A Holiday Superfood: Cranberries
This time of year, there are many unhealthy food choices which can lead to weight gain, brain fog and fatigue. However, there are some that are actually healthy for us! Cranberries are one of those foods. They are actually considered a super food due to their high antioxidant levels. There have been over 2 dozen antioxidant phytonutrients in cranberries identified. Below are the top 3 reasons you should make sure you getting lots of cranberries in this holiday season:
Urinary Tract and Bladder Health: Cranberries contain an antioxidant that decrease bacteria that cause infections to adhere to the walls of the urinary tract. Using cranberry supplementation during a UTI helps flush out the bacteria which can help treat the infection.
Heart Health: Because of the high levels of antioxidant and nutrients in the cranberry, this leads to decreased inflammation, specifically within the cardiovascular system. These properties that are in cranberries specifically makes the blood less sticky and decreases blood pressure. Cranberries have also been shown in research studies to help treat complications from metabolic syndrome which is a condition associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Gum Health: The same properties that prevent bacterial adhesion to the bladder wall, can also prevent bacteria from binding to the teeth. This can help prevent gum disease.
Although cranberries are a superfood, unfortunately, due to the tart taste, they are often loaded up with sugar which can add it’s own health consequences. When eating cranberries, try to sweeten them with more natural sweeteners such as honey or stevia to retain more of the health benefits. Make sure if you purchase dried cranberries, they are unsweetened or better yet dry them yourself! Whichever creative way you would like to, make sure to load up on the cranberries this holiday season!
