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Healthy Future Cranberry

Freeze dried cranberries

100% natural, vegan and raw, gluten free, no added sugar or sulphur, no preservatives, GMO free

Cranberries are considered the healthiest fruits in the world – they have many nutritional values ​​and prevent the development of bacterial infections. Along with garlic, oregano and pine, it belongs to the group of natural antibiotics.

The healing potential of cranberries has long been used in folk medicine. Nowadays, many supplements and medications are based on cranberries. Numerous studies show that the compounds contained in the fruit can support the treatment of inflammation of the urinary tract (e.g. urinary tract infections, cystitis, urethritis), stomach (gastric ulcer), blood system (atherosclerosis, regulation of cholesterol levels and blood pressure) and diabetes.

The link between eating cranberries and urinary tract infections (UTI) was first demonstrated in 1840. Modern scientific research unanimously confirms that cranberry has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, thanks to which it is effective in the prevention and alleviation of, among others, bladder infections, certain skin conditions and stomach ulcers.

Why should we eat cranberries?

Cranberry has its health properties mainly due to type A proanthocyanidins (so-called condensed tannins). These compounds show a supportive effect in the treatment of urinary tract infection (caused by E. Coli bacteria), stomach disease (caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori) and cardiovascular disease.

It has been shown that cranberry reduces the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract, as well as hinders the attachment of Helicobater pylori bacteria to the stomach wall.

Cranberries contain polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that reduces the risk of chronic disease. In addition, it is believed that due to the content of quercetin, cranberry protects diabetics from developing eye disease (cataracts) and is antiallergic. Moreover, this fruit protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.

Medicinal ingredients contained in cranberries also support the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections and disinfect the mouth and throat. In addition, cranberry is known for its properties in supporting the treatment of colds and flu. Moreover, cranberries provide prebiotic fibre that fuels the beneficial bacteria found in the digestive tract (and other tissue linings).

Cranberries - health properties

Cranberries:

  • prevent urinary tract infections (UTI);
  • have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties;
  • are a rich source of many vitamins and minerals;
  • are a source of vitamins: C, A, E, K, B1, B2, B3 (PP), B6, B9;
  • are a source of minerals: calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese;
  • disinfect the mouth and throat;
  • support the infection of the upper respiratory tract;
  • inhibit the growth of neoplastic cells (anticancer properties);
  • support the treatment of flu and colds;
  • work as a diuretic;
  • have a strong anti-inflammatory and disinfecting effect, especially in the area of the kidneys and bladder;
  • support the heart and circulatory system;
  • protect blood vessels;
  • protect the digestive system (gastric ulcer);
  • reduce inflammation associated with chronic diseases and aging;
  • support the immune system;
  • regulate blood pressure and cholesterol;
  • are a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.

Freeze-dried cranberries nutritional values

A rich source of antioxidants

Cranberries are very rich in bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants – especially polyphenols. Many of these plant compounds are concentrated in the peel of the cranberry. They are responsible for reducing oxidative stress, which is the cause of faster aging of the body and the development of civilization diseases (e.g. cardiovascular diseases, type II diabetes, cancer).

We can distinguish among them: quercetin (one of the strongest antioxidants), myricetin, peonidin, ursolic acid (a strong anti-inflammatory effect, a component of many herbal medicines) and type A proanthocyanidins (tannins preventing urinary tract infections).

Proanthocyanidins

The natural environment for cranberries is raised bogs – this specific substrate causes cranberry fruits to accumulate in high concentration substances with unique health properties – proanthocyanidins, also known as PAC.

Proanthocyanidins are compounds with strong antioxidant properties, slowing down the aging process. These unique bioactive compounds protect the liver, lower blood sugar levels, strengthen the heart muscle, have a beneficial effect on the urinary and digestive systems, and reduce the incidence of certain infections and inflammation associated with chronic disease and aging.

Proanthocyanidins also improve eyesight, increase joint flexibility and contribute to lowering cholesterol levels (they lower the concentration of the LDL fraction while increasing the concentration of the HDL fraction). Additionally, they show anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Many of the antioxidants in cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties. Research shows that people who consume cranberries have lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the blood that contributes to premature aging, chronic disease, and cognitive decline.

Chronic diseases and infections

The antioxidants contained in cranberries (in particular polyphenols) reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes and blood vessels diseases. Some studies indicate a specific role of certain cranberry polyphenols in reducing the risk of stomach cancer and bacterial infections.

In addition, the antioxidants contained in cranberries help improve blood flow through the blood vessels (and thus lower blood pressure), protect cells from harmful damage (reduce the risk of inflammation or tumor growth), and reduce the risk of cholesterol build-up in the arteries.

Vitamin C in cranberries, in turn, increases collagen production, helping to heal wounds and the integrity of the skin.

Healthy Future Cranberry

Cranberries and urinary tract infection

Cranberry has a positive effect on the condition of the urinary tract and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. UTI (cystitis) is much more common in women than in men. Men are eight times less likely to suffer from this condition.

Research shows that almost 30 percent women in their life go through cystitis. The risk of developing the disease increases in the elderly, catheterized, using immunosuppressive drugs and diabetics. Additionally, cystitis tends to recur. Cranberry protects the body against re-infection.

Prophylactic use of cranberries in the daily diet protects against recurrent urinary tract infections, while enduring an ongoing infection, the use of cranberry as an adjunctive therapy may shorten its duration.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria

Urinary tract infections are caused mostly by Escherichia coli (E. coli). They deposit in the urinary tract where they cause inflammation. Cranberry has antibacterial properties, especially against E. Coli bacteria.

The E. coli bacteria that are normally found in the gut can travel to the bladder and, with their hair-like protrusions, attach themselves to the lining of the mucosa and cause infection. The substances contained in cranberries damage these protrusions and, as a result, bacteria cannot “stick” to the urinary tract, are easily flushed out through the urine and cannot cause infection.

The active substances helping to fight the infection are mainly tannins and type A proanthocyanidins – they protect the urinary system against the attachment of bacteria to the walls lining of the bladder and urinary tract. They also inhibit the multiplication of pathogenic bacteria.

Thanks to its flushing properties of E.coli, cranberries may reduce the susceptibility to urinary tract inflammation – making cranberries a preventative measure against urinary tract infections.

Prostate hypertrophy

Cranberry can also help men who have difficulty emptying their bladder completely – this happens often in men with an enlarged prostate.
Moreover, cranberries help to prevent bladder infections in people with a catheter or with neurological disorders (e.g. after a stroke or spine injury), i.e. in cases where the risk of infection is very high.

Research – Cranberry and Cystitis

Since the turn of the century, cranberry has been used as a folk remedy to treat bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs), which cause frequent and painful urination. The first recorded use of cranberries by conventional medical practitioners was in 1923. Historically, cranberry was thought to kill UTI-causing bacteria by acidifying the urine.

Later studies discovered that the phytonutrients contained in cranberries (tannins, proanthocyanidins) prevent Escherichia coli (E. coli) from attaching to the urinary tract cells. In this way, the bacteria is flushed out of the body, rather than sticking, growing and leading to infection.

A 2016 study found that regular cranberry consumption reduces symptomatic UTIs by nearly 40% in women with recurrent UTIs, suggesting a reduction in the need for antibiotics.

Urine pH

Normal urine is slightly acidic. In the case of bacterial infections (usually Escherichia coli infection occurs), the urine pH increases, which promotes the growth of bacteria.

Cranberries are acidic, so when used in the treatment of bladder infections, they will lower the pH, reducing the multiplication of bacteria. Thus, cranberries help to reduce the amount of bacteria in the urine. Additionally, it impairs the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the walls of the bladder epithelium.

Cranberries and antibacterial properties

Many studies carried out in laboratory conditions proved a much wider spectrum of antibacterial and antifungal activity of cranberries. Their findings are helpful in using cranberry extract in the fight against bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteridis and some types of fungi that cause skin diseases.

Like E.coli bacteria, cranberry affects other bacteria, responsible for example for the formation of ulcers, as well as microorganisms that cause caries, gums diseases and periodontitis. The acidic substances contained in cranberries make it difficult for Helicobacter pylori bacteria to adhere to the gastric mucosa, while on the teeth they form a coating that makes it difficult for bacteria to bond with the enamel and infect the gums.

The probiotic properties of cranberries are also being analysed. The substances contained in it not only destroy harmful bacteria in the digestive system, but also support the growth of the beneficial intestinal microflora.

Reducing the risk of heart and circulatory system diseases

Compounds contained in cranberries protect against diseases of the heart and the circulatory system. They stop blood clots from forming and have a beneficial effect on vasodilation. They protect blood vessels against atherosclerosis and have anti-cancer properties.

The compounds contained in cranberries having a positive effect on the heart and cardiovascular system include, among others, antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin.

In terms of heart and circulatory system protection, consuming cranberries may contribute to:
– lowering blood pressure;
– increase HDL (good) cholesterol;
– lowering the level of LDL (bad) cholesterol;
– protection of LDL cholesterol against oxidation;
– reducing the stiffness of blood vessels;
– lowering the level of homocysteine in the blood, thus reducing the risk of inflammation of the blood vessels.

Stroke
The substances contained in cranberries have the ability to protect brain cells from damage that occurs during a stroke or blood clot.

Cholesterol
Many studies also show that consuming cranberries helps maintain the right balance between “good” HDL cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks. In addition, the antioxidants found in cranberries prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which reduces the risk of arteriosclerosis and clogging of blood vessels.

Blood pressure
Potassium is an element that regulates blood pressure in our body. Taking into account the fact that the modern diet is rich in sodium, which promotes hypertension, by consuming cranberries rich in potassium, we increase our chances of maintaining accurate blood pressure level, thus having a preventive effect on the entire cardiovascular system.

Atherosclerosis
Eating cranberries reduces the number of endothelial cells that line our veins and arteries. These cells produce osteocalcin, which causes the blood vessels to harden.
It is important to consume cranberries regularly as the degenerative processes of the vessels are slow and require a constant supply of antioxidants. Damaged by oxidants and inflammation, the endothelium becomes susceptible to deposition of cholesterol. Its deposits reduce the lumen of blood vessels and cause atherosclerosis.

Cranberry antioxidants protect endothelial cells from damage, and the anthocyanins that supply the red colour soothe infections, which also contribute to the deposition of cholesterol in the veins and arteries.

Protection against stomach diseases

Cranberry is used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infections. This bacterium is the main cause of stomach cancer, gastritis and gastric ulcer development. Thanks to compounds contained in cranberry (in particular, type A proanthocyanides (PAC), chemical compounds with tannin properties), the growth and attachment of pathogenic bacteria to the gastric mucosa is inhibited.
Consuming cranberries while receiving antibiotic therapy against Helicobacter pylori may have a better effect – especially in women.

We pick only the finest, wholesome cranberries and freeze-dry them, in order to preserve their original flavour and nutritional content.

Teeth and gums diseases

Cranberry seems to be effective in caries prophylaxis, as it fights bacteria responsible for its formation. The properties of cranberries by inhibiting the adherence of bacteria to tooth surfaces can help prevent the formation of tartar.

Cranberry extract reduces the deposition of the most common bacteria on the gums by 60 percent. This reduces the amount of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth and reduces the incidence of periodontal disease and gum disease.

Cranberry and diabetes

Cranberry can be used as an aid in the treatment of diabetes. Due to the fiber contained in cranberries, it contributes to lowering blood glucose levels and slows down its absorption from the intestines into the blood.

Moreover, cranberry can stimulate the pancreas to work, which is responsible, inter alia, for the production of the hormone insulin, which lowers blood sugar.
In addition, cranberries have a beneficial effect on the urinary system, which may be burdened with excessive glucose removal from the body.

When choosing cranberries, carefully read their composition, because dried cranberries or cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar. Choosing freeze-dried cranberries is definitely more healthy. You can read more below in this article.

Cranberries and pregnancy

Some sources provide information about the harmfulness of cranberries during pregnancy and even about the risk of miscarriage. This is allegedly not true. Cranberries are often recommended to pregnant women because they are more prone to urinary tract infections.
Cranberry can be used for the prevention of bladder diseases, especially in women who suffer from recurring infections. Cranberry is believed to reduce the risk of developing an infection by about 1/3.

Antibiotics
When pregnant, it is better to avoid taking antibiotics unless necessary. However, if left untreated, a urinary tract infection can lead to premature birth or a decrease in the birth weight of the newborn. Therefore, consuming cranberries may prove to be a good prevention of urinary tract infections.
Of course, every pregnant woman should consult her doctor about consuming cranberries and cranberry products.

Cranberries - contraindications

Cranberry and its products are relatively safe for all age groups, and also in the presence of most diseases. This fruit is also safe for children.

Anticoagulants
However, it is worth being careful consuming cranberries while taking anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin). The substances contained in cranberries could make it difficult to remove the active substances of these drugs from the body, which may contribute to a reduction in blood clotting, greater bleeding tendency and even haemorrhage.

Kidney stones
Cranberries are also a source of oxalates, which in some people can crystallize as stones in the urinary tract. For this reason, the use of cranberry in the case of kidney stones (oxalate) should be consulted with your doctor.
Adequate water intake is recommended to maintain proper urine output and prevent oxalate from crystallizing.

Osteoporosis
In addition, oxalates may impede the absorption of some minerals, including calcium, so people who may suffer from calcium deficiency in the body should also be careful with cranberries.

Side effects
Cranberries contain soluble fiber. For this reason, excessive consumption of cranberries can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.

Dried and freeze-dried cranberries

Dried cranberries are almost always enriched with a large amount of sugar (or even worse – glucose-fructose syrup), as well as oil, and sometimes even preservatives. It happens that additives constitute about 50% of the final product.

Due to these additives, dried cranberries are not the best choice for a snack for children, people suffering from diabetes or on a slimming diet. Freeze-dried cranberry, which does not contain any additives, is a much better choice.

In the freeze-drying process, only the water was removed from the fruit, leaving the nutritional values practically intact. You can read more about the freeze-drying process here.

Freeze dried cranberries in the kitchen

Cranberries have a wide culinary use: they can be used to prepare sauces, preserves, jellies, desserts, and also to add them to meat dishes, e.g. venison. Cranberry preserves go perfectly with meats, cold cuts and cheeses. Especially grilled camembert with cranberry tastes delicious.

Cranberries, especially freeze-dried cranberries or dried cranberries, can be put in cakes, cookies, smoothies or in sweet breakfasts: yoghurt, porridge, millet, rice or pancakes. Fresh, dried or freeze-dried cranberries can be added to both vegetable and fruit salads or eaten on their own as a snack.

Fresh cranberry has a very tart taste due to the presence of antioxidants (anthocyanins). For this reason, so many producers add sugar in the drying process of this fruit. It is therefore worth paying attention to the ingredients of the product before buying.

The peels have many beneficial properties, so it’s best to add them whole to your breakfast or oatmeal, mix them in a smoothie, or use them in cooking and baking.

Cranberries tolerate high temperatures well, cooking does not destroy the bactericidal compounds contained in it.

Try our freeze dried cranberries

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