Dried cranberries - useful properties and contraindications

Fresh berries and fruits are full of many vitamins and nutrients - so doctors recommend including them in the daily diet. However, in the winter, to find them is not easy, and they cost a lot. Therefore, the issue of storage of such valuable products that support health is relevant.

Cranberry is one of the most useful berries. It is eaten fresh, boiled fruit drinks, jams, frozen and dried. But whether the benefits of the berry, if used in dried form?

Dried cranberries are produced by dehydration. It contains benzoic acid, which provides the possibility of long-term storage, as it acts as a natural preservative. The presence of this substance allows you to store the berry in almost any conditions.Cranberries are capable of maintaining their beneficial properties over a long period (almost the entire year).

Active ingredients

It should be noted that dried cranberries are no less useful than fresh berries. In its composition you can find the following vitamins:

• ascorbic acid (vitamin C);
• vitamin E;
• groups B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12).

The composition also contains trace elements: potassium, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, sodium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, selenium.

As for the calorie content of the product, it is an order of magnitude higher than in fresh fruit. In dehydrated berries, it is 308 calories per 100 grams, which is almost 8 times higher than in fresh cranberries.

Useful properties of dried cranberries

Dried cranberries are useful for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves their elasticity, stimulates blood circulation processes.

Flavonoids are responsible for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. These substances reduce the cholesterol deposited on the vascular walls, preventing the development of atherosclerosis. The antioxidants that are part of it help to speed up the regeneration processes in the cells.

The content of ascorbic acid provides an antibacterial effect. Therefore, decoctions and juice of berries are recommended to be used for respiratory diseases - they contribute to the destruction of pathogenic bacteria in the throat, contribute to the secretion of sputum. Cranberry fruit drink is an indispensable support during the treatment of colds. It increases the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs. At the same time, the berry contains phytoncides, which act as natural antibiotics. For colds effective tea with dried cranberries.Drink helps to cope with fever and prevent the development of the disease.

Vitamins PP and group B in combination with vitamin C stimulate the formation of leukocytes - cells of the immune system.

Dried cranberries (as well as fresh) are characterized by antitumor activity. Prevent the development of tumors to the berry allows high saturation of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Dried cranberries have a beneficial effect on the condition of the digestive system. It can be found as a component of many popular recipes that allow you to deal with gastric ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer.

Drinking cranberries can solve dental problems and prevent the occurrence of caries. When using berries, a special protective complex acts on the tooth surface, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the enamel, i.e. prevents formation of tartar.

Dried cranberries are a source of calcium, and therefore effectively contribute to the strengthening of bone tissue and teeth. Regular consumption of berries refers to the prevention of osteoporosis and diseases of the joints.

In diabetes, cranberry is also shown, as the berries have small doses of natural fructose and glucose. Due to its use, it is possible to correct the level of sugar in the blood, to stimulate the synthesis of insulin.

Often include cranberries in diets. It is recommended for people who have obesity, as it stimulates the bowels, activating peristalsis, helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body, eliminates puffiness. When consumed dried cranberries stimulate the process of production of gastric juice.

Dried cranberries are used to regulate blood pressure: a handful of berries daily helps to bring elevated pressure to normal.

Berry will be a useful product for those who have anemia. It is recommended to pick berries at the end of autumn, during the period when the first frosts begin. At this time, the main accumulation of useful properties occurs.

Due to the presence of such components as manganese, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, normalization of the digestive system, strengthening of the central nervous system occurs.

Drinking cranberries is highly recommended for children.However, it is important not to overdo it, because the berry due to the high acidity can disrupt the digestive system.

Thus, the following therapeutic properties of cranberries can be distinguished:

• bactericidal;
• disinfecting;
• tonic;
• relieve inflammation.

Dried cranberries are also used in beauty recipes: they are used to restore and maintain healthy hair, skin and nails. Exterior application of the berries allows to get rid of fine wrinkles, improve the complexion, cleanse the skin. After using products with dried cranberries, a pronounced lifting effect is observed. The skin becomes smooth, pimples and red spots disappear, enlarged pores are reduced.

In the care of hair masks on the basis of cranberry will get rid of dandruff, normalize the condition of dried hair.

Effective use of cranberries in the treatment of skin diseases. It improves the condition of the skin in psoriasis, depriving, accelerates the regenerative processes in the presence of purulent wounds.

Contraindications dried cranberries

To prevent the development of digestive abnormalities, dried cranberries are not given to children under 3 years of age.Do not eat berries for women who are breastfeeding a child.

The use of berries is contraindicated for people in the period of exacerbation of peptic ulcers, as well as those who have increased acidity.

How to dry the cranberries?

The washed berries are put into the electric dryer, spreading them evenly on the drier trays and set the temperature to 55 degrees. To dry the berries will take about 30-40 hours.

Cooking in the oven requires preliminary preparation of the fruit. First boil the cranberries with sugar. Pure berries (1 kg) are covered with sugar (1 cup) and poured with a glass of water. Boil the fruit should be on a small fire. The berries should burst, after which they are evenly spread on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. In the oven baking set for 5-6 hours at a temperature of about 60 degrees. In the process of drying the berries, it is necessary to stir from time to time, and sometimes open the oven to provide fresh air.

Storage rules

Dried berries are most conveniently stored at room temperature in bags of natural fabric, or in glass, tightly closed jars (the cranberries must be carefully dried).

If the cranberries are dried, then they should be stored in the refrigerator.

How can I use?

Apply dried cranberries in cooking can be very diverse. It is suitable as a base for sauces and mousses. A large number of drinks are made from it: compotes, fruit drinks, tea, juice. Also, the berries can be used in the preparation of pastries, cereals, salads and side dishes.

Video: useful properties and contraindications of cranberries