A higher fiber intake can also help a person reduce their risk of developing a range of health conditions, including:. Increased fiber intake can also bring down blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and enhance weight loss for people with obesity.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a role in immune function. It may help a person prevent or delay the chronic conditions associated with free radicals, such as:. Farmers will harvest fresh cranberries in September and October, so fall is the best time to purchase them. They are also available dried, frozen, or canned.
A person can refrigerate fresh cranberries for up to 2 months or freeze them and eat them later. Cranberries should be firm to the touch and unwrinkled. However, some cranberry products may contain added sugars. This is because cranberries are quite tart and may be difficult to consume without some added sweetener. It is important to check the ingredients label and be sure to choose the product with the least added sugar.
Cranberry juice often contains other fruit juices and added sweeteners. People looking for cranberry juice that provides the most benefit should consume juice that lists cranberry as the primary ingredient. Cranberry sauce is an important part of a Thanksgiving meal, but there are many other ways to enjoy this fruit all year round. People who use the blood thinning drug warfarin Coumadin should not suddenly increase their intake of cranberries.
Although there is conflicting evidence regarding the potential for cranberries to enhance its anticlotting effects, they could lead to increased bleeding. Cranberry products may also lead to higher excretion of oxalate in urine. This could promote the formation of kidney stones in those who are susceptible to calcium oxalate-type stones. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should talk to their healthcare provider before increasing their intake of cranberries.
A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes that link them. Usually caused by bacteria, urinary tract infections are…. High blood pressure is common, affecting one in three people in the U. We discuss natural ways to reduce blood pressure, including diet, exercise…. Blueberries are considered a superfood, and can help maintain healthy bones, reduce blood pressure, manage diabetes, and ward off heart disease.
In this article, we take a closer look at how safe and effective baking soda is for treating urinary tract infections, otherwise known as UTIs. Polyphenols are compounds found in plants, including flavonoids and phenolic acid, that greatly benefit the human body and help fight disease. The berries are so high in benzoic acid that, cooked down with sugar, they need no refrigeration. My wife, who spent part of her childhood in Sweden, remembers going out with the family to gather lingonberries by the gallon.
She used a tool shaped like a broad fork with teeth that separated berries from leaves and directed them into a canvas bag. Lingon sylt was kept in loose-lidded bean pots, served with school lunches and often eaten with blood pudding or other pork dishes.
All summer I watched the mountain cranberries, waiting for them to turn red so I could harvest and eat them. But they resisted turning uniformly until late in the fall. Only that part of the berry most exposed to sun turns bright red early in the season. The color reflects the production of anthocyanins in response to bright sun exposure.
Anthocyanins give cranberry skin its apparent sun-blocking and cell damage repairing powers the same is true for the delicate new leaves of sugar maple and many other trees in the spring, when they take on a reddish tone. But procyanidins PACs are the main story. PACs seem to prevent bacteria from adhering to stomach and urinary tract linings and gums, suggesting they can help prevent ulcers, urinary tract infections, even gum disease.
Cranberry juice has long been used as a treatment for urinary tract infections, although a recent study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association, found that cranberries did not decrease urinary tract infections in a nursing home population.
Whatever their health benefits, there is plenty of reason to appreciate these little red gems. The authors said more research is needed to confirm a causal relationship between cranberries and cancer prevention , but the results so far seem promising. A limited but growing body of research has shown that consuming cranberries may positively affect cardiometabolic health, including blood pressure and serum lipid profiles, according to a study published in July in Advances in Nutrition.
Some people have linked cranberries and kidney stones. The idea stems from the fact that cranberries contain the molecule oxalate, which can sometimes stick together and form a kidney stone , according to the National Kidney Foundation. Cranberries and cranberry juice have also been linked to other health benefits, including increased sex drive , constipation relief , and treatment for yeast infections and upper respiratory infections, but the research surrounding each of these is murky.
You can store fresh cranberries in your refrigerator for up to one month or in the freezer for up to one year.
Dried cranberries should be kept in a tightly sealed package in the pantry and should be consumed by the best-by date on the package. When shopping for cranberry juice, look for the variety with the least amount of added sugar, Harrington advises. And keep in mind that a serving size for a glass of juice is smaller than you might think.
Jones also recommends enjoying the juice with a meal or a substantial balanced snack to blunt the blood sugar response. So eating them raw might not jive with your taste buds. A study published in in the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventative Dentistry found that mouthwash containing cranberry extract reduced the presence of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria more significantly than a placebo.
Cranberries are generally safe, but they can sometimes lead to upset stomachs and diarrhea when eaten in large quantities, especially among young children. Cranberries in their various forms have been linked to many potential health benefits, from preventing UTIs to keeping cholesterol levels in check while promoting a healthy heart. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: October 27, Medically Reviewed. Cranberries and cranberry juice are rich in antioxidants and are excellent sources of vitamin C. Can you eat raw cranberries? Are cranberries bad for you? No, not at all.
Cranberries are generally good for you, though people on blood thinners should limit or avoid them. Can I drink cranberry juice? Many varieties have sugar and flavor added, which take away from the healthfulness. Too much juice can lead to stomach issues, so speak to your doctor if you notice any adverse effects. Does cranberry juice clean your kidneys? Get your cranberry fix by cooking up one of these six recipes: Delight in the orange and cranberry flavors packed into these Fluffy Cranberry Orange Muffins.
Sip a healthy and festive Cranberry Smoothie. Whip up a classic Homemade Cranberry Sauce with only six ingredients.
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