Cranberries are a well-known superfood. Cranberries are high in antioxidants and nutrients, low in calories, delicious, and rich in nutrients. Cranberries, native to North America, have a higher antioxidant content than superfoods like spinach and broccoli. You only need to eat a small amount to reap the nutritional benefits.
Many health problems can be avoided or treated by cranberries, including stomach ulcers and urinary tract infections. The best health benefits are fresh cranberries, followed closely by dried cranberries. Juice is the worst, so it’s crucial that you only buy “real” cranberry liquid and not “fruit drinks.” These contain very little real cranberry juice but lots of sugar and preservatives.
These little berries can be great for your health in 10 different ways.
1. Combat urinary tract infections
This is a subject of debate. All over the globe, people drink cranberry juice for UTIs. It was thought that cranberries would make the urine too acidic for bacteria to thrive. Still, it has been proven that some chemicals in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract cells. They would normally stick to this area and multiply, creating an infection. Instead, cranberry juice allows them to pass through the urine. However, cranberry juice does not appear to be able to remove bacteria from the skin. WebMD says this is why cranberry extract may be more effective as a preventative than a treatment for UTIs.
2. Your cancer risk can be reduced
Food Facts points out that cranberries effectively prevent the spread and growth of many cancers. These included lung, breast, colon, prostate, and prostate tumors. Although these studies’ results are inconclusive, it is possible that cranberries have an anti-tumor effect due to salicylic acid.
3. Give your heart a helping hand
Health refers to a study published by the British Journal of Nutrition that showed that drinking a glass of unsweetened Cranberry juice daily could increase good cholesterol levels by around 10 percent. The Mayo Clinic has found that cranberry juice may help prevent the hardening of arterial walls. Medical News Today explains that cranberry juice may lower the risk of developing the cardiovascular disease through the prevention of platelet buildup and the reduction in blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
4. Prevent stomach ulcers
WebMD states that cranberries can help prevent H. Pylori (bacterial infection) in the stomach. This could lead to ulcers. The bacteria are prevented from similarly attaching to the stomach lining as it does in the bladder.
5. Fight inflammation
According to NOLA, cranberries can help with rheumatoid and stomach disorders.
6. Prevent cavities, gum disease, and other problems
Cranberry juice prevents bacteria from sticking in the stomach lining and urinary tract. The same principle applies to the mouth, where cranberry extract stops bacteria from binding to teeth and prevents plaque from building up. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and lower our risk of developing periodontal disease.
7. They are high in fiber
Food Facts states that cranberries contain 20% of your daily fiber needs in each serving. Fiber flushes out the body and reduces the risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
8. They are anti-aging.
According to The Natural Health Society, this all boils down to cranberries’ high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect cells against free radicals, which can accelerate aging. This isn’t about vanity. Those same free radicals could lead to degenerative diseases and age-related heart or brain problems. Cranberry extract could help reduce memory loss and keep the brain healthy.
9. Lower blood sugar
According to SF Gate, a study in the Health Studies Journal showed that dried cranberries can help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetics.
10. Vitamins, vitamins, vitamins
One cup of cranberries contains 24% of the recommended vitamin C intake. Cranberries are also rich in minerals like potassium, manganese, and other nutrients. What more can this tiny berry offer than that?
WebMD warns that cranberries can be a safe and natural way of gaining many health benefits. However, they may not be the best dietary supplement for everyone. People with aspirin allergies may react adversely to cranberries. They can also interact with blood thinners and other medications. As with all fruits, excessive consumption can lead to upset stomachs. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure. You can also add cranberries to the diet. Dried is better than fresh!
