Cranberries are an evergreen plant that grows mainly in the northern parts of Russia. In order for it to have a pleasant taste, and also contain its usual vitamins and minerals, cranberries must grow in temperate zones. Sometimes, some varieties withstand it and more severe conditions. The calorie content of cranberries is almost insignificant, it is sour in taste, therefore it is often found in various dishes.
Many housewives are sure that it will add piquancy to the taste, and will not especially affect the total calorie content of the whole dish. It is important that any food will increase its beneficial properties by adding this berry. This fact is not surprising, since the product from ancient times is recognized as one of the most useful.
Cranberry Calorie
Cranberries are popular among people who are used to always monitor their health, as it contains many active substances. It is important that the calorie content of cranberries depends on what kind it has. If the product is fresh and has not been processed, then the corresponding calorie content is 46, 4 kcal.
Frozen berry has 18 kcal per 100 grams of product. The most high-calorie is dried, as it contains about 308 kcal.
If a person intends to lose weight, then he must consume fresh or frozen berries. As a rule, the use of a fresh product does not raise questions. But what is frozen cranberry made of? This option is suitable for making smoothies, and frozen berries do not even need to defrost. Also, as an additive to cereals and salads, it is perfect.
When losing weight, it is better not to use dried cranberries in principle, since it has a calorie content of almost 11 times more than usual. If there is still a need to use such a product, then it is better to do it in the morning. Also, the amount should be limited to a few things.
Benefit
It makes no sense to study only the calorie content of the berry, because in addition to this, important information is its beneficial properties. Since ancient times, it is known not only as a product for losing weight, but also as a cure for many diseases. Any preventive measures can be carried out at home, just find out how to cook the product, how to consume it.
The benefits of cranberries for children and adults are undeniable, as it contains many active substances. It has the following properties:
- Anti-scurvy.
- Diuretic.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Antimicrobial.
- Antiviral.
Accordingly, if a child or an adult has a cold and there are signs of a sore throat, then he can take a course of decoctions or settings from a berry, as a result of which he can get rid of the disease.
Also, people who have problems with the work of the kidneys, because of which the liquid is poorly excreted from the body, can consume berries, as it not only helps to “heal” the kidneys, remove the liquid, but also rid the body of toxins.
For those who suffer from high "bad" cholesterol, cranberries will be a salvation, since they will lower its level by several times.
It is important to observe the reaction of the body, an allergic reaction is possible.
Slimming
How to use cranberries to lose weight? Such a question sometimes interests not only girls, but also men. To solve all the troubles, it was created a cranberry diet, which is very effective.
Cranberry calorie content is just a small part of the daily intake, so there are no serious restrictions on the use of berries.
The diet involves the use of the product throughout the day. In the morning you need to drink fruit drinks or smoothies from the berries, do the same for lunch, and also use a small handful of the product. Dinner is identical, only liquid must be drunk before eating.
Of course, cranberries are not all you need to eat. You need to follow a proper balanced diet, and the berries will serve only as an addition to it. It is important not to forget to drink enough water.
In addition to similar cranberry dishes in this diet, you can consume a number of others. Many of them can exceed the usual number of calories in cranberries, so you need to eat them with caution, that is, in small quantities.
- Cranberry juice - 46.4 calories.
- Morse - 27.7.
- Compote - 13.7.
- Kissel - 54 (it is better to drink homemade).
- Jam - 250.
- Pie - 390.
People who can't eat cranberries
Any variation on the use of berries is forbidden to people:
- having serious problems with the gastrointestinal tract, as well as increased acidity of the gastric juice;
- prone to heartburn;
- suffering from gout;
- having urolithiasis.
More on the benefits of dried berries
As already mentioned, dried or dried cranberries are the most high-calorie ones. Despite this fact, it also has a number of useful properties:
- First of all, dried berry is a natural antioxidant. For this reason, cranberries can affect health, and it can also rejuvenate the body and skin tissues.
- Due to the presence of vitamins, in particular group C, the berry is able to develop or create an immune system, which helps to get sick with various colds much less often. This effect is especially noticeable when a person drinks tea based on dried cranberries. After a short period, harmful, destructive substances leave the body naturally. A few days later, a person will feel healthy and alert.
- Women prone to cystitis can relieve symptoms thanks to cranberry juice. Moreover, this can be done at any stage of the disease.
- The presence of vitamins C and PP helps the berry to cure problem vessels. For example, if there is a tendency to form blood clots, then a person can regularly consume juice or tea from berries - and this problem will not arise in principle.
- Pregnant women can eat dried berries at times, so that the condition of the fetus becomes good due to improved blood circulation. Also, during diseases, pregnant girls are better off eating cranberries, because serious medicines are contraindicated for them. The berry will not only improve the condition and destroy the viruses, but also affect the well-being of the fetus.
Culinary application
In the culinary field, the product is used as the main ingredient for various sauces or mousses. Many chefs prefer to add some berries to a sweet pie or cake to create a taste contrast. In addition to sweet dishes, cranberries are also added to chicken, salad, pilaf.