When we think of cranberries, visions of the popular holiday cranberry sauce or relish is usually the first thing to pop in our mind. Most people enjoy the taste of cranberry sauce or relish, but as a child I remember not being particularly fond of the tart taste. However, this small red, tart-tasting berry comes chalked-full of many surprising health benefits that are supported by research. And many experts recommend daily servings of cranberries whether the fruit itself or the juice.
According to The World’s Healthiest Foodsmany cranberries are water-harvested. Water-harvesting means that the cranberries are grown in bogs and floated in water to allow for easy harvesting. For many years, water-harvesting of cranberries has been looked upon as an industry convenience. It’s simply easier to harvest berries that are floating on the surface. However, recent research has shown that the anthocyanin content of cranberries (the phytonutrients that give the berries their amazing red color) is increased in direct proportion to the amount of natural sunlight striking the berry. If berries floating on top of water get exposed to increased amounts of natural sunlight (in comparison to other growing and harvesting conditions), they are likely to develop greater concentrations of anthocyanins. These greater concentrations of anthocyanins are likely to provide us with stronger health benefits. In other words, water-harvesting may turn out to provide more than just harvest convenience. If it can expose cranberries to greater amounts of natural sunlight, it can increase phytonutrient health benefits that involve the unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of anthocyanins.
Cranberries rank right at the top of the list when it comes to fruits and vegetables richest in antioxidants. As we know, antioxidants are essential to good health by combating free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA.
Most Important Health Benefits of Cranberries
- contains proanthocyanidins which act as a barrier to bacteria in the urinary tract
- anti-inflammatory benefits
- decreases risk of periodontal disease
- improves immune system
- lowers frequency of cold & flu symptoms
- benefits cardiovascular system
- antioxidant protection at the cellular level
- anti-cancer benefits
- benefits for breast, colon, lung & prostate cancer
- digestive tract benefits
- optimizes balance of bacteria in digestive tract
- high in vitamin C and fiber
- low calorie – only 45 calories per cup
- can kill the H. pylori bacteria
- may prevent tumors from growing rapidly or starting in the first place
- may help protect brain from neurological damage
- anti-aging properties
Source: exihibithealth.com
