It’s really tempting for us to see those glossy red inviting tiny globes of cranberries!! Cranberry- the juicy plump fruit is considered as one of the healthiest choice. They are dwarf, creeping shrub or vine, which grows up to 10 to 20 cm in height. Cranberries are usually found in abundance in acidic sandy bogs throughout cooler parts of Europe, Northern states in United States and Canada.
The berry is acidic in taste and has a pH range of 2.3-2.5.Cranberries top the list of salubrious fruits as they are rich in nutrients and antioxidant content. Cranberries are widely used among Native Americans not only for food and medicine but also for dyeing. Cranberries comprises of constituents such as anthocyanins, terpenes, flavonols, and many other phytonutrients.
Dominant nutrients like Vitamin C and fibers
play a vital role in cranberry’s beneficial effects. It’s an astonishing fact
that one glass of cranberry juice contains just 46 calories! However, they are
like ‘blessing in disguise’ for some people due to unawareness of the health
benefits of cranberries.
Benefits of cranberries
·
Antibacterial
effects – Cranberries have been scientifically studied and
analyzed for its antibacterial effects. They seem to work by preventing bacteria
causing urinary tract infections (UTI) from sticking to the cells that line the
bladder. They are also known to induce shielding to the inner lining of organs
which helps from pathogenic interventions.
·
Prevents
cardiovascular diseases- The antioxidant compound present
in cranberries like oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC’s), flavonoids, peonidin, and quercetin may prevent
cardiovascular diseases.
·
Promotes
good cholesterol – The phytonutrients in cranberries helps
the human body to lower the LDL-cholesterol level and promotes HDL-good
cholesterol levels in blood. Their unique chemical property helps to keep a
balance of HDL cholesterol such that body
can properly utilize it in the
metabolism.
·
Anti-inflammatory
effects – The phytonutrients in cranberries are especially
effective in reducing the risk of unwanted inflammation. The excessive levels
of inflammation around the gums can cause severe damage to tissues that support
the teeth. The phytonutrients in cranberries inhibit the progression of those
cascade events which causes such inflammation.
·
Urinary
acidification properties – Intake of cranberries turns urine
acidic. Thus, they also helps in the formation of alkaline (calcium ammonium
phosphate) stones in the urinary tract.
·
Lessens
the risk of plaque formation – These red berries
lessens the risk of plaque formation in teeth by inhibiting the plaque-causing
bacteria to stick on teeth surfaces.
·
Effective
against cancer, aging and neurological diseases –
Consumption of cranberries are found to be effective against cancer, aging and
neurological diseases as they hold high amounts of flavonoids phytochemicals.
·
Detoxification
– Cranberries
have great property of detoxifying pathogenic organisms while promoting the
growth of beneficial bacteria.
·
Improves
immunity – Cranberries are said to ameliorate the
immune system. They even alleviate the frequency of cold and flu symptoms.
· Weight loss – Cranberries are loaded with fibers and polyphenols. These elements play key role in weight loss efforts.
Wonder struck by the preternatural effects of cranberries? These are only some of the beneficial effects known. Fresh cranberries are usually available from the month of October until December. Fresh or dried cranberries are more effective and nutritious compared to bottled or canned ones. Bottled cranberry drinks which contain added sugar is also less healthier compared to fresh ones.