Cranberries have long been valued for their unique healing properties and are an effective folk remedy for the treatment of many diseases. However, like any other product, you need to use it taking into account the characteristics of your body. It is especially worth paying attention to the effect of this medicinal berry on blood pressure. The answer to the question - cranberry lowers or increases blood pressure, you need to know even for those who do not suffer from unstable indicators.
Cranberries are a real storehouse of vitamins, minerals, organic acids, pectins and other trace elements valuable for health. This berry contains the following components:
- Flavonoids that help increase the strength of blood capillaries and the elasticity of the vessel walls.
- Ursolic acid, which has a pronounced antimicrobial and wound-healing properties.
- B vitamins, which are responsible for the normal functioning of the nervous system and resistance to stress, as well as have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
- Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and helps to strengthen the immune system.
- Potassium, required to maintain good muscle tone, blood vessels and blood capillaries, as well as regulating the content of salts, acids and alkalis in the body.
- Many trace elements such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, etc.
Such a rich composition determines the healing properties of this berry. Cranberries included in the daily diet have the following effects on the body:
- Relieves inflammation of the urogenital area.
- Improves digestion.
- Reduces blood sugar levels.
- Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system and kidneys by removing excess fluid.
- Increases the body's resistance to infectious diseases.
- Relieves puffiness.
- Reduces elevated body temperature.
- Relieves headache.
The effect of cranberries on blood pressure
Above, we considered that this healing berry has a healing effect on the entire body. Now let's answer the main question: does cranberry increase blood pressure or lower it? Can it be used by people suffering from high or low blood pressure?
Hypertension today is one of the most common chronic diseases in adults, and is also one of the leading causes of death from strokes and heart attacks.
Therefore, it is so important to separately note the beneficial properties of cranberries for hypertension. As you know, with this disease, there is a persistent increase in blood pressure above normal. How does cranberry affect blood pressure?
The fact is that the beneficial substances that make up cranberries have a pronounced diuretic effect. Due to this, excess fluid is removed from the body, including from the bloodstream, which ultimately leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Therefore, this berry is so recommended for people suffering from hypertension.
It is also worth noting that cranberries can enhance the effect of medications. Therefore, with its combined use with antihypertensive drugs, an even greater effect on blood pressure can be achieved.
It should not be forgotten that the result can be achieved only with regular use of this product.
Therefore, for a persistent lowering of blood pressure with the help of this berry, you should include it in your daily diet.
In case of hypotension, characterized by low blood pressure, cranberries should be used with caution, since an even greater decrease in pressure can cause a deterioration in general well-being and dizziness.
Application for hypertension
Cranberries can be used fresh, as well as freeze, dry, soak, heat treatment. The berry does not lose its valuable qualities from this. A variety of drinks are prepared from cranberries: fruit drinks, compotes, juices, jelly. Tea with the addition of cranberries will delight you not only with its exquisite taste, but also with its healing properties. Also, berries can be added to a variety of salads, pastries and in the preparation of second courses.
How is cranberry used for high blood pressure? Here are some simple recipes for using this berry for hypertension, which you can easily prepare yourself at home:
- Cranberry juice.
In a convenient saucepan, crush 2 cups of fresh or thawed berries, pour 1.5 liters of cold or warm water, bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for a few minutes. Next, the resulting broth should be cooled, filtered, squeezed out the berries, and discarded the cake. Put honey or sugar in the prepared drink to taste.
Application
To lower the pressure, it is recommended to consume the obtained cranberry juice twice a day. Also, this drink can be used simply to quench thirst and saturate the body with vitamins and other valuable microelements.
- Cranberry juice.
Squeeze fresh washed berries in a juicer, discard the cake, and dilute the ready pure juice with a small amount of cold or warm drinking water. The resulting drink can be sweetened with honey or sugar.
Application
Drink 1/3 cup several times a day, before meals.
- Tea with cranberries.
For brewing such tea, you can take both fresh and dried fruits. Fresh berries are desirable to pre-mash. Cranberries are added to the teapot along with tea leaves and other herbs and infused.
Application
For hypertension, it is recommended to take this tea every day for several weeks. This drink is very useful for strengthening the immune system, especially in the cold season. It is not forbidden to occasionally drink tea with cranberries and under reduced pressure, but you should monitor your well-being at the same time.
- Cranberries with honey.
Take berries and honey in equal proportions. The berries need to be grated or whipped in a blender, and then add the flooded honey and mix well. Place the prepared mass in a glass container with a lid. Keep refrigerated.
Application
One spoonful several times a day before meals.
Contraindications
Despite the obvious benefits of cranberries for improving the body, there are a number of contraindications to its use. So for the following diseases, cranberries should be used with caution, or completely abandoned:
- Individual intolerance.
- Stomach or duodenal ulcer.
- Gastritis and gastroduodenitis with high acidity.
- Gout.
- Urolithiasis disease.
- Pancreatitis
- Hypotension.
- Increased sensitivity of tooth enamel.
Also, due to the high risk of allergic reactions, it is undesirable to use cranberries for young children under three years old and women during lactation. As for the use of cranberries during pregnancy, you should not completely abandon this product, but you should use this berry only in small quantities.
Consequently, cranberries are a very valuable natural product that can have a healing effect on the entire body.
This berry is especially useful for people suffering from high blood pressure. Do not forget that if you have any chronic diseases, it is advisable to consult your doctor before using cranberries.
