Large or American Cranberry (Oxycoccus macrocarpus)
As a red sunset reflects the day’s joy, so the spirit of summer colours the cranberry in autumn. It gives the berry character and a harsh beauty. The first frosts make it even stronger, letting it survive the winter without any loss of vitamins, in a cellar just as well as in a marsh. The American Cranberry has a thicker layer under its skin, letting it accumulate more active substances and mineral salts, useful in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Our bodies need cranberries as much as they crave the autumn sun
- Vitamin ANecessary for the function of the four sense organs: hearing, vision, smell and taste. Necessary for the development of healthy muscles, bones, tooth enamel, skin, hair.
- Vitamin B1Has a positive effect on digestive organ function, promotes stomach movement and secretory function and accelerates the emptying of its contents, normalizes heart function.
- Vitamin B2Plays an important role in the “burning” of carbohydrates, fat and protein. Promotes a more complete breakdown of carbohydrates. The need for this vitamin highly increases with a fatty diet.
- Vitamin B5One of the best slimming and anti-aging substances. Maintains heart function and improves concentration ability. Strengthens hair and prevents premature greying.
- Vitamin B6Has a positive effect on the metabolism, stimulates the formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin. An average of 110 disease stem from a lack of this vitamin.
- Vitamin B9Improves circulation, prevents anaemia and leukaemia. This vitamin is very necessary for pregnant women. Vitamin B9 is effective in cases of stomach and gastro-intestinal tract inflammations.
- Vitamin CStabilizes the psyche and strengthens the immune system. Blocks the formation of toxic compounds in the body, contributes to bone and cartilage formation, takes an active part in the metabolism of protein, sugar and fat.
- Vitamin EAn important antioxidant. Vitamin E helps the body eliminate various harmful substances that result from metabolic processes and can harm the body’s cells.
- Vitamin PP“Healer” of the nerve cells and system. Maintains heart function, regulates cholesterol level. Vitamin PP improves pancreatic secretion and juice content, normalizes liver function.
- Ag silverNecessary for the normal function of internal secretion glands, the brain, liver and bones. Stimulates the immune system; a strong antibiotic – destroys over 650 types of bacteria and viruses.
- Ca calciumStrengthens teeth and bones, promotes blood supply to tissues, strengthens the heart and nervous system.
- Ci chlorineImportant in the regulation of nervous system function. Supports the transport of carbon dioxide from the blood to the lungs and improves digestion.
- Cu copperRequired in red blood cell formation. Helps prevent depression and low moods.
- Fe IronResponsible for normal bone and tooth development. Promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D protects the body from various types of cancer.
- J iodineOne of the thyroid hormone creators, improves dry skin and hair conditions, promotes growth processes, ensures mental well-being.
- K potassiumContributes to heart muscle activity, strengthens the nervous system, stimulates kidney function. Necessary in the release of insulin from the pancreas.
- Mg magnesiumStrengthens the heart and kidneys, promotes and regulates metabolic processes, regulates calcium, phosphorus and potassium levels in the blood. A particularly important element for athletes and physical workers.
- Mn manganeseStrengthens the immune system, promotes bone and hormone formation and blood-forming processes. Participates in cholesterol synthesis and antioxidant processes.
- Mo molybdenumMaintains iron reserves in the liver. Has an important role in the normal functioning of specific enzymes.
- Na sodiumAn important substance for muscle and nerve cell function, regulates stomach acid levels and the amount of fluid in the body’s cells.
- P phosphorusSupplies the body with energy, participates in building bones and teeth, regulates calcium levels in the blood and metabolic processes.
- S sulfurRegulates the metabolism, detoxifies the body and creates amino acids, regulates the vitamin B level in the blood, synthesizes collagen and protects the body’s cells from the outside, creates connective tissue.
- Zn zincHas a positive impact on wound healing and tissue elasticity, promotes the formation of insulin and enzyme function, regulates carbohydrate processing and body growth. Stimulates the immune system.
- benzoic acidBenzoic acid allows the berry to be stored for longer while retaining its nutritional benefits, without the use of preservatives or additional treatment. Has an anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
- citric aciddCitric acid removes toxins from the body, dissolves salts, improves digestive function and vision. Important in the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
- flavonoidsStrong antioxidants. Anti-allergic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and antifebrile effect. Protect nerve cells from harmful stimuli.
- hippuric acidProtects against the development of urinary tract infections and kidney stone formation; used in the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
- leucoantociansPrevent the growth of pathological oncological cells and are effective after radiation therapy. Antitumor effect.
- malic acidUsed in medicine as a remedy for hoarseness.
- ursolic acidnHelps normalize the metabolism. Very strong anti-inflammatory effect encourages wound healing and ulcer removal. The Large Cranberry’s skin contains 10% ursolic acid.
- pectinEliminates toxins from the body. Ensures a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effect. Prevents cholesterol accumulating in the body. Prevents gallstone formation.
- phytoncidesPhytoncides are the most “aggressive” nutrients, since they actively eliminate pathogens – microorganisms.
- quinic acidImportant in the prevention and treatment of gallstones.
- salicylic acidKnown for its mild antiseptic effect.
- serotoninOne of the most powerful mood, appetite, sleep ain pain sensitivity determinants in the body.
- ursolic acidHelps normalize the metabolism. Very strong anti-inflammatory effect encourages wound healing and ulcer removal. The Large Cranberry’s skin contains 10% ursolic acid.
- strengthen the immune system
- protect against infections and inflammations
- improve the body’s tone
- promote appetite and normalize the metabolism
- improve blood vessel function
- balance cholesterol level in the blood
- remove toxins from the body
- reduce the risk of various malignant growths.
The regular use of cranberries helps prevent and recover from illnesses such as:
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- head and eye pain
- colds and flu
- bronchitis, sore throats
- gynaecological inflammations
- kidney and urinary tract inflammations
- intestinal problems
- dental decay and paradontitis.
The antiseptic properties of cranberry juice are used in the disinfection and healing of wounds and burns.
Avoid excessive consumption of cranberries in the case of:
- acute gastric, intestinal or liver disease
- gastritis with high stomach acid content
- stomach or duodenal ulcers
- The Latin name for cranberries – Oxycoccus – comes from the Greek language and literally means – a sour ball.
- The English name cranberry comes from the word crane. The American settlers gave it this name because the cranberry flower reminded them of a crane’s neck and head. Cranes themselves have also perceived the similarity – cranberries are now their favourite food.
- For Indians of the Delaware tribe, cranberries were a symbol of peace. Their chief was called Cranberry Eater.
- Cranberry juice is a natural preservative. Indians used crushed cranberries for preserving meat, while in Latvia, we add them to pickled cabbage.
- A completely ripe cranberry can be dribbled just like a basketball ball.