Healthy Nutrients in Cranberries
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Berries are considered a super food and one could write a book on a single berry alone.
But why read a book when you can get the fast facts in a fun, easily sorted blog post?
Vitamin C
A serving of fresh cranberries contain a whopping 25% of your DV. Everyone knows that this vitamin is linked with a healthy immune system which is why it’s likely the most popular vitamin out there and why having enough is important.
It also helps in your body’s collagen production, which is required to create and maintain healthy teeth, gums, joints, skin, bones, blood vessels, etc. It also really helps with wound healing.
Vitamin C is one of the predominant antioxidants in cranberries.
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.
Fiber
Fiber slows sugar and carb absorption so the sugars in point #2 above have even less of an impact on your insulin and blood sugar levels.
A serving 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.
Polyphenols
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.
Copper
Copper is a trace element which is usually low in our typical, Western diet. Without enough copper we may heart health issues.
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Cranberries have many, many more nutrients in them but the ones listed above grab the most attention and are the focus of most of the reasons why people seek cranberries out.
– Cranby
