Cranberries are small deep red berries that are related to blueberries. They have a sharp, sour taste and are never eaten raw. They’re usually juiced or cooked for a sauce, or dried. They are native to North America and are also found in Europe. Cranberry juice is frequently used in cocktails and it’s been recently proven that it helps treat and manage UTIs.
They are high in nutrients and antioxidants. In addition to preventing UTIs, cranberries reduce the risk of cancer, help reduce high blood pressure, and improve the body’s immune response. Cranberries have more health benefits.
Nutritional information
Fresh cranberries are full of water, fibre, carbs, minerals, and vitamins. One cup of cranberries contains 46 calories, and 4.6g of fibre. They’re also rich in Vitamins C, E, and K1, copper, and manganese. Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Berries And Some Of The Important Berries To Eat
Benefits of cranberries
Traditionally, according to Healthline, they were used to treat bladder and kidney complications by Native Americans. Early settlers in England treated poor appetite, stomach problems, blood disorders, and scurvy.
1. Managing UTIs
The high number of antioxidants in cranberries makes them highly effective in fighting UTIs. The component proanthocyanidins (PACs) ensure that the bacteria that cause UTIs don’t stick to the uterine walls. Taking cranberries or cranberry juice can help reduce instances of UTIs, especially for women who have gotten them before. However, you may get this benefit if you take cranberry capsules rather than commercially available cranberry juice. Combining cranberry extract with coconut oil and oregano essential oil can help manage E. coli.
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2. Lower risk of heart disease
Adding cranberries to your balanced diet may reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease including reducing high systolic pressure. This is the blood pressure that occurs during the contraction of a heart muscle. Cranberries can also improve good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol levels among people with diabetes. Cranberries also help regulate high blood sugar and reduce inflammation. They also boost the absorption of iron from a balanced diet. In addition, they increase artery flexibility which boosts blood circulation. This helps lower blood pressure and increase energy and cognitive function. Different Types Of Heart Disease And Managing Them
3. Reducing cancer risk
It’s been found that cranberries can kill or slow the death of cancer cells, and reduce inflammation. They can also limit cancer. They reduce the risk of stomach cancer by preventing H. pylori from attaching to the stomach lining. This also reduces the risk of stomach ulcers. Cranberries can additionally slow the growth of breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancer tumours. Men’s Health: Fried Tomatoes, More Sex And 7 Other Simple Tips To Prevent Prostate Cancer
4. Oral health
Cranberries can also protect teeth against tooth decay. The PACs that prevent UTIs can also prevent the growth of bacteria in teeth. They can also reduce the risk of gum disease. Lifestyle: 7 Foods That Promote Dental Health
5. Reduce antibiotic resistance
Not only can cranberries prevent the growth of the bacteria that cause UTIs, but they also help prevent pneumonia and gastroenteritis. Despite having anti-bacterial properties, cranberry can also help reduce antibiotic resistance. This is when bacteria develop immunity against antibiotics. Taking cranberry extract can help ensure bacteria in your body don’t develop that resistance. It also ensures that the bacteria wall can absorb the antibiotics making it more responsive to the medication.
6. Antioxidant properties.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants. This means that it reduces the oxidative stress from free radicals. As a result, they can reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. The berries also have anti-inflammatory properties. Health.com states that people who frequently eat cranberries have lower C-reactive protein levels. This is a sign of inflammation that’s present in the blood. When you have high levels of C-reactive protein you may experience premature ageing, chronic illness, and cognitive decline.
7. Improved gut health
Cranberries are also a great source of fibre. When you eat them whole or dried, they can help prevent constipation and improve digestion. They also improve the health of friendly gut bacteria which in turn improves immunity and mental health. Lifestyle: 6 Ways To Improve Your Gut Health
Learn more about berries:
7 Health Benefits Of Raspberries
The Impressive Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Gooseberries
The Health And Nutritional Benefits Of Strawberries
7 Health Benefits Of Blueberries
Lifestyle: The Benefits Of Berries And Some Of The Important Berries To Eat
