5 Benefits of Cranberry: Powerhouse of Antioxidants, Heart Healthy and More
The cranberry plant is actually a dwarf, creeping shrub, or vine, which runs up to 10 to 20 cm in height and bears small, evergreen leaves. The berry itself is tiny and very acidic in taste with a pH ranging from 2.3 to 2.5. Cranberries (Scientific Name: Vaccinium Macrocarpon) are loaded with vitamin C and fiber, rich in phyto-nutrients which are essential for all-round wellness, and also contain various chemical substances that may offer protection from tooth cavities, urinary tract infection, and inflammatory diseases.
1. Powerhouse of Antioxidants
One cup of cranberriesa total of 8,983 antioxidant capacity. This is a record amount that only berries can have.
The main antioxidants in cranberries include:
Quercetin. The effectiveness of the substance in the prevention of malignant neoplasms, reducing the likelihood of tumor metastasis has been proven. Also, quercetin prevents the development of chronic diseases from the cardiovascular and endocrine systems.
Myricetin. Myricetin inhibits free radical reactions and protects all cells of the body from malignant degeneration. Regular inclusion of the substance in the diet reduces the likelihood of early development of type II diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Peonidin. Peonidin acts on the digestive system. It improves the efficiency of enzymatic processes and provides prevention of colon cancer.
Ursolic acid. Has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. By suppressing chronic inflammation, it slows down the aging of the body as a whole. Proanthocyanins. They have a weak anti-inflammatory effect and are capable of causing the death of harmful microorganisms. It should be noted that the highest concentration of antioxidant substances is found in cranberry juice.
2. Prevents UTIs
Cranberry is perhaps best known for its role in preventing UTIs. The high level of proanthocyanidins in cranberries helps lower the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary-tract walls, in turn fighting off infections.
3. Boosts Brain Power
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds present in cranberries may improve memory and coordination according. Therefore, dried cranberries can help stay on top and improve brain performance.
4. Healthy digestive system
Yet another cranberry benefit: The fiber it contains is a type of prebiotic, a nutrient that feeds your gut bacteria and helps them thrive. Prebiotic fiber has significant positive effects on digestive health.
5. Cranberries can help lower your cholesterol
Cranberries are rich in anthocyanins (an antioxidant), which give cranberries their color and have protective cardiovascular effects including lowering cholesterol.They also contain the antioxidant proanthocyanins, which have major anti-inflammatory effects and can protect blood vessels.
Cooking applications
Cranberries go well with apples and nuts. Use it in its natural form, boil syrups, jelly, marmalade. Fruits add sauerkraut, baked goods, prepare gravies and jams. And also an excellent sauce is obtained from cranberries.