What is Cranberry and its Benefits
Cranberry, also called cranberry, helps improve general health, including stomach and liver problems.
Edited and resized image by Evan Wise is available on Unsplash
Cranberry , also called cranberry , is a fruit that grows on perennial shrubs of the genus . Vaccinium. In England, cranberry can refer to the native species. Vaccinium oxycoccos, while in North America it may refer to the species Vaccinium macrocarpon. Cranberry juice is known to help fight urinary tract infections, but that's not its only benefit. Cranberry is a marshy fruit rich in water and nutrients that help improve general health, including stomach and liver problems. When ripe, the cranberry falls into the water and floats, which increases its contact with sunlight and its nutritional value.
Cranberry represents the largest commercial crop in American states and Canadian provinces, being found in juice, sauce and fresh form. As with most fruits, it's best to take the cranberry in its entirety, but it's also possible to get nutritional benefits from the juice. Check out its benefits:
Prevents urinary infections
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which are compounds that help prevent urinary infections by preventing bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.
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good for the heart
Cranberry also contains phytonutrients, which provide anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation plays a role in the destruction of blood vessels over time. Damaged vessels attract plaque causing atherosclerosis. By protecting against inflammation, cranberries help prevent heart disease.- 16 foods that are natural anti-inflammatory
prevents cancer
Cranberry phytochemicals are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the aging process and can also be risk factors for the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.- Antioxidants: what are they and in what foods to find them
A survey published in Journal of Nutrition found that cranberry may play a role in cancer prevention through dietary changes.
Improves digestive health
The same compounds that help protect the heart also improve the function of the digestive system. They can prevent bacteria like the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) they grow and multiply in the lining of the stomach and offer protection against colon cancer.
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If drinking juice, choose wisely
When you're looking for healthy cranberry juice, it's important not to fall prey to label traps. There is a big difference between cranberry juice and cranberry nectar.
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Processed nectars contain high amounts of added sugars such as high fructose corn syrup; and very little cranberry. Make your own cranberry juice or look for labels that say “made from 100% fruit” or that list other natural sweeteners like apple or grape juice.
