Cranberries

The possible health benefits of consuming cranberries include lowered risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, decreased blood pressure and more. As far as healthy foods go, cranberries are at the top of the list due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content and are often referred to as a "super food." Not to mention, half a cup of cranberries contains only 25 calories!

THE FOLLOWING HEALTH BENEFITS HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH CRANBERRIES

1) URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTIS)

The cranberry is perhaps best known for its role in preventing UTI's, especially for those with recurrent infections. The high level of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries helps reduce the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract walls, in turn fighting off infections.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in February 2016 reported that while cranberry capsules have been shown to help urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is far less effective. The reason for this is that it takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink.

2) CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

Some evidence suggests that the polyphenols in cranberries may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.4

3) CANCER

Research has shown that cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor progression and have shown positive effects against prostate, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers.

4) DENTAL

The same proanthocyanidins in cranberries that help prevent UTIs may also benefit oral health by preventing bacteria and plaque from sticking to the surface of your teeth, according to Researchers at the Center for Oral Biology and Eastman Department of Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Cranberries may also be beneficial in preventing gum disease. This is a perfect example of how some bacteria in the body can be good.

CRANBERRIES ARE A GOOD SOURCE OF VITAMIN C, FIBER AND VITAMIN E

VITAMIN C

A powerful natural antioxidant capable of blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals, as well as boosting the body's resistance against infectious agents, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Sailors once carried cranberries aboard their ships to avoid scurvy because of their high vitamin C content.

FIBER

The fiber in cranberries is another big benefit, providing 20% of the daily recommended value in every serving for maintaining a flushed system. The same amount is found in manganese. One serving of cranberries also provides 24% of the daily value (DV) in vitamin C, along with vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), the only form of this powerful antioxidant actively maintained in the human body.

According to the Department of Internal Medicine and Nutritional Sciences Program of the University of Kentucky, high fiber intakes are associated with significantly lower risks for developing coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases.

Increased fiber intake has also been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance weight loss for obese individuals.

VITAMIN E

A fat-soluble antioxidant involved in immune function that may help prevent or delay the chronic diseases associated with free radicals.

Cranberries also contain vitamin K, manganese and a large array of phytonutrients, naturally occurring plant chemicals that help to protect the body from harmful free radicals and offer anti-inflammatory and cancer-preventing properties.

CRANBERRIES:

Can be frozen for several years. They usually reach their plump, firm, and red peak in October, just in time for holiday baking. That's the time to buy these berries, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then pop them in a freezer bag. That way, you can enjoy cranberry salad in July as easily as the winter months.

But in the end, each little red berry is worth its weight in nutritional attributes that can benefit nearly every area of the body. Scientists already know of cranberry’s ability to prevent heart disease, ulcers, urinary tract infections, and cancer, not to mention the ongoing advantages from the many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients it contains, such as anthocyanidins, cyanidin, peonidin, and quercetin.

So remember, whenever you add cranberries to your table, you're getting a double dose of goodness. If you find any sale stock up and enjoy cranberries all year long! 

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