Cranberries, which can only be consumed fresh in September and October, are turned into jam, marmalade and tarhana so that they can be consumed in all seasons.

Cranberry, which has a distinctive taste, is the size of an olive and has a sour taste. Although the sour taste of the fruit, which has a different aroma, is not liked by some people, it is recommended to be consumed due to its health benefits.

Cranberry, one of the historical fruits dating back centuries, belongs to the cultures of Eastern Europe, Anatolia and Asia.

Vitamins and Minerals in Cranberries

Cranberry is rich in vitamins K, E, C and A and B group vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine.

Also, cranberries are a good source of sodium and potassium. The most important thing that makes cranberries, which also contain manganese, copper, iron and calcium minerals, is the content of the hormone melatonin.

Containing fructose and glucose, cranberry mucilage also contains flavonoids, citric and malic acid.

Health Benefits of Cranberries

1- Cranberries are high in antioxidants that reduce inflammation, which has been linked to conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

2- Cranberry contains a large amount of polyphenols. Polyphenols are plant micronutrients that stop the growth of bacteria. When you eat cranberries, the polyphenols stay in your saliva even after you chew and swallow it. There they help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and oral cancer.

3- Cranberries are one of the only fruits with A-type proanthocyanidins that help stop intestinal infections before they start. These polyphenols help keep your gut flora healthy and prevent H. pylori infection, which can cause stomach ulcers.

4- One cup of fresh cranberries contains 5 grams of fiber to help your body absorb sugar more slowly, prevent constipation and make you feel full faster.

5- One cup of raw cranberries contains 14.6 mg of vitamin C per serving - about 25% of your daily requirement.

6- Research shows that cholesterol, fat, and sodium-free fruit can lower your "bad" cholesterol and raise your "good" cholesterol, which is beneficial for better blood pressure and heart function.

7- It accelerates the healing process of heart and vascular patients, stroke and heart attack patients.

8- The melatonin hormone in cranberry is effective in preventing insomnia, provides sleep and regulates the body's biorhythm.

9- Thanks to its antioxidant content, it destroys the agents that damage the skin, makes the skin shine and minimizes the effects of aging.

10- Cranberry prevents the formation of kidney stones. It is recommended to consume cranberry juice to reduce kidney stones.

11- Cranberry benefits are also available sexually, it is said to increase sexual potency.

Source: WebMD - Photos: Unsplash