Cranberries are a powerhouse of essential nutrients and are loaded with health benefiting properties. This tiny red-coloured fruit is an excellent source of minerals, iron, potassium and calcium. To make most of this wonder fruit, you can add it in your daily diet. Dr Amy B Howell, an associate research scientist at the Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research at Rutgers University has listed 5 amazing benefits of cranberries.
Maintains Urinary Tract Health
Cranberries are widely known to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and have been used by women for many years. Clinical trials have shown positive benefits for daily single servings of cranberry juice or dried encapsulated powder in preventing overall incidence of UTI and significantly reducing recurrent infections. The proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries help prevent bacteria from sticking in the urinary tract.
Decreases Inflammation
Inflammation is at the root of many common diseases in developed nations, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis and diabetes. Consuming cranberry which contains potent polyphenolic compounds, has been shown to reduce certain key risk factors for cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive decline.
May Help Reduce Cancer Cell Growth
Research has shown that the phytochemicals in cranberries can prevent rapid tumor growth and induce programmed cancer cell death in lab studies utilising cultures of breast, colon, lung and esophageal cancer cells.
Enhances Immune Function
Consuming cranberry products may help to give the immune system a boost. One study suggests that PAC compounds in cranberry can combine with proteins and modulate aspects of innate and acquired immune responses in macrophages, which are large white blood cells that aid in overcoming infection by secreting signals that help activate other cell types to fight against infections.
Benefits Stomach Health
Cranberries can help keep the gut bacterial microbiome balanced by promoting beneficial bacteria and decreasing the harmful ones. This balance is important to help the body extract beneficial compounds from foods as well as prevent stomach upset. The PACs in cranberry have also been shown to suppress Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.