The use of cranberry in medicine
The cranberry is also called cranberry in German. Cranberries have been used in medicine for several centuries. Since the berry or its plant is only found in America, this was for a long time limited to the native inhabitants.
In recent years, cranberries have become more and more popular for treatment with natural products. The cranberry is said to have positive effects on urinary tract infections. Even if there is a high cholesterol level in the blood, it is said to be reduced with regular consumption.
In cosmetics, cranberry is regarded as a protection against skin aging. In addition, the cranberry has anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, antipyretic and above all antioxidant effects due to various ingredients such as vitamin C or flavanoids. The berry can be e.g. taken raw or in a tea. Studies have so far been unable to prove either a benefit or a lack of effect.
The indication
The best known and most common indication for the use of cranberry is urinary tract infection. Due to its various ingredients, it shows a better course of the disease. Furthermore, problems with the cardiovascular system can be an indication for the consumption of cranberry.
Due to its high antioxidant effect, it serves as a protective factor against the progression of diseases related to the cardiovascular system. This concerns for example calcification or stenosis of vessels such as the coronary vessels of the heart. Cranberry is said to have a positive effect on the healing of a urinary tract infection.
If it is eaten frequently in acute cases of illness, healing is accelerated. If the berry is eaten in a healthy state, this is a protective factor against urinary tract infections. The effect is mainly based on the ingredient proanthocyanidin. This inhibits the growth and attachment of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract and thus supports the immune system in its work. Thus the cranberry has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect.
The effect
The effect of cranberries in relation to the effect on urinary tract infections is based on the content of anthocyanidins or their precursors. Anthocyanidins are bitter substances that have an antibacterial effect. This substance is found in high concentrations in cranberries.
Also in case of problems in the gastrointestinal tract the symptoms can be improved by using cranberries for the same reason. However, the exact mode of action is not known. However, it is known how anthocyanidins have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
They are an effective scavenger of free radicals, which cause oxidative stress in the body and lead to damage in the blood vessels. Because they catch free radicals, less damage occurs. This process is supported by the high content of vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid.
Vitamin C is also a reducing agent. This means that it also catches free radicals, so there is less oxidative stress and the vessels are less damaged. .
