Dried cranberries - useful properties and contraindications

Fresh berries and fruits are saturated with many vitamins and nutrients - therefore, doctors recommend including them in your daily diet. However, in the winter it can be difficult to find them, and they cost a lot. Therefore, the issue of storage of such valuable products that help maintain health is relevant.

Cranberries are one of the most healthy berries. It is eaten fresh, fruit drinks are boiled, jams are frozen and dried. But is the benefit of the berry preserved if consumed in dried form?

Dried cranberries are obtained 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 able to maintain their beneficial properties over a long period (almost the whole year).

Active components

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
• Group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B12).

Also in the composition there are 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 fruits. 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 disease. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves their elasticity, stimulates blood circulation.

Flavonoids are responsible for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These substances reduce the levels of cholesterol deposited on the vascular walls, preventing the development of atherosclerosis. The antioxidants included in the composition contribute to the acceleration of regeneration processes in cells.

The content of ascorbic acid provides an antibacterial effect. Therefore, decoctions and juice of berries are recommended for use in respiratory diseases - they contribute to the destruction of pathogenic bacteria in the throat, contribute to the discharge of sputum. Cranberry juice is an indispensable support during the treatment of colds. It increases the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs. At the same time, the berry contains volatile, which act as natural antibiotics. For colds, dried cranberry tea is effective. The 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 white blood cells - cells of the immune system.

Dried cranberries (like fresh) are characterized by an antitumor effect. High saturation with vitamin C and other antioxidants allows preventing berry neoplasms.

Dried cranberries have a beneficial effect on the digestive system. It can be found as a component of many folk recipes that allow you to fight a stomach ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer.

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

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

In diabetes, cranberry consumption is also indicated, as the berries have small doses of natural fructose and glucose. Thanks to its use, you can correct the blood sugar level, stimulate the synthesis of insulin.

Cranberries are often included in diets. It is recommended for people who are overweight, as it stimulates the intestines, activating peristalsis, helps to remove excess fluid from the body, eliminates swelling. When using dried cranberries, the process of producing gastric juice is stimulated.

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

A useful product will be a berry for those who have anemia. It is recommended to collect the berry in late autumn, during the period when the first frost begins. At this time, the main accumulation of useful properties.

Due to the presence of such components as manganese, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, the digestive system normalizes and the central nervous system strengthens.

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

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

• bactericidal;
• disinfecting;
• tonic;
• relieving inflammation.

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

In hair care, cranberry-based masks allow you to get rid of dandruff and normalize the condition of overdried hair.

The use of cranberries is also effective in the treatment of skin diseases. It improves the condition of the skin with psoriasis, lichen, accelerates regenerative processes in the presence of purulent wounds.

Dried Cranberry Contraindications

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

The use of berries is contraindicated for people during an exacerbation of peptic ulcer diseases, as well as for those who have increased acidity.

How to dry cranberries?

The washed berries are placed in an electric dryer, evenly laying them out on the dryer pallets and the temperature is set to 55 degrees. It takes about 30-40 hours to dry the berries.

Cooking in the oven requires preliminary preparation of the fruit. First cranberries are boiled with sugar. Pure berries (1 kg) are covered with sugar (1 cup) and poured with a glass of water. Boil the fruits on low heat.Berries should be burst, after which they are spread in an even layer on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. In the oven, put the pan 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 also sometimes open the oven to ensure the flow of fresh air.

Storage rules

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

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

How can i use it?

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

Video: useful properties and contraindications for cranberries