Cranberries are a familiar part of the American Thanksgiving feast – perhaps because they have also been used in a medicinal manner for centuries. A North American native, the cranberry is a tart, hardy little fruit that packs a serious antioxidant punch. Native Americans treated a variety of illnesses with cranberry preparations, including bladder infections and infected wounds. Pilgrims and other early settlers ate cranberries to treat and prevent scurvy. See these 10 powerful health benefits of cranberries:
1. Treats Urinary Tract Infections. In clinical studies, cranberries have been shown to help prevent E. coli from sticking to other bacteria and adhering to the urinary tract, making it easier for the body to naturally flush out.
2. Fights Cancers. Cranberries are a potent source of the flavonoid quercetin. Quercetin is being studied for its potential ability to inhibit the development of both breast and colon cancers. Recent studies suggest that quercetin can slow the growth of cancer cells.
3. Fights Heart Disease. The antioxidant quercetin appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some early studies suggest that it can help protect against heart attack and strokes.
4. Helps Kidney & Bladder Problems. The urinary tract is composed of kidneys, ureters, the bladder and the urethra. By helping prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract, cranberries help keep the entire system healthy.
5. Prevents Dental Problems. Cranberries have been found to decrease the production of cavity and plaque-producing bacteria in your mouth. The compound proanthocyanidine found in cranberries prevents plaque formation on teeth.
6. Prevents Peptic Stomach Ulcers. In the same way that cranberries prevent some species of bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract, they are also believed to help keep H. pylori bacteria from adhering to the stomach lining. Cranberries are a source of antioxidant compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have been found in multiple studies to help eliminate H. pylori in people prone to stomach ulcers.
7. Anti-Aging Properties. Cranberries help fight aging both internally and externally. They are a rich source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals that cause damage to our cellular DNA. This cellular damage is responsible for the formation of wrinkles, redness and skin pigmentation. They’re also a source of vitamins A and C, which help with collagen production, and their beneficial acids help in exfoliation when applied topically.
8. Improves Mental Health. Numerous studies have shown that the antioxidants anthocyanin and quercetin and in cranberries help improve memory! See this article on how antioxidants benefit your health, or this article on the 5 best foods for your brain.
9. Strengthens the Immune System. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of cranberries worth together to strengthen the immune system response. Inflammation and free radical damage are both linked with increased risk for a wide range of diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases and much more.
10. Relieves Skin Conditions. The antiseptic properties of cranberries are an effective treatment for skin conditions such as acne and boils. Cranberries rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant that has been shown to help minimize acne and pimples.
Cranberry Nutrients
Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, as well las phytochemicals, dietary fiber and proanthocyanidins. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin C (which is why they proved effective against scurvy). Cranberries also contain beta carortene (which turns into vitamin A inside the body), vitamins B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B6, B9 (Folate), vitamin E and vitamin K. They’re loaded with many essential minerals as well, including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, copper, zinc and potassium.