If you have been following this blog for some time – you have probably noticed that I have a deep interest in the health effects of food. Due to this passion, many of my friends and family members enjoy asking me about the health benefits of particular foods. And so, for this week’s blog – I’d like to analyze some of our holiday favorites.
First one up: Cranberries.
Cranberries not only complement the taste of our turkey and decorate our holiday tables, they also have many health promoting properties. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, and they are a good source of dietary fiber, manganese and vitamin K.
Cranberries Used For Infections
Historically, Native American Indians used
cranberries to treat urinary tract infections and other ailments. Current research has revealed that cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which prevent the adhesion of bacteria to the bladder wall, thus thwarting potential urinary tract infections.
Cranberries Contain Nutrients
In addition to the wonderful properties listed above, cranberries contain significant amounts of phyto-nutrients. When compared to many commonly eaten fruits,
cranberries have been shown to contain higher concentrations of antioxidant phenols. Antioxidant rich fruits aid in the prevention of heart disease, cancer and more.
