Cranberries aren’t usually associated with Thanksgiving cuisine, but they have a lot of health benefits all year long. 90% of cranberries, which are primarily made up of fiber and carbohydrates, are water. They also include minerals and vitamins like manganese, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K.
However, raw cranberries are rarely consumed due to their sour taste. Cranberries are typically found in juice form, however added sugars are frequently present in cranberry juice as well.
Benefits of cranberries for health
Cranberries have a lot of nutrients. O’Neill describes them as “a powerhouse of antioxidants.” Here are some health benefits of cranberries.
Avoid urinary tract infections
The ability of cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) is likely its best-known health benefit. O’Neill emphasises, however, that cranberries do not cure an infection once it has been contracted.
Avoid dental cavities
Though research indicates that the same a-type proanthocyanidins that help prevent UTIs can also help in other ways, you might not immediately think of cranberries as a way to prevent cavities.
According to O’Neill, “researchers believe that a-type proanthocyanidins are also accountable for inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the mouth.”Cranberries may help prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer by reducing the amount of those dangerous acids in your mouth.
Reduce inflammation
Because of their high antioxidant content, particularly in the form of anthocyanins and flavanols, which give cranberries their dark colour, cranberries have anti-inflammatory properties.”Because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies, antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases,” adds O’Neill. “Because those foods will use antioxidants, it is advised to consume enough servings of fruits and vegetables.”
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Keep your digestive system healthy.
Cranberries can aid in introducing beneficial bacteria into your digestive system if you consume an animal-based diet.Only present in cranberries, “A-type proanthocyanidins can help with reducing the bad microbes that live in your colon,” according to O’Neill.Cranberries may be able to prevent gastrointestinal and colon cancers, but more research is needed to be sure.
Boost cardiac health
Cranberries can assist in enhancing your general heart health by reducing blood pressure and raising cholesterol.According to O’Neill, “there is little evidence that cranberries can help improve someone’s lipid profile by raising their HDL (good) cholesterol.”Moreover, cranberries may reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. It’s crucial to be aware, according to O’Neill, that a low-calorie cranberry juice was used in several of these studies.
