Health Benefits of Cranberries

Red Berry Packed Full of Essential Nutrients

Cranberries are tart, delicious and packed full of antioxidants, which are beneficial in slowing down free radicals in the body that cause cell deterioration. The cranberry is also rich in vitamins A, C and K as well as the minerals calcium, potassium and phosphorus. It also contains high quantities of essential amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids. Although the cranberry has been used for centuries by Native Americans for medicinal purposes, it is finally finding notoriety among the medical community as a healing food. Here are a few of the health benefits of cranberries.

Cranberries Reduce Risk of Heart Disease

The cranberry works in many ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. According to research done by Tufts University and published in Nutrition Reviews, cranberries reduce the risk of heart disease by having positive effects on cholesterol, lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of plaque build-up in the arteries. It was found that drinking cranberry juice helped to lower bad LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol. The high quantity of antioxidants in cranberries also reduces the amount of plaque that can build up in arteries and cause blood clots.

Cranberries Fight Cancer

In studies conducted by the University of Western Ontario, breast cancer cells showed a lower incidence of the development of tumors when the participants added cranberries to their diet. Studies have also found that the use of cranberry extract can improve the effectiveness of platinum drugs used in chemotherapy to treat ovarian cancer. Adding the cranberry extract allows the drugs to be 6 times more effective than without.

Cranberries Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

It has long been known that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs in women, but now scientists understood how it works. Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) found that cranberry juice changes the thermodynamic properties of bacteria which create a barrier that prevents microorganisms from attaching to cells and creating an infection. There is no evidence, however, that cranberry juice can cure an infection once it has occurred, so it is recommended to see a doctor if a UTI is suspected.

Cranberries Fight Aging

Cranberries are full of antioxidants which fight free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage. Researchers have found that adding cranberry to the diet may help reduce damage to motor and cognitive functions. A diet including cranberries can help to protect the brain and reduce neurological damage due to aging.

Cranberries Protect Teeth

A study reported by the Journal of the American Dental Association stated that a component in cranberry juice, a high-molecular-weight nondialysable material (NDM), can reverse the effects of bacteria that cause cavities and periodontal disease. Trials using mouthwash containing cranberry NDM are showing this compound to be effective in fighting the most harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause the largest percentage of cavities.

The most effective way to enjoy the health benefits of cranberries is to eat them fresh with little to no additives such as sugar. Making homemade cranberry juice is also a good way to receive the ultimate health benefits. However, researchers have found that store-bought cranberry juice with at least 27% pure juice and very little sugar can be effective. Cranberry supplements, such as capsules or powder, have also been found to be effective. No matter how people choose to eat cranberries, they will enjoy the many health benefits of this tiny red berry.