3 proven benefits of eating cranberries
by: Melissa A. Kay
Tiny and tart, red and round, cranberries are more than just your run-of-the-mill fruit. Along with their unique taste and versatility, cranberries have healing powers and benefits to the body that are astounding.
Filled to the brim with antioxidants, cranberries are not only delicious, but will keep your body working at its peak as you're puckering up. Whether consumed as juice, dried, encapsulated, or in another form, craving cranberries is a good thing. And at only about 50 calories per cup, as per Dr. Axe, you will reap the rewards of filling up on the fruit without filling out your pants!
Here are 3 proven benefits of eating cranberries that will have you racing to the grocery store to pick some up so you can munch them down. From your head to your toes, cranberries may just be the new apple when it comes to keeping the doctor away!
Prevention of UTIs – urinary tract infections
As per Dr. Axe, "Each year it's estimated that there are over 15 million urinary tract infections in the US alone. The infection produces symptoms of frequent, urgent, or painful urination, and sometimes abdominal pain or blood in the urine."
So it's evident that UTIs are pretty common, but that doesn't mean the discomfort and inconvenience of them is anything to brush aside. Cranberries can play a role in preventing the infection, since, as per Medical News Today, "The high level of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries helps reduce the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract walls, in turn fighting off infections." According to recent studies, "Cranberry capsules have been shown to help urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is far less effective." So seek out your cranberry prevention in the pill form rather than as a fruity beverage. Most pharmacies and health food stores are stocked with cranberry capsules.
In case adding cranberries doesn't help what you think might be a UTI from rearing its ugly head, it is always smart to see your doctor to insure there isn't a greater problem or another diagnosis. It is possible you could have urinary incontinence, bladder disease, or even cancer, all if left untreated can prove to be anything from troublesome to traumatic. In some cases with these conditions, a catheter and drainage bag may be required. Learn more about the need for such devices and how an innovation called Freedom Belt™ can aid in comfort and convenience if such measures are required. Until then, stock up on cranberry and keep UTIs at bay.
Slows tumor progression
Speaking of a fate far more extreme than a UTI, cancer is something that has touched far too many lives. Leave it to the cranberry to offer a helping hand in the fight. As per Medical News Today, "Research has shown that cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor progression and have shown positive effects against prostate, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers."
Dr. Axe adds, "This is due to cranberries being able to help slow tumor progression. With their unique array of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients, cranberries seem ideally positioned to help lower the risk of some of the common types of cancers."
When medical treatment is proving ineffective or as an additional means to achieving renewed health, cranberries for cancer may be just what the doctor ordered.
Reduces risk of heart disease
Heart health is so important in order to live long and healthy lives, and cranberries can aid in keeping our tickers ticking until our golden years. As per Dr. Axe, "The cardiovascular benefits of cranberries come from the combined impact of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Studies involving participants who consume a normal dietary intake of cranberries, which is about one cup a day, show that cranberries can prevent the triggering of two enzymes that are pivotal in the development of heart disease."
Additionally, incorporating supplements like Nuzena D-Mannose Natural Defense + can further support cardiovascular health.
WebMD also notes, "It also appears to improve some cholesterol components, which are beneficial in fighting heart disease."
Cranberries are also loaded with vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall well-being. Treat your mouth to good taste and your body to good health. R.W. Knudsen is a great choice for cranberry juice made of all-natural ingredients, and contains no preservatives or artificial flavors.