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Cranberries Health Benefits

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Why Are Cranberries So Good For You?

 

Who would have thought that one of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes could have so many health benefits? In fact, cranberries are full of antioxidents and have properties that can potentially help prevent urinary tract infections, heart disease, cancer, stroke and viral infections.

In this lens I will explore cranberries health benefits, and how to add them to your everyday diet.

Learn more about how to add cranberries and other "Super Foods" to your diet

How Do Cranberries' Health Benefits Measure Up? 

Nutrition Facts

This information is based on 1 cup of whole, raw, fresh cranberries.
  • Serving size 1 Cup
  • Calories 44
  • Calories from Fat 0
  • Total Fat 0g
  • Sodium 2mg
  • Total Carbohydrate 11g
  • Fiber 4.4g
  • Sugars 4g

Cranberries: 5 Health Benefits for the Entire Body 

Urinary Tract, Dental, Heart, Anti-Cancer and Anti-Ulcer

URINARY TRACT HEALTH - Researchers have pinpointed the compound in cranberries that prevents microorganisms from adhering to cells of the urinary tract. They have what researchers call "anti-adhesion" properties that can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.

DENTAL HEALTH - This same "anti-adhesion" property prevents bacteria from forming in the mouth. They might reduce the formation of harmful plaque that leads to gum disease.

HEART HEALTH - Cranberry juice can reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol levels and raise levels of good (HDL) cholesterol in the blood.

ANTI-CANCER - Certain compounds in the fruit have been found to inhibit the formation of cancer cells.

ANTI-ULCER - The tannins found in cranberries can prevent the adhesion of ulcer causing bacteria in the stomach.

Learn about the health benefits of even more "Super Foods"!

Health Benefits of Cranberry Supplements 

Cranberry Extract Pills

Cranberry 425 mg 100 Caps ( Vaccinium Macrocarpon ) Solaray

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Solaray - Cranactin, 400 mg, 180 capsules

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AZO All Natural Concentrated Cranberry Tablets, 50-Count Boxes (Pack of 3)

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Nature's Plus - Ultra Cranberry 1000/Sust.Rel., 1000 mg, 60 tablets

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Add Cranberries To Your Diet 

...without changing how you eat!

You don't have to make any drastic changes in your everyday diet to take advantage of cranberries health benefits:

1) Add dried cranberries to breakfast cereal, yogurt, and salads.

2) Fresh and frozen cranberries are perfect for quick breads and muffins.

3) Cranberries pair perfectly with pork and chicken.

4) Make cranberry vinaigrette for salads.

5) Make a refreshing spritzer with cranberry juice and mineral water.

Add even more nutrition to the foods you already eat

How To Cook With Cranberries For Health Benefits 

Cranberry Cooking for All Seasons

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Cooking With Cranberries (Storey Country Wisdom Bulletin , a-281)

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Very Cranberry

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Joy Of Cranberries: The Tangy Red Treat

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Cranberry (Natural Health Guide)

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The History of Cranberries 

A staple of early Americans' diets

Long before the Pilgrims, Native Americans were mixing mashed cranberries with deer meat to make pemmican - a convenience food that kept for long periods of time. They were also used for medicinal purposes and their juice was a natural dye for rugs, blankets and clothing.

The Dutch and German settlers gave the fruit its name, calling them "crane berries" because of the resemblance of the blooming cranberry flowers to the head and bill of a crane.

Early Americans recognized cranberries' many health benefits. They were plentiful in Massachusetts in 1620 and may have been served at the first Thanksgiving dinner. Written recipes date back to the 1700s. The first recorded crop was in 1816 in Dennis, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, and were a vital source of vitamin C for whalers and a valuable natural resource to New England residents.

Cranberries Health Benefits Feedback 

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Lensmaster

good health wrote

Actually i don't know any thing about Cranberries? But i came to know very good information about Cranberries and how it is good for health.

Reply Posted October 16, 2008

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