Blueberries are berries that belong to the Vaccinium genus. Foods much cited in the field of phytoalimurgy for their numerous properties linked to the substances that give them their characteristic colors: a real concentrate of health!
Vaccinium macrocarpon , is the most studied blueberry species and has a North American origin. It differs from its European relative Vaccinium vitis-idea because it contains a high content of proanthocyanidins.
The cranberry or cranberry is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. The proanthocyanidins it contains are substances capable of blocking the adhesion of bacteria to cells, preventing the entry and progression of an infection.
FRUITS
Like all berries, cranberries are also a fruit with a limited content of simple sugars (less than 5 grams per 100 grams of product), a good amount of fiber and a modest content of vitamin C. They also contain many B vitamins and many minerals (calcium, magnesium and potassium).
100 g of cranberries contain:
Fibers |
3.6 gr |
C vitamin |
14 mg |
|
Soccer |
8 mg |
Thiamine |
0.012 mg |
|
Iron |
0.23 mg |
Riboflavin |
0.02 mg |
|
Magnesium |
6 mg |
Niacin |
0.101 mg |
|
Phosphorus |
11 mg |
Vitamin B6 |
0.057 mg |
|
Potassium |
80 mg |
Folate |
1 mg |
|
Sodium |
2 mg |
Vitamin A |
3 mg |
|
Zinc |
0.09 mg |
Vitamin E |
1.32 mg |
It contains a high content of anthocyanins (cyanidin, peonidin, delphinidin) which give it the typical orange-red color and flavonoids such as quercetin with strong antioxidant power, which also contribute to reducing the risk of heart problems, improving heart health.
In the phytotherapeutic field it is well known for its role in the treatment of urinary infections and to prevent relapses.
A POWERFUL ANTIVIRAL
According to recent studies, the strong antiviral action of cranberry has been discovered, due to the presence of many phytochemicals such as phenols, polyphenols, terpenes and flavonoids contained within it. In particular, polyphenols have been found to interfere with the early stages of the replication cycle of the Herpes simplex virus and / or directly with viral particles.
This gives the cranberry a strong antimicrobial and anti-adhesive activity.
A JUICE TO SEE YOU BETTER
More and more on the market it is possible to find cranberry juice that can be used in the prevention of infections and in case you want to maintain a balanced diet. The vitamin C contained within the juice is essential for the well-being of the immune system and for the absorption of iron in red blood cells.
It also contains a high amount of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin, with antioxidant properties that both have a healthy effect on the visual system.
PRECIOUS ALLY BLACK BLUEBERRY
The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a plant that is totally used in the phytotherapeutic field: macerates are extracted both from the berries, from the leaves, from the fruits and finally also from the buds. It has numerous properties: antioxidant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and finally reduces capillary fragility. It has a beneficial action on circulation, improving the tone and elasticity of the vessels. The positive action on the visual apparatus, due to the presence of anthocyanins, is also found in the bilberry.