Native to North America, the cranberry is part of the Ericaceae family. The fruit is known for its rich color, taste and health benefits. You can eat dried cranberries as a snack, drink the juice, add them to your salad and smoothies or use it in your baked goodies. Cranberries are loaded with salicylic acid, antioxidants, iron, magnesium, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, vitamin B6, phosphorus and calcium. Drinking cranberry juice can give you relief from urinary tract infection.
Here are some reasons to add more cranberries to your diet:
1. Improves heart health
Cranberries also contain other phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation plays a role in damaging blood vessels over time, including the arteries. The damaged arteries then attract plaque, causing atherosclerosis.
Phytonutrients in cranberries could help guard against inflammation, delaying the process and offering protection against heart disease.
A 2019 study in men who are overweight and have obesity showed that the daily intake of a high-polyphenol cranberry beverage for 8 weeks improved several risk factors for heart disease.
2. Helps you lose weight
Drinking fresh cranberry juice can aid in weight loss. All you have to do is drink a glass of the juice without sugar in the morning on an empty stomach. This will help you start your day on a healthy note.Do note that many bottled juices contain added sugar.
3. Prevents respiratory infection
As per several studies, can prevent respiratory infections as it helps in inhibiting a Haemophilus influenza strain that causes respiratory and ear infection. Cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from adhering to your skin surface.
4. Prevents tooth decay
Cranberry is beneficial for your teeth as it prevents bacterial growth and prevents cavities and tooth decay. Make sure you are drinking fresh juice and not store-bought, packages juice as it usually contains sugar and preservatives.
5. Lowers risk of cancer
Rich in proanthocyanidins, cranberry juice inhibits the growth of cancerous cells. Proanthocyanidins can also prevent the development of micro-tumors in the blood vessels.
Cranberry juice is also beneficial for your hair and skin. It promotes hair growth, has anti-aging properties and treats acne. Drink cranberry juice and stay healthy.
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