The cranberry tea, with its fruity and slightly acid taste, is a very pleasant infusion to drink, but which has, like the majority of fruit teas, many benefits for our health, especially for our urinary system.
The cranberry and its legendary virtues
The cranberry (not cramberry) is an evergreen shrub that lives more than a hundred years if it is well cultivated. It is also known as the large fruit cranberry (vaccinium macrocarpon). The cranberry is widely consumed in North America, especially at holiday time in the form of a sauce that accompanies the traditional turkey.
Note that there is no difference between cranberry, cranberry or lingonberry. These are the names used to designate the berries depending on the country (Canada, America, Europe).
Cranberry virtues and properties
The benefits of the cranberry are very well known. It is used a lot in phytotherapy to prevent and treat various disorders, thanks to its many polyphenols (antioxidants in plants), which make it a fruit of choice for anyone who wants to maintain good health. It fights against germs and free radicals, responsible for the premature aging of cells. It is an integral part of a balanced diet
Cranberry urinary tract infection
The virtue of the cranberry is the most known is its action on our urinary system. It has been the subject of numerous in vitro studies. Its action is simple: prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder. Thus, drinking cranberry tea has a preventive as well as a curative action.
Cranberry benefits
Cranberry tea could prevent periodontal diseases and cavities. Indeed, here too, the plant prevents bacteria from settling, and thus protects the gums and teeth.
Be careful, this is a matter of prevention. If the bacteria has settled, the use of antibiotics and a visit to the dentist are essential.
In general, the cranberry helps to keep a good immune system, fights against cholesterol, protects the stomach (it calms ulcers) and the mucous membranes.
How to use the cranberry?
Due to its numerous properties, the cranberry is widely used by pharmaceutical laboratories.
Thus, one can take cranberry capsules or cranberry in capsule form (the name changes, but the product is the same) for the prevention of cystitis. Many brands sell these products at affordable prices.
If you don't want to take dietary supplements, you can eat fresh cranberries, but also in other forms that are easily found in our supermarkets.
Cranberry juice benefits
Cranberry juice is very popular, especially for people with recurrent urinary tract infections, but since these juices are commercially available, they are also very sweet, which means that the benefits of the berry are lost.
Dried cranberries
Dried cranberries are mostly appreciated for their taste and antioxidant properties. But like the juice, it contains a lot of sugar. Therefore, dried cranberries should be consumed in moderation.
Cranberry tea
Cranberry tea has the advantage of being suitable for all tastes. You can add sugar (we always use less than industrial ones, but prefer "natural" sugar, like honey or stevia), milk... Herbal teas are ideal to take advantage of the virtues of plants and fruits.
Cranberries benefits or harms?
Even if we take care to choose organic cranberries, it is possible that too much consumption can cause problems such as diarrhea, bloating, cramps... As for contraindications, people who take anticoagulant treatment should avoid cranberries.
Cranberry pregnancy
If there is no established link between possible health problems during pregnancy, the contrary is not proven. In this case, it is better to be cautious and limit the consumption of cranberries, and ask your doctor's advice.
To take advantage of the benefits of cranberry, it is best to consume it as an herbal tea. Without sugar, the plant and the berries will suit even diabetics and those who watch their weight, while enjoying its properties and its delicate and fragrant taste of the infusion.