This little, acidic fruit, ever-present in our favorite festive dishes, can also bring health benefits.
What are the health benefits of cranberries?
Medical benefits
Source of vitamins C, B5, K, E, manganese and copper, cranberries also contain high amounts of antioxidants that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Its oligo-proanthocyanidins prevent bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, urethra and intestines and from multiplying. Cranberries are well known for their protection against certain urinary tract infections and for protecting the possible proliferation of bacteria in the bladder. The presence of salicylic acid can also help fight edema, prevent blood clots and stimulate the reduction of bad cholesterol called LDL (low density lipoprotein). This protein tends to be too high in some people. Remember that we need cholesterol and that there is no bad cholesterol per se, but rather there is a bad ratio or a bad balance between HDL and LDL which can cause certain health problems. Regular consumption of cranberry juice could also help slow the development of cancer cells. This juice would be a good ally against atherosclerosis, a loss of elasticity of the arteries, and against osteoporosis, thanks to its good calcium content.
Prevent ulcers
Cranberries are also said to have interesting properties that protect the stomach from ulcers. As a food rich in flavonoids, it helps reduce the risk of peptic ulcer disease caused by the proliferation of the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria. This bacteria attacks the surface that protects the stomach. Regular consumption of cranberry juice could help prevent the presence of this bacteria in the digestive system.
The atokas of the Amerindians
Cranberries grew wild in the wetlands of eastern and central North America long before the arrival of European settlers. The Amerindians had known these small berries for a long time. They called them atoka. In addition to incorporating them into several cooked dishes, they made a powder used as a disinfectant and healing. Mixed with an animal fat called pemmican, they coated the meats for better preservation. They also used it as a dye for their clothes. It was while exploring the Americas that Europeans tamed cranberries. They even discovered that they were very effective in countering scurvy, thanks to their vitamin C content. In the 19th century, cranberry cultivation was booming in America and England.
Cranberries in Quebec
In 1939, a certain Edgar Larocque brought some plants from Massachusetts to Quebec and started growing them. Cranberries quickly became very popular.
In 1980, American scientists demonstrated the antibacterial properties of cranberries which would be recommended by doctors against certain urinary tract infections in order to reduce the use of antibiotics.
Wisconsin remains, to this day, the largest producer of cranberries in the world and the cranberry is the official fruit of this American state.
SOURCE :
https://www.doctissimo.fr/html/sante/phytotherapie/plante-medicinale/canneberge.htm
http://www.notrecanneberge.com/Contenu/SousPage/Canneberges/Bienfaits
https://www.selection.ca/cuisine/nutrition/canneberges-grenades-6-raisons-d-en-manger/
https://www.canalvie.com/recettes/savoir-cuisiner/guide-des-aliments/canneberge-1.1125480
https://www.cannebergesdion.com/2017/02/les-5-bienfaits-de-la-canneberge/
http://www.notrecanneberge.com/Contenu/SousPage/Canneberges/Historique
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/fr/article/canneberge