Health benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries can be found growing on
evergreen dwarf shrubs along tropical rainforest areas in Northern
America. They are highly acidic and contain powerful antioxidant
properties that are known to fight off infections, diseases, and even
help prevent cancer. It's no wonder that the magical little berries have
been dubbed as superfruits!
Cranberries can be prepared in a wide
variety of ways. They can be spread as a tasty jam, eaten in candied
form, processed into juice, and have long been a staple of Thanksgiving
dinners. You can grab a handful of dried cranberries for the perfect
healthy snack on the go. They can be added to breakfast cereals,
yogurts, trail mixes, and can even give a vegetable salad a zesty,
flavorful taste.
Now that you're a bit more familiar with the tiny red berries, it's time
to delve a bit further into the many health benefits they possess!
1) Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
Did you know that a simple glass of cranberry juice can prevent urinary
tract infections from occurring? The Proanthocyanidins found inside the
cranberry juice stops bacteria from attaching to cells of the bladder
walls. Cranberry juice also helps flush toxins out of the body through
urination. The bacteria never get a chance to multiply on the bladder
walls due to the high acidity levels of the juice. Make sure you buy the
unsweetened brands at your local supermarket.
2) Boosts The Immune System
The powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals found within the berries
protect cells from free radicals and help strengthen your immune system.
Cranberry juice also increases HDL (good cholesterol) in the body,
while reducing the LDL (bad cholesterol).
3) Fights Cancer
The proanthocyanidin found in cranberries helps stop cancer cells from
spreading throughout the body. Cranberry juice contains phenols,
flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which are used to combat micro tumors that
can invade blood cells, The anti-carcinogenic properties of the juice
also help to prevent breast cancer.
4) Contains Anti-Tumor Properties
Polyphenolic compounds in cranberries have been found to contain
anti-tumor properties. The salicylic acid of the dark red juice reduces
swelling and blood clots, which can eventually form into tumors. The
strong polyphenol properties encourage T-cell production along the
intestine and reproductive tracts.
5) Improves Cardiovascular Health
A cup of cranberry juice can limit the
chances of cardiovascular disease developing. The supercharged
antioxidants also prevent atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the
arteries due to the accumulation of fatty plaques and cholesterol. The
flavonoids found in cranberry juice help promote healthy blood flow
throughout the body.
6) Helps Reduce Inflammation
Cranberry juice is loaded with many anti-inflammatory properties,
including vitamin C, which helps limit inflammation and thrombosis.
These anti-inflammatory properties ensure that viruses never stick
around your blood cells for long.
7) Soothes Heartburn and Peptic Ulcers
The acidity of cranberry juice can help kill the helicobacter pylori
bacteria that causes peptic ulcers and heartburn problems, which we
wrote about in-depth here. People suffering from gastric disorders have
turned to cranberry juice as a soothing relief for treating acid reflux
issues.
8) Fights Off Yeast Infection
Yeast infections occur when there is an overgrowth of a type of yeast
called Candida in the human body. The infections are common among
pregnant women, or people suffering from diabetes. Cranberry juice kills
the bacteria that plagues the urinary tract and flushes out the yeast.
9) Prevents Tooth Decay
Brushing and flossing are two vital components for preventing tooth
decay, but a few cranberries can also benefit your teeth. Cranberries
inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, which causes plaque formation
and leads to cavities. Cranberries can even freshen your breath! Avoid
the sugary brands, and go for the organic variety instead.
10) Prevents Kidney Stones from Forming
Cranberry juice reduces the amount of magnesium, citrate, oxalate, and
calcium found in urine. The polyphenolic properties help fight off
kidney infections, urinary tract infections and prevent bacteria from
attaching to the membranes of the kidneys. Consult with your physician
beforehand if you suffer from any renal diseases.
11) A Natural Acne Treatment
Cranberry juice contains an acne-fighting compound called resveratrol,
and antiseptic properties that help ensure nice clean skin. As an added
bonus, you can even make a mask out of cranberry juice, and here's how
to do it:
• Mix a little cranberry juice with orange peel powder and a teaspoon of
honey.
• Mix well until a paste develops.
• Apply the cranberry juice mask all over your face, and allow it to sit
for 20 minutes before washing it off.
12) Prevents Scurvy
Sailors used to carry cranberries aboard their vessels to prevent
scurvy at sea. Vitamin C deficiency is the leading cause of scurvy, but
you won't have to worry about that problem with cranberries. The tiny
red berries are extremely high in vitamin C, which is used to produce
collagen to ensure healthy regulation of tissues in your immune system.
13) Helps You Lose Weight
Start your morning off with a delicious glass of natural cranberry
juice. Cranberry juice plays a significant role in promoting good
cholesterol levels in the body. Cranberries are full of essential
nutrients and vitamins, both critical factors in maintaining a healthy
diet. The high acidity prevents those annoying hunger pangs as well.
14) Softens Up the Skin
Cranberry juice helps promote healthy collagen production thanks to the
high levels of vitamin C. Collagen joins together with keratin to
strengthen the skin. The function of collagen is to help blood vessels
beneath the skin carry oxygen. In turn, the collagen then softens up the
skin, giving it that bright radiant glow, and a youthful appearance.
15) Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Vitamins A and C help promote the growth of strong healthy hair. The
essential nutrients found in vitamin C help repair damaged hair
follicles. Just make sure you rinse thoroughly after.
16) Contains Anti-Aging Properties
Cranberry juice can help slow down the aging process by destroying free
radicals. Free radicals are responsible for causing the formation of
wrinkles on the skin. The super-powerful antioxidants found in cranberry
juice promote healthy skin cells and get rid of any unwanted blemishes
and redness.
17) Fights Common Infections
Are you suffering from a terrible cold? A glass of nature's wonder
berries can help with that! Cranberry juice helps soothe a sore throat
and combats infections. Cranberry juice inhibits the bacterial
structures of the Haemophilus influenza, which causes painful ear and
respiratory infections in children as well.
18) Can Be Used as a Natural Skin Toner
Cranberries are very acidic, so they are a useful treatment for oily
skin. The cranberry juice mask mentioned earlier can help give your skin
a lighter tone if used on a regular basis. It's important to use
natural cranberry juice when preparing the mask.
19) Prevents Psoriasis and Alopecia
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to such scalp diseases as hair loss or
psoriasis. The vitamin C found in the cranberry juice is used to treat a
variety of hair disorders, including alopecia or male pattern baldness.
A cup of cranberry juice may be poured over the scalp to prevent
dandruff and psoriasis from occurring.
20) A Natural Hair Color
A natural cranberry tonic can be made to highlight your hair. Actress
Nicole Kidman says that she keeps her thick red hair radiant by pouring a
cup of cranberry juice over her head after shampooing. The directions
for the natural hair color are as follows:
• Mix a cup of natural cranberry juice with 1/4 cup of water.
• Use the cranberry shampoo after washing your hair.
• Let the cranberry shampoo sit between 30 minutes to an hour, depending
on the type of hair you have. 30 minutes for lighter strawberry hair
and up to an hour for darker colors.
• Rinse your hair out thoroughly.