Cranberry is a small red fruit with a sweet and sour taste. The main growing areas are in the northern United States and Canada. It is popularly consumed both fresh and dried. Cranberry is known as one of the “superfoods”. Because it is rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and many types of polyphenols. Especially proanthocyanidin or PAC, which may have antioxidant properties, help strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, cancer, etc. Therefore, cranberries or cranberry supplements should be consumed regularly. In appropriate amounts to help promote health.
What are the benefits of cranberries?
Eating 100 grams of fresh cranberries will provide 87.3 grams of water, 46 kilocalories of energy, and about 12 grams of carbohydrates, 3.6 grams of which are fiber (Fiber) or dietary fiber, and no fat. They are also rich in vitamins, minerals. And phytochemicals that are important for the body’s systems to function, such as potassium, vitamin C, phosphorus, choline (Choline), vitamin A, lutein (Lutein) and zeaxanthin (Zeaxanthin). And quercetin (Quercetin), which can help promote health in many ways, such as:
Helps reduce inflammation
Cranberries contain flavonoids such as anthocyanin, flavonol, flavan-3-ols, or proanthocyanidins, which act as antioxidants that help prevent tissue damage in the body. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Because they help inhibit the secretion of enzymes and proteins that play an important role in the body’s inflammatory process. Regular consumption of cranberries may therefore help reduce the risk of chronic inflammation-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and obesity.
Reduces bacterial infections in the intestines and urinary tract
Proanthocyanidins or PACs from cranberries are polyphenols or phytochemicals that have antioxidant properties. They help prevent E. coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria from invading the intestinal mucosa and bladder. They help increase antibodies or immune substances, which may help reduce the risk of E. coli infection in the intestines and cystitis. Which is common in women, especially older women with health problems and pregnant women. ยูฟ่าเบท This is because women have shorter urethra than men, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
In this regard, research data reveals that proanthocyanidins or PACs from cranberries should be consumed in a concentration of at least 36 milligrams.
Helps strengthen the immune system
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and polyphenols that are good for the immune system. For example, polyphenols such as proanthocyanidins or PACs may increase the number of gamma delta T cells (γδ T cells) and NK cells (NK cells). Which are white blood cells that protect and eliminate foreign or infected cells. They also enhance the efficiency of the mucosal immune system, such as in the nasal cavity. They also reduce the secretion of inflammatory substances, resulting in a better immune system. One study found that these benefits may help reduce symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and allergies.