Cranberries, a small, red, tangy fruit that grow on low-lying evergreen bushes in North America, are becoming one of the most popular types of fruit to consume.

In addition to being delicious, they are increasingly being recognised as an incredibly rich fruit with enormous medicinal benefits – that’s why cranberries should be part of your daily diet.

Cranberry and Its Nutritional Value

According to the USDA Cranberries are a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. Specifically, they are high in polyphenols, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins, which provide numerous health benefits.

In fact, a single cup of cranberries contains:.

46.8 calories
12.2 grams of carbohydrates
4.6 grams of fiber
0.4 grams of protein
0.1 grams of fat
1 milligram of vitamin E
14.6 milligrams of vitamin C
0.052 milligrams of vitamin B6
7.7 micrograms of vitamin K
0.10 milligrams of Thiamine

Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice is well-loved for its ability to help prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are bacterial infections that affect the bladder, kidneys, or urethra.

The juice helps impede the bacteria’s ability to cling to the wall of the urinary tract, making it easier for your body to flush out the bacteria. This makes cranberry juice a great way to maintain healthy bladder function, particularly for women.

Studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice regularly reduced the worsening of UTIs in women by more than 50%. Studies have also found that eating cranberry products and drinking cranberry juice could lower the risk of recurrent UTIs.

Protect Teeth and Gums

Cranberries carry special components called proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from growing on your teeth and gums, thereby protecting them from plaque and other oral diseases. This effectively makes cranberry juice a natural mouthwash.

By making sure that the cells that can become infected are not exposed to these bacteria, you are reducing the risk of gum disease and other infections.

Research has also shown that cranberry mouthwash can reduce dental plaque by up to 50%, without the negative side effects associated with chemical mouthwashes.

Lowers Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Another incredible health benefit of cranberries is its ability to lower the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Cranberries help reduce the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries and the formation of blood clots, which are two of the major causes of cardiovascular disease.

Studies have revealed that consuming cranberries twice or thrice a week can lower the risk of heart disease by up to 25% by reducing bad cholesterol and raising the body’s levels of good cholesterol.

Furthermore, antioxidants in cranberries have been shown to help with blood vessel flexibility, which ultimately contributes to better cardiovascular health.

Improve Digestive Health

Cranberries have also been found to help improve digestive health. Cranberries have been shown to help with acid reflux issues, by thinning the mucus layer that covers the lining of the stomach.

When the mucus layer is thinned, there’s less acid production, which ultimately helps soothe the digestive system.

Also, the high fiber content in cranberries can help prevent constipation, promote regular bowel movements and can help increase the beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the gut that provides better nutrient absorption.

Boost Immune System

Cranberries contain Vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant and does an outstanding job boosting the immune system. It does so by promoting efficient white blood cell function, which is an element required for fighting off infections.

Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which is necessary for healing your body’s tissue, including your skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It is also required to manufacture certain neurotransmitters, which are essential for brain function.

May Help Prevent Cancer

Cranberries have a distinct set of phytonutrients that serve as a shield to protect our cells against cancer. Studies have shown that these phytonutrients can reduce the risk of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers.

Cranberries have an abundant supply of proanthocyanidins, which are believed to have cancer-fighting properties.

Lose Weight and Avoid Diabetes

Cranberries are low in calories, which is excellent for those looking to shed some extra weight. High levels of fiber in the fruit also make it ideal for preventing overeating habits.

Cranberries may also help to maintain healthy glucose levels, reducing diabetic risks. Research has shown that consuming cranberries can help to reduce insulin resistance, which is essential in maintaining stable sugar levels.

Final Thoughts

Cranberries not only add flavour to your life, but they come with numerous health benefits that help improve your overall wellbeing.

Consuming cranberries as part of your daily diet can provide the necessary nutrients to boost your immune system, improve heart health, prevent cancer, support digestive function, and even help foster better brain function.