Health Benefits of Cranberries

Did you know cranberries are ranked at the top of the list for fruits with the highest antioxidant and phytonutrient health promoting capabilities? It's true...they are right up there with blueberries, go-gi berries, and acai berries. There is strong data that shows cranberries help in urinary and bladder health, cardiovascular health, and even have lots of anti-cancer benefits. In fact, historians believe that cranberries made their way into our Thanksgiving tradition because the Native American's not only used cranberries as food, but as medicine! YAY - food as medicine - a group of people after my own heart.

So....since cranberries are not in season for very long...we wanted to take this opportunity to introduce you to the wonderful health promoting benefits of cranberries in this week's What's That?! Wednesday post. Plus you can find a few recipes using cranberries in our Anti-Inflammatory Diet Holiday eCookbook - on sale now!

Health Benefits of Cranberries:

1. Promotes good bladder and urinary health. 
   This is probably the health benefit cranberries are best know for! Many folks will tell you to drink some cranberries juice when you have a bladder infection or to prevent one.  This is because proanthocyanidin, one of the phytonutrients in cranberries, has a special structure that makes it difficult for certain bacteria that cause these infections to latch on in the urinary tract. This can decrease your healing time or prevent a full blown infection from hitting you.
   
   NOTE: Just make sure to use cranberry concentrate and not cranberry juice. All cranberry juice is filled with TONS of sugar that will actually derail the health promoting benefits. Instead, add 1-2 tablespoons of concentrate to 8 ounces of water, stir and drink. You can add a little fresh ginger, fresh squeezed lemon, or orange juice for a slightly different flavor.
   
   
2. Strengthens the immune system. 
   Cranberries are loaded with Vitamins C & E, both essential in the immune system for blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals and warding off infections and chronic disease. 
   
   
3. Anti-Inflammatory agent for the cardiovascular system.
   Some studies, including one done at Tufts University, are now indicating that the polyphenols in cranberries may assist in preventing or reducing platelet build-up in the lining of the blood vessels. This anti-inflammatory mechanism works to reduce your blood pressure as well as raise your good HDL (good cholesterol) while lowering your bad (LDL) cholesterol. 
   
   
4. Contains anti-cancer properties.
   Dietary intake of cranberries can help prevent cancer occurrence - especially for breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. Chronic oxidative stress (not enough anti-oxidants) and chronic inflammation are two of the leading risk factors for the likelihood of promoting cancer and cranberries are super-charged with both anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients to help reduce inflammation and buffer free radicals to minimize oxidative stress. Surmounting evidence over the last 10 years in cancer research also shows that some of the phytonutrients found in cranberries block the expression of tumor promoting mechanisms and enzymes and actually trigger enzymes that help to promote cell death in tumor cells. Very cool!

SPECIAL NOTE: Check with your physician before adding regular cranberry intake to your diet if you are on cumadin or other blood thinning medications or if you have a history of kidney stones as cranberries can increase urine oxolate excretions, which can promote kidney stones. 

You can incorporate cranberries into your diet year round with cranberry juice from concentrate, frozen whole cranberries, or even dried, unsweetened cranberries. T'is the season for some savory and sweet cranberry dishes, make sure to check out our Marinated Cranberry Kale Salad for a great seasonal recipe. 

In Good Health,
Billie & Jen