Not only healthy with a bladder infection
Long before superfoods like the goji berry and mulberry became popular, there was another berry known for its superpowers. The North American cranberry – better known as cranberry – washed up on Terschelling in the 19th century. The berry has now become an indispensable part of the island and, above all, it is also very healthy.
The cranberry – also known as cranberry or heather heather – is a plant from the heather family. The flowering period is from June to August and the berries are ripe between September and November. A ripe berry is spherical or pear-shaped, has a diameter of 6 to 8 millimeters and is red. Later the berries turn brown and mottled.
The cranberry originally comes from North America. The use of the berry as a medicinal plant was already known to the Indians; they used the juice to treat arrow wounds and to protect against cystitis. The berry was also used as a remedy for scurvy on long sea voyages. According to tradition, a barrel of cranberries from such a ship washed ashore on the beach of Terschelling around 1840 after a shipwreck. From there the berries started to grow and from the beginning of the 20th century the cranberry is also grown for sale in the Netherlands.
vitamin bomb
The cranberry is full of vitamins and minerals. With a serving of berries (100 grams) you already have your recommended daily amount of vitamin C, but the cranberry also contains vitamins B5, B6, E and K and manganese, copper and iron. In very small quantities you will also find other vitamins and minerals in the berry.
The best-known health effect of the cranberry is probably the protective effect against a bladder infection. It may seem like a remedy from grandmother’s cupboard, but extensive scientific research has been done into the effect of cranberry on the bladder. Cranberries contain so-called proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from nesting in the bladder. A glass of juice (or cranberry tablets) daily seems to be sufficient to prevent a bladder infection. Incidentally, cranberry is often not sufficient for the treatment of an existing bladder infection: antibiotics are usually required.
In addition to cystitis, there are also indications that the antioxidants in cranberries are good for the heart and blood vessels and protect against various types of cancer. They also seem to boost the immune system and have been described as having positive effects on digestion. However, this is still insufficiently scientifically substantiated. A varied diet – many different types and colors of fruit and vegetables – is always the best choice for your health.
Preferably fresh
For the positive effect of cranberries, it is best to eat the fresh berries. Unfortunately, these are not sold much in the Netherlands. You can find dried cranberries and juice, jam or compote in the shops. Cranberry capsules are also sold.
These products can be a good substitute for the fresh fruit, but there are a number of points to consider. For example, during preparation – for example drying or cooking – part of the vitamins and minerals (especially vitamin C) is lost. Sugar is also often added. Dried fruits, for example, are richer in calories per 100 grams due to the lack of moisture, which makes it easier to eat too much.
