Some great things may appear in the smallest of sizes. You may refer them as "pocket-sized Hercules". And this comparison will definitely apply to cranberries - small berries with immense health benefits. The small, red berries may look provocative and you may try to pop a few of them into your mouth. But ooophhh. The excessive sourness and bitterness of the raw berries will shatter your expectations. Nature had made different things differently and you cannot expect to enjoy various things in the same way. Cranberry sauce taken with Turkey roast or cranberry juice added to the cocktail called Cosmopolitan has been greatly satisfying human taste buds throughout the ages. So if it is not in one way, then in the other, that cranberries have become a part of our diet. And has to be - it is a storehouse of vital nutrients with powerful antioxidant properties.
Nutritive Value
Cranberry is a rich source of phyto-nutrients. The rich red color of cranberries comes from anthocyanins. In addition to this, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, flavanoids, triterpenoids, ellagic acid, rosmarinic acid, hippuric acid and quercetin are also present. Many of these phytonutrients offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer health benefits. Cranberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, a very good source of dietary fiber and a good source of manganese and vitamin K.
Health Benefits of Cranberry
Cranberries are among the top fruits with proven health benefits. The immense benefits of this tiny berry can be explored in the following points:
- Treats Urinary Tract Infections: One of the best known benefits of cranberry is the prevention and relief from urinary tract infections. The proanthocyanidins (PAC) found in cranberries block urinary tract infections by binding to the E. coli bacteria thereby preventing their adherence to the cell walls of the uterus and the bladder.
- Displays Anti-Cancer Properties: Based on the evaluation of several vitro screening tests, it has been suggested that the proanthocyanidin compounds found in cranberry may exhibit some anti-carcinogenic activity. Lab researches have found that cranberry can impede the escalation of breast cancer cells in humans. It works by inciting the malignant cells to commit suicide and by hampering their capability to multiply. In some people, regular cranberry juice consumption for months can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers.
- Reduces Dental Plaque: Cranberry juice can inhibit the formation of bacteria that cause dental plaque. Proanthocyanidine, present in cranberries, prevents plaque formation on teeth. Mouthwashes containing the compound are being developed to prevent periodontal disease.
- Offers Cardiovascular Benefits: Cranberry reduces the level of the harmful cholesterol (LDL) while elevating the beneficial HDL cholesterol level in the body. Researchers suggest that polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant present in cranberries, actually contribute to this effect.
- Prevents the Formation of Kidney Stones: Some researchers believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of kidney stones as they prevent the combination of calcium and phosphate ions to form insoluble stones.
- Shows Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The phytonutrients in cranberry are effective in lowering the risk of unwanted inflammation in the stomach, large intestine (colon), the cardiovascular system and in other chronic and life threatening diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.
- Promotes Immune Health: Studies claim that cranberry juice, in the undiluted form, can perform the functions of antibiotics. Harmful bacteria strains, which have shown resistant towards traditional treatment, may be changed by the potential compounds found in cranberry juice. This is the way by which cranberry juice "steals" away the infection causing ability of the bacteria. In studies on very small numbers of human participants, intake of cranberry extracts has shown the ability to improve multiple aspects of the immune function and to lower the frequency of cold and flu symptoms in the subjects.
- Has Antioxidant Values: Studies have proved that the tiny berries have surpassed broccoli in terms of its antioxidant content, which is five times more than that of broccoli. Additionally, an evaluation suggested that the berry has the maximum antioxidant content compared to 19 other fruits.
- Promotes the Digestive Tract Health: Cranberry is unique in its ability to provide us with digestive tract benefits. Drinking cranberry juice accelerates the obliteration of the bacteria which cause ulcers and digestive issues in women undergoing a therapy with three antibiotics clarithromycin, omeprazole and amoxicillin.
- Relieves Constipation: Cranberries contain adequate amounts of dietary fiber. The bran present in cranberries helps individuals suffering from constipation.
Notes
- Cranberries contain oxalates. People with untreated kidney and gall bladder issues should avoid the intake of these berries.
- People on a dosage of warfarin should pass up cranberry juice to avoid any type of reaction.
We often say that people who are "bitter" outside are the actual "gems" inside. Cranberries may taste sour and bitter, but it offers something more than its repelling taste. It does us actual good through its manifold health benefits.
