An under-appreciated fruit, cranberry grows wild as a shrub in many parts of America. This berry is a part of many tasty and healthy dishes. Fresh cranberry juice is a popular beverage which is low in calories and suitable for weight loss purposes.
In this article, I’ll cover the health benefits of cranberries and cranberry juice. Read it to make sure you’re able to use this berry to improve your health where possible. If you don’t you may find yourself eating it in the wrong ways without enjoying all its benefits.
Health benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries have always been famed for their ability to correct urinary tract infections. But, these red berries also offer many additional health benefits.
Cranberries are rich in Vitamin C and contain traces of Vitamin K and manganese. The fruit is rich in dietary fiber too. Cranberries are storehouses of phytochemicals and have 5 times the antioxidant content of broccoli. A study that compared the juices of 13 commercially available fruit juices came out with the surprising result that cranberry, apple and grape juices had highest antioxidant activity among the chosen fruits. This is also one of the biggest benefits of blueberries.
The usefulness of cranberries to prevent the growth of tumors and cancer cells has been established beyond doubt. According to research, certain compounds in cranberries can protect the body from cancers that attacks the lung, prostate and breast. Cranberry may also prevent the development of cervical cancer and breast cancer. Studies have shown that cranberries effectively prevent the multiplication of cancer cells that attack the liver.
Cranberries have the ability to improve the levels of HDL or healthy cholesterol in the blood. According to studies, taking in 8 ounces of low-calorie unsweetened cranberry juice can increase HDL cholesterol levels and decrease triglyceride levels significantly.
It was found that cranberry has a beneficial effect on blood vessels when a laboratory experiment showed that cranberry restores the blood vessel health of animals suffering from atherosclerosis. Thus, since cranberries can improve HDL levels and restore blood vessel health, they can significantly reduce the risk of developing heart diseases.
Cranberry juice may act as an effective anti viral agent and acts to destroy a number of commonly found viruses. For example, one of the phytonutrients isolated from cranberries was effective against Herpes virus. Based on these findings, studies conclude that cranberries could be an effective alternative to antibiotics.
The effect of cranberry on urinary tract infections is well known. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which acidify urine and prevent bacteria from attaching themselves to the walls of the urinary tract. This limits the possibility of infection. Cranberries also have the ability to help arrest kidney infections.
The antibacterial activity associated with cranberries is useful in inhibiting the production of bacteria in the mouth. This leads to reduction of plaque and decreases the risk of developing cavities in the mouth. The bacteria associated with stomach ulcers may also be nullified by cranberries.
How to cook and eat
The highest level of beneficial nutrients may be found in fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries are available throughout winter. Dried or frozen cranberries may be taken in once the season for fresh cranberries is past.
Cook cranberries over a low flame to make a tangy sauce that adds flavor to pork, turkey and other kinds of meat.
Add cranberry to your baking.
Dried cranberries (without sugar) are a great midday snack.
Cranberry juice is a common sight in most food stores. However, if you decide to take in sufficient amounts of cranberry juice, choose the unsweetened variety that has no added sugar in it to make sure it doesn’t make it harder to lose weight.
In Conclusion
This bright red fruit contains huge volumes of beneficial compounds. What’s more, it is tasty but low in calories. By taking in more of the fruit, you can easily enjoy the diverse health benefits it offers. So, why not live healthy by enjoying the succulent taste of cranberries?
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