4 good reasons to consume cranberries after 50 years
Cranberries are a member of the heather family and related to blueberries, bilberries, and lingonberries.
Cranberries are a source of vitamin C
50 g of fresh cranberries contain 7 mg of vitamin C and thus cover 8% of the recommended daily intakes. Vitamin C helps combat cell aging, reduce fatigue and reduce stress levels. However, only fresh berries are affected, as the vitamin content drastically decreases when dried or processed into juice.
They help regulate transit
Fresh or dried, cranberries contain 2 g of fiber per 50 g of berries. And if they’re fresh, they’re also very rich in water. The combination of fiber and water ensures a well-regulated intestinal transit.
Cranberries fight against cell aging
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, especially those of the phenol family. These compounds help the body fight free radicals, molecules that accelerate cell aging.
They would be beneficial to the heart
Some of the phenols in these berries, proanthocyanidins, would benefit the heart. Daily cranberry consumption is associated with a reduction in cardiovascular risk due to improved blood vessel function, according to a small study published in March 2022 in the journal Food & Function.
What about the bladder?
What about cystitis? Cranberries have long been known to act against urinary tract infections. But several recent studies question this effect. Since 2012, the European health authorities have therefore concluded that cranberries and products made from this berry cannot claim to maintain the health of the urinary tract or to prevent or treat urinary infections.
No cranberries in urinary calculus
Finally, be careful if you are at risk of urinary stones: cranberry is not recommended because it contains high levels of oxalic acid. This compound, eliminated by the kidneys, is very sparingly soluble in urine and can cause stones in people with predispositions.
