Cranberry, A Very Powerful Berry
The cranberry plant is a perennial evergreen shrub that grows in bogs and marshes. Native to North America, it grows wild throughout much of the northern United States and southern Canada and parts of Russia, Europe, Asia, and South America. The cranberry plant has tiny oval-shaped leaves and bright red flowers which bloom through late summer. It also has hard, woody stems which are used for building material. Cranberries grow best in acidic soil with an average pH level of 4.5 to 5.0. Depending on the location, they have a short growing season, lasting from May to September. Cranberries are generally harvested manually by hand-picking them from the plants. They are then sorted by grade and size and packed into containers for shipment worldwide.
The growing process begins when a small bush called a "prop" is inserted into the bog or marsh where the cranberries will be grown. It takes between 3 to 5 years for these bushes to reach full maturity and begin fruiting. Each bush will produce between one-half to three pounds of berries per year depending upon the bush's health. The name cranberry derives from "crane berry", first named by early European settlers in America who thought that use of this plant by American Indians to make medicinal teas indicated that it was an antidote to poison. The name comes from the fact that when American Indians were asked what plant they used for tea, they replied "cranberry". The word cranberry is derived from crane berry, which refers to the shape of the fruit.
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and flavonoids. The cranberry fruit is also high in fibre. This makes it a perfect remedy for the prevention of urinary disorders. Cranberry juice can also be used for removing kidney and bladder stones. The combination of vitamin C and antioxidants that are present in cranberries help reduce the risk of cancer. They can also help prevent heart disease, diabetes, asthma and osteoporosis. In addition, cranberries contain a compound called proanthocyanidin, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls and thus prevents UTI (Urinary Tract Infection).
For this reason, cranberries are an excellent natural remedy for UTI. You can use cranberry supplements like unsweetened andMe UTI drink that is filled with the goodness of Ayurveda. To prevent UTI, you can have the cranberry drink once a day, but try to have it twice a day while curing. This andMe cranberry juice helps you to maintain your vaginal health.
Including cranberry in your daily diet plan has a lot of other benefits. Cranberry juice helps keep the teeth healthy due to its high concentration of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. It also helps to prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Cranberries are an excellent source of fibre that aids digestion and prevent constipation. Cranberry juice is beneficial for weight loss because it is low in calories yet has high water content, making one feel full for an extended period, thus reducing appetite.
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