Cranberry - A well-known sour berry, a relative of lingonberries, growing in different parts of the world, as a rule, in marshland. There are many varieties of this berry: they are all edible and are a source of vitamins and other beneficial substances, a favorite treat for people and an indispensable ingredient in cooking.
Calorie, Vitamins and Minerals
Cranberry is a low-calorie product, but the number of calories in fresh and dried berries varies greatly (which is understandable, because moisture leaves the fruit during drying, which causes them to lose weight many times).
So, if 100 g of fresh berries contain only 25 Kcal, then the same weight of dried product accounts for more than 300 Kcal. This should be remembered by those who, intending to lose weight, gnaws dried cranberries all day. 
Proteins, fats and carbohydrates in cranberries are in the ratio 0,5 : 0,2 : 3,7.
A distinctive feature of the cranberry composition is a large number pectin. In addition, berries containing sugars, anthocyanins, catechins, betaine, organic acids - citric, malic, oxalic, ursolic, chlorogenic, amber, oleander and others.
Did you know? Sour taste - the card of cranberries. Translated from Greek, its name means nothing more than "sour." The shape and red color of the fruits of this evergreen shrub in some nations was associated with the blood that the heroes shed in the fight against the forces of evil.Cranberry Prime Vitamin - This, of course, ascorbic acid. In terms of the amount of vitamin C, these fruits may well compete with citrus. Vitamin E, group B vitamins (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 9), vitamin K1 - phylloquinone predominates in the berries.
The mineral composition includes potassium, phosphorus, calcium, as well as other essential for living organisms. items - sodium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, molybdenum, iodine, zinc. A small amount of nickel, silver, tin, cobalt, chromium, titanium, boron and other "representatives" of the periodic table is present in these fruits.Cranberry Berries
The beneficial properties of cranberries for the body are determined by its unique composition. So, cranberry berries:
- improve appetite and, increasing the production of gastric and pancreatic juice, stimulate the digestive system, thereby shown in low acidity and some diseases of the pancreas;
- beneficial effect on urinary system, have a diuretic effect, contribute to the suppression of the development of pathogenic bacteria, therefore, are indicated for renal disorders;
- endowed with property stop inflammatory processes and even hinder the development of malignant neoplasms (especially in the intestines, mammary glands and prostate);
- balancing cholesterol in the blood, it has a beneficial effect on the vessels, stimulates the work of the heart, relieves headaches, is a good prevention of atherosclerosis and strokes;
- refresh and invigorate, quench thirst and have antipyretic properties, due to which it is indicated for respiratory viral diseases, influenza;
- kill the harmful flora in the body, they have an anthelmintic effect (experiments show that even spoiled minced meat, to which cranberry concentrate was added, later turned out to be edible and did not cause stomach disorders).
This healing elixir is also endowed with the ability to disinfect wounds and heal burns, as well as to increase the effectiveness of antibiotics.
Important! Frozen cranberries contain much less ascorbic acid than fresh cranberries, but are fully capable of helping to cope with spring vitamin deficiency and strengthen the immune system during this period.
Cranberry during pregnancy
A separate topic is the role of cranberries in the life of future mothers. As you know, any viral and other acute diseases during pregnancy are especially dangerous, and taking antibiotics during this period can be no less detrimental than the infection itself.
On the other hand, the female body during the carrying of the baby is under additional stress and is therefore particularly at risk of being affected by viruses. Further, the kidneys and urinary organs are those systems of the body that are most often affected during pregnancy. 
Cranberries with its bactericidal, anti-inflammatory properties, which are manifested both in the general effects on the body, and, in particular, in relation to the genitourinary system, during pregnancy simply irreplaceable!
But that's not all. Drinking cranberries will help the expectant mother to get rid of the varicose veins that often arise during this period, since this berry has a very beneficial effect on the work of the blood vessels. The same property of cranberries ensures the normalization of blood circulation in the area of the placenta, and, therefore, helps the fetus to develop normally.
Eating during pregnancy Peking cabbage, fennel, beet, broccoli cabbage and iceberg lettuce has a good effect on the body and nourishes the expectant mother with useful substances.Normalization of metabolic processes, assistance in the assimilation necessary for the body mineral substances - Another argument in favor of the fact that pregnant women are not just able to use cranberries, but also need to be used, because there is no reason to doubt or worry about this.
Cranberry Recipes
Traditional medicine knows many ways to be treated with cranberries. We will tell only some of them.
With a weakened immunity
In the cold season and especially in spring, when the reserves of vitamins in our body are depleted, it's time to take care of a little health. 
Sour frozen or dried berries will be most welcome. A handful of these fruits need to fall asleep in a thermos, pour boiling water, insist and drink with the addition of sugar or honey.
Important! Never add honey to hot drinks - it does not just kill the beneficial properties of the product, but also turns it into poison! Put honey in a warm cranberry infusion, and if you prefer to drink it hot, use honey as a bit.You can use cranberries already ground with sugar as a “brew”, and there is also a berry in its pure form, if you are not confused by its sour taste.
With a cold
Cranberries for colds, flu, and respiratory infections with fever do not just give the body the loading dose needed in this condition vitamin C, but also has a diaphoretic effect, prevents dehydration, especially dangerous at elevated body temperature. 
For the treatment of the fruit is recommended in such ways:
- pour hot water over crushed cranberries and insist, as indicated in the previous section, drink large quantities during the day;
- prepare cranberry juice: chop the fruit with a blender, discard on gauze, squeeze the juice. Cake pour hot water, bring to a boil and cool. Then strain and mix with juice. If desired, add sugar or honey;
- Pure cranberry juice with honey is also an excellent cough remedy.
For colds, doctors recommend eating more carrots, radishes, garlic, dogwoods, raspberries, butter and black cumin.
With angina
Cranberry juice, prepared as described above, very well helps with angina.
Did you know? Sore throat - a disease of a bacterial nature: it is caused by streptococci and other microbes that fall on the mucous membrane of the throat. That is why, unlike flu and other viral infections, a sore throat does not go away on its own, and for its treatment it is necessary to take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Unfortunately, one cranberry for sore throat problem can not be solved.Nevertheless, cranberries will have to be very useful for this unpleasant disease, because it has the property to enhance the effect of antibacterial drugs.
With hypertension
Cranberry is also indicated for high blood pressure. How to brew cranberries, as described above. 
In addition, lowering the pressure will help receiving cranberry juice - pure or mixed with the same amount of fresh red beet juice.
On the basis of cranberries, there are more complex recipes used in hypertension.
In case of hypertension, add black-fruited rowan, beetroot, zizifus and ramson into your diet.Traditional medicine gives such recommendation: blender you need to beat a kilogram of frozen or fresh berries with a glass of garlic, add half a liter of honey to the mixture and drink one tablespoon three times a day.
Did you know? If you squeeze out the juice from fresh cranberries, do not throw out the remaining oil cake, as it is a good way to dilate the blood vessels and normalize the function of your heart. On the basis of such husks, you can make compote, and you can just chew it as a medicine.
With cystitis
Cranberry helps a lot with symptoms of such an unpleasant and painful condition as cystitis.
The secret is that it has the property of pushing pathogenic microbes from the walls of the bladder and, thus, arrest the inflammatory process. The best treatment is cranberry juice, just squeezed: a glass half an hour before meals twice a day - and you're fine!
For diseases of the joints
Cranberries to relieve joint pain is taken on a prescription similar to the one used to treat hypertension.
Mix freshly squeezed cranberry and garlic juice in the ratio 5 : 2, Insist 24 hours, mixing from time to time.
Add honey (twice the volume of the berries), mix again and take a teaspoon three times a day 15 minutes before meals.
How to use in cosmetology
Not paid attention to such a useful product and cosmetology. It is not surprising, because the sour berry has a beneficial effect on the entire body. 
From cranberry exposure, the skin becomes more elastic and taut, acquires youth, velvety and pleasant color. Also, the berry will help get rid of the peeling and dryness, remove unhealthy shine and redness, and even eliminate such an unpleasant phenomenon as acne. Cranberry is very useful for hair (especially fat type).
To prepare cranberry lotion for oily skin, grate a whole lemon on a grate, pour in vodka (250 ml), remove it in a dark place and forget it for a week.
After this period, we filter, add to the liquid a glass of freshly squeezed cranberry juice, 100 ml of boiled water, cooled to room temperature, and a tablespoon of glycerin. 
Mix all ingredients well. This lotion is used to wipe the skin of the face daily before bedtime.
On the basis of red berries can be cooked face mask. Grind the fruit in a blender or crushed in a mortar and apply the resulting substance to the already cleansed skin.
Leave for a quarter of an hour, then gently wash off with warm water. Repeat the procedure three times a week for a month.
In cosmetology also used: bird cherry, enotery, pineapple, thyme, ginger, amaranth, strawberries, radishes, watermelon and apricot.A simpler mask can be made simply by wetting gauze with freshly squeezed cranberry juice and putting it on your face for 15 minutes. Wash off the mask with warm boiled water and apply a moisturizer.
Important! In the presence of acne rash, we increase the exposure time of the mask to an hour, however, in this case cranberry juice should be mixed with boiled water, gradually increasing the amount of juice in the solution from 1: 3 to 1: 1.
Cranberries in cooking: what to cook, how to prepare and store
Cranberries are used not only in traditional medicine and cosmetology, but also in cooking: thanks to its sour taste, it is applicable not only in desserts and cocktails, but also in salads and main dishes - both meat and fish, including various seafood.
About all kinds of jams, marmalades, confitures, jelly, fruit drinks, compotes and kvass, liqueurs and liqueurs can not be said at all.
The product as a culinary ingredient can be used fresh, frozen, dried, soaked and even pickled. Berry creates unique compositions in an ensemble with citrus fruits and apples, nuts, vegetables and even mushrooms.
Did you know? Hto prepare and preserve the berry is extremely simple. In addition to the usual freezing and drying, the following option is also suitable: we pour clean fruits into sterile jars or even into well-washed plastic bottles, pour boiled water, cooled to room temperature carefully we cork - and that’s it! The necessary preservatives are contained in the fruits themselves, so no boiling or special additives are required here. However, it is advisable to store such a product in a cellar, refrigerator or other cool place.Sauerkraut with Cranberries - classics of the genre. Berry does not just add spicy sourness to the product and increases the dose of vitamin C contained in it, but, being an excellent preservative, helps it to be stored better, preventing fermentation and souring.
Berry can be added to the finished oatmeal, giving the product even greater benefits and enriching the taste.For a snack, it is recommended to make a light salad of dried cranberries, cream cheese and boiled chicken fillet, for dessert - a fruit salad with cranberries, grapefruit or pineapple and whipped cream.
Baked poultry will play a completely unique notes, if you apply to her cranberry sauce with apples. To prepare the sauce, put 0.5 kg of fresh cranberries in a saucepan, cut into slices two sour-sweet apples, half a cup of powdered sugar, a pinch (or stick) of cinnamon and some water. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and boil until thick. Bon Appetit! 
Possible contraindications
Like any potent agent, cranberries can bring not only benefits but also harm. The red color of the berry suggests that it can cause allergies (besides, many suffer from intolerance to ascorbic acid).
Important! Despite the benefits of berries, during pregnancy and even during breastfeeding in the use of cranberries it is better to limit yourself; It is also not recommended to give it to babies before they reach the age of three.For gout and urolithiasis, these berries should be consumed. in moderation but gastritis and ulcers on the background of increased acidity in the acute stage - a direct contraindication for the use of the fruits of this shrub.
In order to avoid adverse effects of the product on the walls of the stomach, it is better to use berries for such people (even in remission) after a hearty meal.
Finally, the excessive use of sour berries can adversely affect the condition of your teeth, so the mouth after eating such food should at least be thoroughly rinsed.
All listed contraindications are very conditional: they call for only to exercise healthy caution and a sense of proportion in the use of berries, which can bring undeniable benefits to health.
