Cranberries Show Their Strength
By Terry Lowery
When is the last time you ate cranberries? Was it with a turkey
dinner? With all the research pointing to the amazing health
benefits of this simple berry, shouldn't cranberries be more
than a once-a-year side dish?
Cranberries prove their strength
The Cranberry Institute provides the results of studies and research
that highlight the fantastic health benefits of the humble
cranberry.
Cranberries have been used for thousands of years by Native
Americans as a source of food and to extend the shelf life of
dried meats. Colonial sailors also made use of the natural preservatives
in cranberries (from benzoic acid), which allowed them to last
through long sea voyages, and the high Vitamin C content, which
prevented scurvy.
Perhaps
they were onto something, since new research suggests that
cranberries may prevent the adhesion of the e.coli
bacteria — a
common cause of food poisoning from contaminated meat — to
the urinary tract. This anti-adhesion effect may also help in
preventing bacteria from causing stomach ulcers and gum disease.
The power of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is also a known powerful antioxidant and is being widely
accepted as a means of combating the effects of free radicals
in the body, which can cause cancer, heart disease and
other health problems. Antioxidants from cranberries are being
researched for prevention of kidney stones and lowering cholesterol.
While many fruits contain antioxidants, according to research,
cranberries have more antioxidants than 19 commonly eaten fruits.
With this news, it makes sense to include cranberries into a
balanced diet throughout the year.
Eat cranberries all year around
Fresh, frozen or dried, cranberries can be eaten anytime of the
year. Adding dried cranberries to baking (such as scones, breads
and cookies) is an easy way to enjoy their tart sweetness.
Adding frozen cranberries to smoothies or soups can lend a
mild tang to your creations. Fresh cranberries make excellent
garnishes and dressings.
The easiest way to add cranberries to your diet is to drink
cranberry juice. While sweetened juices have less antioxidants
than unsweetened, the benefits of adding cranberry to your diet
are still there. If you add unsweetened juice to sparkling water,
you can enjoy a refreshing spritzer.
While studies are still being conducted on the health benefits
of cranberries, there is no doubt that increasing the intake
of fruits and vegetables in your diet will lead to a healthier
body. Choosing to use a variety of berries, citrus and other
fruits will ensure you are giving your body everything it needs
for optimum health.
© Terry
Lowery
This
article provided courtesy of LowCholesterolTips.com.
