:: c r a n B E R R Y
The
cranberry, to many, has long since been associated with a staple side dish on
many Thanksgiving dinner tables. A sweet / tart condiment to add a bit more
zest to your Turkey dinner, the cranberry, stands among a handful of fruits
that dominant the Thanksgiving holiday season. However, the cranberry is more
than just good for sauce to drizzle across your dinner plate. Rather, it a
fruit that is good for the overall health and wealth of your body.
Native
to the northern United States and Canada, cranberries, are generally harvested
primarily in September and October. It is
no wonder why it reigns in the Fall Season with desserts and sauces. As
mentioned earlier, high in nutrients and antioxidants, the cranberry is linked
to various health benefits ranging from lowering the risk of and managing UTI’s,
preventions of various cancers, slowing the progression of tumors due to
various cancers, improvement of immune function, improvement of kidney health,
as well as decreasing blood pressure, amongst other benefits. Some of the
nutrients packed in a cranberry that allows it to have such superpowers include
its high counts in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin B, Thiamin,
Riboflavin, as well as Vitamin E. All of which are vital to maintaining a
balanced diet as well maintaining overall health. The cranberry is also high in
Proanthocyanidins (PACs), which is one of the key nutrients known to maintain
kidney health as well as prevent various other diseases. Due to the high content
of PACs in cranberries, they play a vital role in preventing the common
bacteria found in UTIs from adhering to the urinary tract walls. It must be
noted, however, these same effects cannot be achieved through simply consuming cranberry
juices, especially from concentrate – as the sugars used in the juices tend to
breakdown the superpowers cranberries have on their own.
Other
great benefits of cranberries include:
- blocking some of the damage caused by free radicals (which are, in a chakra sense, a great source of imbalance within any individual who has an overabundance of free radicals)
- maintenance of teeth and gum health
- improvement of iron absorption
- aiding in making collagen
- reduction of inflammation caused by arthritis
- reduction of inflammation caused by digestive and stomach disorders
- prevention of ulcers in stomach and urinary tract
Among
many other benefits, cranberries are a heart friendly fruit and a great source
of fiber. It is truly a fruit to be reckoned with. Best consumed in its natural
form for optimal health benefits, the cranberry can also be taken in a pill
supplement, via juices or smoothies, or consumed in teas. Though, beware of
sugar content when consuming the cranberry outside of its natural state.
All
in all, this tiny fruit is one of many fruits good for YOU. And since the
pursuit is for the ultimate care of self, why not start from within. What you
choose to consume will be reflected on your exterior. So, ensure your interior
is well cared for with foods and drinks that nurture your health. In the great
words of Lauryn Hill, “How you gon’ win, if you ain’t right within?” Do
yourself the favor and EAT foods good for your soul.
Get
RIGHT within.
So,
you can WIN.
–
For
further information on the benefits of cranberries you can read the following
article:
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