The Super-food that is Cranberries
Nutrient dense and packed with nutrition, this is what this berry has to offer.
Antioxidants
Cranberry products contain polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenols are pretty much antioxidants which protect our tissues against damage from toxins.
To date there are tens of thousands of polyphenols identified.
Some studies suggest that polyphenols in cranberries may reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Proanthocyanidins
Proanthocyanidins are nutrients naturally found in high concentrations in cranberries that stop bacteria from sticking to parts of your body internally, including the urinary tract – hence why people say that cranberries prevent urinary tract infections (UTI’s). Those same compounds also prevent bacteria from adhering to teeth which results in good oral hygiene and may prevent cavities.
Cranberries contain the flavanol, proanthocyanidin (PAC). The unusual A-type structure of the cranberry PAC appears to be responsible for health promoting properties that are not found in other PAC-containing fruits and vegetables.
Native Cranberries
High Fiber, High Water, Low Sugar
Fruit, in all forms, provides vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber. Fiber slows sugar and carb absorption so the sugars you take in have less of an impact on your insulin and blood sugar levels.
A serving of cranberries contains 5 grams or close to 20% of what you need daily. One cup of this sour but healthy snack has you 1/5 th of the way to your daily target.
A serving (1 cup fresh, 110g) also has only 4 grams of fruit sugar and lots of water. The low sugar along with higher acidity is what makes this berry tart or somewhat sour.
Minerals
MANGANESE – A serving of raw cranberries contains a huge 20% of your DV for this mineral. Manganese (not magnesium) is an important part of several enzymes in your body and is involved with many other functions to keep your cells working properly. One of the body’s most important antioxidant enzymes that takes care of your cells, exists because of manganese which is this berry’s biggest mineral in terms of quantity.
Other Health Benefits
Cranberries are also said to:
– Help prevent ulcers
– Help ward off UTIs
– Help with gum disease
– Help protect the gut microbiota
– Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that benefit the cardiovascular system
– May help reduce “bad” cholesterol
You could go on for ages about the benefits of cranberries but what’s outlined above are the more commonly known, and important benefits the berry has on your health so it’s worth giving them a try …
– Cranby
