Cranberries - the Super Food

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Prevent aging and illness with these berries!

Cranberries – from heart health to gum disease, this super food can ward off a range of ailments

Lose weight fast, slow down aging and flush out toxins with this superfood.

Cranberries might be little but they pack a massive punch. They're best known for fighting urinary tract infections but are under investigation for a variety of other health benefits too including fighting dental plaque and peptic ulcers.

They're a rich source on antioxidants too, leading to extensive research for their anti-aging potential and ability to improve cardiovascular health and ward of cancer.

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Preventing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

UTIs affect millions of people and women tend to be more vulnerable than men.

Various studies have found that cranberries can significantly decrease the amount of UTIs people experience, particularly amongst women who are prone to recurrent infections. So how do cranberries protect against UTIs?

Scientists have found that fruit acids in cranberries tend to inhibit the growth of bacteria in urine. The cranberry components are also able to prevent bacteria sticking to the urinary tract.

Avoiding Peptic Ulcers

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Peptic ulcers are a health complaint that have the ability to increase the risk of gastric cancer. Most ulcers are caused from an infection in the stomach or small intestine.

Studies have found that a constituent of cranberry juice hinders the adhesion of e-coli to our gastric cells and has the ability to eradicate ulcer-causing infections.

Fighting Off Cancer

Several studies continue in an effort to analyse cranberry's anticancer potential. In an animal study, rats were exposed to a chemical that induces the growth of bladder cancer. A week after the last does of carcinogen was administered, the rats were given doses of cranberry juice concentrate on a daily basis.

The rats that were given 1.0 ml of juice showed less bladder tumours than those rats that received just half the dosage.

Cranberries Promote Heart Health

Cranberries are a rich source of flavonoids. What's more, they've aroused interest for the potential to minimise the formation of heart-threatening plaque deposits. Studies have indicated that diets that consist of flavonoid-rich foods and drinks might decrease atherosclerosis.

Cranberries are rich in 3 types of flavonoids: proanthocyanidins; anthocyanins and flavonos. All three are powerful antioxidants that could help protect your cardiovascular health.

The Oral Health Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberries offer essential health benefits for gums and teeth. The delicious berries have a chemical in them that is said to prohibit and possibly reverses the formation of dental plaque that can lead to tooth decay.  It's also reported that constituents in cranberries can reduce inflammation in the gum tissues which in turn offers protection against periodontitis – a gum disease that often leads to the loss of teeth.

With these exciting findings, we may well see cranberries playing a more important role in dental health care routines.

Further Benefits of Cranberries

Kidney and Bladder Infections

Cranberries contain citric acid along with other nutrients that can help prevent kidney stones as well as bladder complaints.

Promoting Weight Loss

Since cranberries are high in antioxidants, they help to flush out your system, improving the digestive system and metabolism, helping you lose weight faster.

Anti-Aging

Again, the antioxidants in the berries help the body flush out free radicals which contribute towards aging. Cranberries will keep your skin looking younger while helping internal organs function for longer without health problems.

Improving Mental Health

Cranberries can lift your mood by relieving depression, stress and anxiety. They're great for the brain too and have been show to improve memory.

Strengthening Your Immune System

The antioxidants work to flush out toxins that supress your immune system. Once the toxins are removed, the immune system will be stronger, helping you ward off a range of illnesses.

Relieving Skin Conditions

Skin conditions like eczema, acne, psoriasis and dermatitis have all been known to heal with the help of cranberries.

Conclusion

If you're convinced that cranberries are a super food, it's time to include them in your diet. For the best health benefits, eat fresh berries and make your own juice at home. Alternatively, consume 100% pure, unsweetened cranberry juice.

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