What differentiates cranberry from blueberry?

The berries of American cranberry (cranberry) either bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)slightly acidic in taste, They are rich in anthocyanins, some pigments from the polyphenol family that give them a characteristic reddish color and valuable medicinal properties.

It is a low, creeping bush, barely 30 cm high, with oval lanceolate leaves, green and shiny on the upper side and whitish on the back, flowers with four white petals bent backwards and long ocher stamens that face the ground. The fruits are spherical, fleshy, red and acidicmuch more than blueberries.

These fruits contain trace elements such as manganese and selenium –essential for the activity of certain enzymes that protect against free radicals–, organic acids, tannins and vitamins A and C. All this makes them great allies against aging.

Properties of cranberry

The main virtue of blueberries is improve circulation and protect the wall of blood vessels. Its anthocyanins help preserve good brain microirrigation by reducing capillary permeability, stopping the filtration of harmful substances through the walls of blood vessels and improving the redistribution of microvascular flow.

On the other hand, the blueberry antioxidant cocktail is useful for preventing and treating various conditions:

• Anticancer. According to recent studies, red fruit extract blocks the action of enzymes that stimulate the development of cancer.
• Anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic. Cranberry inhibits the release of histamine and improves the action of vitamin C.
• Urine infections. It is undoubtedly one of the best-known properties of cranberry, and it has compounds with anti-adhesive properties that prevent bacteria from settling in the epithelial cells of the urinary tract, thus preventing infection. They also acidify urine and prevent the proliferation of pathogens and the formation of calcium phosphate stones.
  The French Food Safety Agency has confirmed that cranberry juice contributes to reducing the adherence of sources of infection by certain types of Escherichia colli to the walls of the urinary tract, as long as the juice contains sufficient doses of proanthocyanidins (about 40 mg). It is therefore considered a optimal remedy for cystitis, but more at a preventive than curative level. This very annoying condition usually involves pressure and pain when urinating, the need to do so often and, sometimes, small bleeding.
• Antibiotic. The antibacterial properties of cranberry can also help stop sources of bacterial infection. Helicobacter pylori in the epithelium of the stomach and dental plaque.
• The cranberry has digestive benefitssince it balances the intestinal microbiota and relieves constipation.
• Mouth guard. Cranberry juice reverses and inhibits the accumulation of certain bacteria responsible for dental plaque and periodontal disease.
• Hypoglycemic effect. The myrtilin present in cranberry provides a slight hypoglycemic effect useful in diets for diabetics.
• Preserve sight. By improving ocular microcirculation and oxygen and energy levels in the eye tissues, cranberry delays or prevents macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathies.
• Cardiovascular protection. It stabilizes vascular collagen, facilitates vasodilation and prevents platelet aggregation, which reduces cardiac risk: another powerful benefit of cranberries.
• Improves circulation. Like black cranberry, it improves circulation and tones the veins. It is indicated in cases of venous insufficiency, in varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

How to take cranberry

Blueberries can be consumed fresh, in juice or dried. They are also found as a dietary supplement in the form of liquid or dry extract (500-600 mg capsules).

In case of infection, they take two capsules or 10 ml three times a day before meals for a week. The preventive or maintenance dose ranges between 500 and 1,500 mg daily of dry extract.

The most effective is drink the juice, which is made with the fruits. It is recommended to take a minimum of two or three tablespoons daily, without mixing with water. Although it has a somewhat sour taste, It is also not advisable to add sugar, since it reduces its effectiveness.

dried fruits can be mixed with yogurt natural; Also fresh ones, although they can be difficult to find.