic is used to cleanse blood vessels of toxins and cholesterol. Almost every recipe for vascular cleansing is associated with the addition of honey, and cranberries in such a recipe complement the effect on blood vessels with a large number of vitamins and useful trace elements that are required for the proper functioning of the heart and blood vessels. The procedure is designed to ensure that the vessels will be cleared of plaques and regain their former elasticity.
Is prepared as follows:
- One kilogram of cranberries is taken and thoroughly washed.
- The berries are crushed and garlic is added to them in the amount of two hundred grams (also in crushed form).
- The gruel is thoroughly mixed and left in a dark place for 12 hours.
- Then half a kilogram of honey is put into the mixture.
The mixture is taken twice a day for sixty grams. It is recommended to take the gruel in the morning and evening hours. Prevention of vascular cleansing should be carried out in autumn and spring, when the body lacks vitamins and useful trace elements.
2. With honey, walnuts and raisins
A recipe for strengthening the heart muscle will be useful not only during the treatment of cardiovascular disease, but also for preventive measures to protect the main organ in the human body. The composition based on cranberries, raisins, nuts and honey is very effective for strengthening muscles, but it should be properly prepared to get the result.
The recipe preparation process is as follows:
- Raisins, walnuts and cranberries are ground;
- Then the mixture is mixed with honey until a homogeneous mass is obtained;
- The resulting mixture is put in the refrigerator for 14 days.
Take the gruel one tablespoon at a time before eating.
The number of days of admission individually. People often take the mixture until it runs out. After a two-week break, the course of treatment can be repeated again.
3. With horseradish
Cranberries combined with honey and horseradish will strengthen the walls of blood vessels and give longevity for many years. Therefore, this recipe is shown to almost all people who care about their health, but there are a number of factors in which this mixture is not recommended for use. This applies to those who have problems with gums and ulcers, whose stomach may malfunction. Therefore, a specialist's consultation is mandatory.
For cooking, you will need to purchase: horseradish in the proportion of 170 grams, 170 grams of cranberries and 510 grams of honey.
Prepare the mixture according to the following recipe:
- Horseradish is thoroughly washed, cleaned and placed in the freezer for 24 hours.
- Then it is grated on a fine grater.
- Cranberries are washed, dried and finely ground in a blender.
- The whole mixture is placed in a bowl with grated horseradish.
- Next, honey is put into the mixture, the gruel is thoroughly mixed and left for one day to infuse.
Also take a look at the video:
7 more foods that need to be included in your diet
There are many products suitable for strengthening blood vessels and the heart. These include:
- Fruits. Of fruits, those that contain a large amount of potassium are considered the most useful. These include, in particular, banana and persimmon. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels and give longevity. Pomegranate and lemon give the body a boost of energy, thanks to vitamin C in the product.
- Eating vegetables. Vegetables, like fruits, contain useful trace elements and vitamins. The most useful foods include pumpkin and pepper. These are record holders in terms of the amount of nutrients and they cannot be excluded from the diet. Onions and garlic not only strengthen the heart, but also enhance human immunity.
- Eating berries. Taking berries, especially in spring and autumn, increases immunity and gives the heart a lot of vitamins. The intake of viburnum is able to reduce blood pressure, and grapes are involved in the purification of blood vessels.
- Nuts and dried fruits. Dried fruits such as dried apricots or raisins should not be excluded, as they strengthen the heart muscle. Eating with nuts, especially walnuts and peanuts, will make food healthy and nutritious, which is important for heart ailments.
- Dairy products. Natural dairy products have vitamins, primarily calcium and magnesium, which give a boost of energy and can improve the state of blood flow in the body.
- Food with fish. Fatty fish contains the natural element omega-3, which supports cardiac activity and fills the body with a useful substance for an active life.
- Bitter chocolate. This type of sweets can harm tooth enamel, but it will only benefit the heart. As a rule, bitter chocolate contains a small amount of additives, but natural cocoa beans make it nutritious and beneficial for blood flow and cardiac activity.
Conclusion
Cranberries are able to improve human health when it comes to lowering blood pressure or improving heart function. Its composition is enriched with useful substances, without which a person will not be able to lead a full-fledged existence. However, before using the berry, you need to check whether it is suitable or not, that is, start with a small amount of the product, and then increase the nutritional dose.