Cranberry, small and vibrant red berries, are not only a delightful addition to various culinary dishes but also pack a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits. Known for their tart flavor and versatility, cranberries have been cherished for centuries, both as a food source and for their medicinal properties.
These berries are just as vibrant for our bodies as to our eyes. Rich stream of nutrients and antioxidants running through them is seamlessly amazing for our health and wellbeing.
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, these tiny fruits offer a plethora of health advantages, making them a must-have in a balanced diet. Whether consumed fresh, dried, or in juice form, cranberries provide a refreshing way to boost overall wellness and protect against various ailments.
It is widely available all over the world but commonly found in North America and Eastern Europe. The selling season starts from October and remains till December. These are found on little shrub vines in the marsh where the fruit grows and later harvested.
These can be either be taken as a fruit, a dry fruit, in smoothies, with cereals, fruit bowls, salads etc. This sweet and sour fruit is very versatile when it comes to food assembling options.
Let’s dive deep into the benefits of Cranberries-
Cranberry for Skin
Even though proper skincare regime takes care of our skin on the outside but foods and superfoods take care of it on the inside keeping the skin health intact. Basic component for skin to remain healthy is Vitamin C and cranberries are packed with such vitamins.
Cranberries also carry anti ageing properties keeping your skin similar to their skin ie smooth and wrinkle free.
Collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity and aiding in wound healing. The Vitamin E present in cranberries acts as an effective antioxidant that may help mitigate the damage caused by UV radiation exposure.
Cranberry for Oral Health
The fruit keeps the mouth and gums healthy by working its magic. They contain compounds that inhibit bacteria from accumulating on your teeth. They reduce the acidity levels in your mouth and prevent it from adhering to your teeth.
This can aid in preventing cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.
Cranberry for Cancer
Cranberries are actual powerhouses of antioxidants. These fruits even reduce inflammation hence keeping the bigger diseases like cancer at bay.
The fruit dwells in the initiation of death of cancer cells, halting the growth of cancer cells and reducing inflammation hence making it easier to absorb the treatment better.
Cranberry for UTI
They can assist in preventing UTIs, particularly for individuals who frequently experience them. This is facilitated by a component named proanthocyanidins, which tries to prevent certain bacterias from adhering to the walls of the bladder hence keeping UTI out of the chapter.
If you often suffer from UTIs, your doctor might recommend taking cranberry supplements or drinking cranberry juice occasionally.
Cranberry for Heart Health
These benefits of enhancing cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and decreasing a substance called homocysteine, which is known to harm the lining of blood vessels.
Consumption of low calorie smoothie or cranberry juice regularly can increase the good cholesterol and decrease the bad cholesterol. It even decreases rigidity in the blood vessels in people with a heart disease and reduces the risk of inflammation.
Even though the benefits of cranberries are ample, still they should be taken with a doctor’s reference in case a person is pregnant, UTI ridden, on blood thinners or on any other medication.
Cranberries are a powerhouse of jam packed nutrients which can surely enhance your overall well being and health and promote better health.