Cranberries
Cranberries have been a hot topic lately because of some research that has show them to be extremely beneficial - in fact one of the top foods proven to have health benefits. We know that cranberries re rich in antioxidants and that those antioxidants can protect cells from damage from free radicals but now we are also learning that cranberries can have a helpful effect on people with yeast infections, heart disease, cancer, and even stroke. It’s pretty common knowledge that cranberry juice can help reduce the likeliness of a bacterial infection in the urinary tract because of it’s ability to bind to the bacteria and prevent them from sticking to cell walls. Cranberries can also be helpful for protecting your teeth because the prevent the development of plaque in your mouth, again by hooking themselves to the bacteria, and there is even a mouthwash that is being developed based on some of the compounds in the fruit. It’s also being shown that cranberry juice can reduce bad cholesterol and can even raise good cholesterol as well. Cranberries can also slow tumor growth, prevent growth of a tumor altogether, and possibly (although it hasn’t been confirmed for sure) prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.
However since most cranberries are picked using a wet method they ultimately end up being processed. The wet-picking method that is used for cranberries is what happens when a cranberry field is flooded with water and then a harvester is sent through them to agitate them so that they will fall off the vine and then float to the top of the water where they are then scooped up. Because of this method the cranberries that are harvested have to immediately be processed which for many of them is alright because they end up in jams and juices but the market for fresh cranberries is growing which means a lot of people are turning to a dry, more natural technique to pick their cranberries. However by doing so they are allowing people to have access to these raw cranberries and when the cranberries haven’t been processed or cooked they retain all their natural antioxidants and vitamins as well as their live enzymes which makes them even more healthy for the people that are eating them in this form. This ends up being a sort of extra bonus because not only do you get yummy natural cranberries you also get extra nutrients and vitamins for eating them this way.
Cranberries don’t have to be reserved just for thanksgiving time either - there are plenty of opportunities to eat them throughout the year. Cranberries go great on pasta, in salads, in smoothies or juices, on top of deserts, or even as a small snack throughout the day. In fact just munching on these cranberries can make a big difference in your weight loss goals. Cranberries have enough fiber in them to make you feel full and they’ll give you a bit of energy as well so they’re a great snack that won’t give you too many calories or deter your weight loss goals. With all the amazing aspects of cranberries there’s no reason to not include them into your diet. Enjoy!