Cranberry (Cranberries) or the Healthy Little Berry
It’s No Coincidence People Call This Fruit “The Berry of Youth”
Did you know that in England, cranberries were humorously nicknamed "bearberries" because they are a favorite food of bears, helping them stock up on essential nutrients before their long winter hibernation?
The small cranberry, with its slightly tart and tangy taste, isn’t the top choice for many people to consume raw. However, dried cranberries are sweeter and more pleasant to eat.
Cranberries are rich in a natural preservative – benzoic acid. Thanks to this natural compound, cranberries are ideal for drying while preserving all their beneficial nutrients. This same substance is what makes them well-known for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
But let’s talk about the lesser-known benefits of this superfood.
Health and Beauty
Just one tiny cranberry contains an explosion of beneficial macronutrients.
A single cranberry has more antioxidants than most fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, broccoli, and others. Antioxidants combat free radicals that damage cells and are an essential part of a healthy diet.
This superfood is rich in amino acids and hydroxyproline, which the body needs to produce collagen—a key component for maintaining healthy and beautiful skin. Additionally, cranberries promote effective hydration.
Rich in Vitamins A and C
The fruit’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties improve memory and concentration.
Surprisingly, this little fruit can even help fight cavities. Cranberries owe their cavity-fighting abilities to the same mechanisms they use against bacteria in the urinary tract. Proanthocyanidins found in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to gums and teeth.
Supports Weight Loss
Cranberries are high in fiber, which provides a feeling of fullness. This helps reduce snacking and stabilizes blood sugar levels.
Protects Against Stomach Cancer
Cranberries contain plant compounds known as A-type proanthocyanidins, which reduce the risk of stomach cancer by preventing the attachment of Helicobacter pylori bacteria—a primary cause of stomach cancer.
Heart Health Benefits
Cranberries contain heart-friendly antioxidants, including anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, and quercetin, which help improve cardiovascular health.
Boosts Good Cholesterol
- Lowers bad cholesterol, especially in people with diabetes
- Reduces blood pressure
- Prevents hardening of blood vessels
- Lowers the risk of blood vessel inflammation
- Strengthens the immune system
Summer and Pool Season
Here’s a tip for the upcoming summer season, especially for women:
A few days before and after visiting the pool, eat a handful of dried cranberries daily. This can help reduce the risk of infections 🙂
Note: Cranberries are not a treatment for infections; they only help reduce the risk of developing them.
For the Numbers Enthusiasts:
Nutritional value per 100g of unsweetened dried cranberries:
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
Get your daily dose of cranberries with our mix!