The properties of Cranberry in pills and natural form

The cranberry is an American fruit rich in proanthocyanidins, antioxidants, and essential minerals for people’s health. Known as Vaccinium macrocarpon and Vaccinium oxycoccus, it has a long tradition as a natural berry used for medicinal purposes, although today it is much more common to use the extract in capsules and tablets. It has certain properties and benefits that make American cranberries and other species highly valued for improving kidney health and some bladder symptoms and infections.

Cranberry properties

It is a source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and manganese. It is also a good source of vitamin C, a great antioxidant that, along with the flavonoids and tannins it provides, makes the properties of the cranberry excellent for people’s health.

Generally, the use of this fruit, which is a berry, is recommended for people suffering from digestive issues and bladder disorders. Discomfort and difficulty urinating, as well as some symptoms derived from cystitis, a urinary tract infection caused by bacteria.

The benefits that cranberries bring to the ducts and tissues related to body purification and urination are well-known and extensively studied. Taking cranberry extract in capsules improves the mucous membranes of the urinary tract in both women and men, so it can be used interchangeably. It may be a supplement that women benefit from more due to anatomical differences between sexes. A woman is much more likely to get a postcoital infection due to the shape and length of her ducts, but it works equally well for men and women. The cranberry’s property, when metabolized, blocks certain bacteria that cause these types of infections.

Furthermore, when consumed, you also find benefits for other parts of the human body, such as the eyes. Some studies indicate that it improves the adaptability of the eyes to changes in lighting due to its high concentration of proanthocyanidins PAC and preserves vision longer thanks to the antioxidants. It also provides beneficial substances for the heart and immune system.

The properties of cranberry are:

• Relieves discomfort when urinating caused by cystitis.
• Enhances kidney health.
• Regenerates the oral mucosa.
• Blocks free radicals due to its high antioxidant content.
• Restores the walls of the urinary tract.

In addition to the above, all cranberries contain pectin, which is soluble plant fiber, citric, quinic, and malic acid. It also provides vitamin A and C, and includes fructose and plant proteins.

Cranberry pills or natural powder extract

If you can enjoy the fresh fruit, it is always a pleasure to savor it, although it is acidic enough to be combined with other foods to reduce the acidity. It is used in compote and jam, as well as in desserts and recipes.

In many places, fresh cranberries are not available, and supplements are needed. These are made from the dry extract, which is usually encapsulated or pressed. The well-known cranberry tablets and capsules come in various price ranges.

Buying them dehydrated gives them a sweeter taste while improving their preservation, or you can take cranberry pills, which have some differences. In their natural state, despite having a high percentage of proanthocyanidins, they never reach the value that cranberry extract can achieve when processed rigorously. This is because, once packaged, the amount you take in a single dose is much higher than what you would eat in food since it is much more concentrated. So, for certain occasions, cranberry juice works well, or you can use the supplement if you don’t have fresh fruit available.

Regarding the differences, it is always recommended to buy trusted brands, knowing they take care of their products and the quality remains throughout the production process. Sometimes they may have a slightly higher price, but you have the assurance of buying the best for your family’s health.

Types of cranberries

There are different varieties, and although this article focuses on the American cranberry, there are other types and varieties, but the most common and used for their beneficial properties for people are:

• Blueberry
• American cranberry, which is known in English as cranberries and identified as Vaccinium macrocarpon.
• Common red, found in Northern Europe, Asia, and North America, and its name is Vaccinium oxycoccus.
• Small cranberry, found in Northern Europe and Asia (Vaccinium microcarpum).
• Southern cranberry (Vaccinium erythrocarpum) that grows in the Appalachian Mountains and southern latitudes of Asia, always at high altitudes.

These can be used in various forms, such as:

• Dehydrated or dried.
• In liquid form as juice or tea, or as liquor.
• In desserts like pies, muffins, jam, or jelly.
• In recipes as a sauce ingredient, in salads, or in small pieces to give a very special bittersweet touch.
• In powder or extract form for medicinal use.

Uses of cranberry for cystitis

People who suffer from this infection several times a year are often recommended to use the antibacterial properties of cranberries for cystitis. It is known to work due to its anti-adhesive action on Escherichia coli, the most common cause of urinary infections. Taking cranberries causes a decrease in bacterial colonies in the urinary tract, either by eating fresh berries or using supplements. However, some studies suggest that there is no conclusive evidence in this regard.

Generally, for medicinal use, it is recommended to use capsules, as this allows for better control of the daily dose and its effects on the body. Eating them fresh can provide an extra benefit.

Contraindications and side effects

• Do not take if using any type of anticoagulant.
• Avoid use with acetylsalicylic acid and also with ascorbic acid.
• May cause an allergic reaction in some people. Avoid consumption if allergic to benzoic acid, as it contains a high amount of this substance.
• Avoid consumption by pets, dogs, cats, and companion animals as its active ingredients may be highly toxic.
• During pregnancy, it is possible to consume it, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. No contraindications have been reported.

Where to buy cranberries at a good price

There are many places where you can buy cranberries. The price is relatively affordable, and you can find a wide variety of brands, from basic white-label options that are very economical to well-known supermarket brands. Then, there are those that truly specialize in dietary products and food supplements, such as Aquilea Cistitus, Orbire, Solgar, Biovea… We won’t name them all, as there are many, but you probably already know some of them, although it’s always a good idea to check out the offers.