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Health Benefits of Cranberry, Uses And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Sep 04, 2020

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Cranberries offer a ton of different health benefits when consumed. They are good for preventing urinary tract infections as they do not let bacteria stick to the walls of the urethra and grow.

Cranberries prevent cancer and are good for the heart as well. They prevent tooth decay and strengthen your bone and teeth as they are rich in calcium. They are known to prevent obesity as they have organic minerals and low calorie and fat content. They can prevent inflammation in the lungs as well.

They can help you prevent scurvy as they are rich in vitamin C. They are known for preventing peptic ulcers from occurring in your stomach and are generally good for digestive health. They help prevent the occurrence of kidney stones. Cranberries are known for curing the common cold and can help you prevent a number of respiratory diseases too.

Cranberry

Cranberry is one of the most versatile fruits on the planet and is fairly popular because of its unique flavour. Scientifically known as vaccinium marcopon, these fruits have extensive culinary and medicinal uses.

They are packed with nutrients and are a must-have if you want to maintain a balanced diet that has a few exotic elements in it to keep you from getting bored with the monotony.

Nutritional Value of Cranberry

Cranberries are filled with all the important nutrients your body needs to function well. In 100 grams of cranberries, you will find only 26 calories, making it a great thing to eat if you are watching your weight.

Furthermore, it has a really low fat content as well with only 0.1 grams of fat. Out of this, there is no saturated fat and monounsaturated fat, only 0.1 grams of polyunsaturated. So, you can munch away without worrying about body fat.

It does not contain any cholesterol and has 2 mg of sodium along with 85 mg of potassium. It has 12 grams of carbohydrates in it, which includes 4.6 grams of dietary fiber and 6 grams of sugar. It has only 0.4 grams of proteins but it does provide a fair amount of important minerals.

Of the daily recommended dosage, 100 grams of cranberries contain 22% of vitamin C, 1% of iron, 1% of magnesium, 1% of vitamin A, and 5% of vitamin B-6. It does not contain any calcium, vitamin B-12, or vitamin D.

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams

46
Calories
0.1 g
Total Fat
2 mg
Sodium
85 mg
Potassium
12 g
Total Carbohydrate
0.4 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals

1 %
Vitamin A
22 %
Vitamin C
1 %
Iron
5 %
Vitamin B-6
1 %
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Cranberry

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Cranberry

Cranberry prevents urinary tract infections

UTIs can give you discomfort and pain, but they can also prove to be dangerous and lead to a ton of other health problems. They mainly occur when the microbial content of your urine exceeds a certain limit, leading to the infection.

Cranberries have high amounts of proanthocyanidines in them, which have strong anti-clinging properties. This means that it does not allow the bacteria to stick on your urethral walls and flushes them out when you go to the bathroom. As a result, the bacteria do not have the chance to multiply, grow, and lead to the infection.

While this is an effective preventative measure, it’s important to note that the cranberry does not treat the infection once it occurs. It can only prevent it from developing in the first place. You can drink cranberry juice on a regular basis to prevent UTIs.

Cranberry extract for different types of cancer

Cranberries have strong anti-tumor properties. This is because they contain polyphenolic compounds, which are known to fight different types of tumors that are related to cancer.

Having cranberry juice on a regular basis can help you prevent numerous cancers like breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and even lung cancer.

Cranberry juice is also famously rich in salicylic acid, which can help you prevent a host of problems like developing blood clots, swelling, and even tumors, which also helps it act as an anti-tumor agent.

Cranberry juice good for heartburn and heart health

Cranberry is known to be very good for your heart. This is because this fruit contains flavonoids, which work as antioxidants and also protect your heart from problems like atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis basically occurs when your blood vessels become narrower because of collected fat, cholesterol, and calcium in the blood. As a result, the blood has a ton of obstructions and oxygenated blood reaches various body parts slowly and in lesser amounts. This can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Cranberries help reduce the LDL cholesterol in your blood and also stimulates your blood platelets.

Cranberries prevents tooth decay

Cranberries can help you prevent tooth decay. This is because they contain proanthocyanadine, which is a very powerful compound that can prevent harmful bacteria from clinging to your teeth and leading to diseases and problems.

The compound present in cranberries also helps prevent acid production in your mouth and periodontal disease that is caused by the accumulation of plaque.

Consuming cranberries on a regular basis can help you with the pathogenic effect of dental carries and generally helps you improve your oral health. Of course, this only works if you maintain good hygiene as well.

Cranberries strengthens bones and teeth

Cranberries are considered very good for your bones and teeth. This is mainly because cranberries contain a lot of calcium, which is good for your bones. It makes them stronger and healthier, and almost impacts your teeth.

It can prevent issues like weakened skeletal structure, and fractures once you get older and is therefore, a good addition to your diet.

Cranberry juice for fat loss

Cranberries are also known for preventing obesity. This is because they have a ton of organic minerals in them. This helps to emulsify the fat that is present in your body, making you shed all the extra weight. This is why cranberries are often a part of many diets.

Furthermore, cranberries have low amounts of calories and fat in them. So, if you consume them, they will not make you gain more weight.

Cranberries good for inflammation in the lungs

Unchecked or prolonged inflammation in the lungs can lead to a variety of health problems. It can make it difficult for you to breathe, make you susceptible to more infections and diseases, and just sap all your energy.

Including cranberries in your diet can help you combat inflammation. It helps specifically with the inflammation that occurs in the lungs due to the influenza virus. It can prevent the virus from sticking to your cells and leading to flus and other problems.

Anti-ageing benefits of cranberries

Cranberries are also known for their strong anti-ageing benefits. They are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. These help prevent a number of problems that occur due to ageing, such as memory loss, loss of cognitive function, and a lack of coordination. They even help make your skin look younger and wrinkle free for much longer.

Cranberry juice good for your digestive system

Cranberries are known for preventing peptic ulcers from occurring in your stomach and are generally good for digestive health.

Other Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries also offer other health benefits. They can help you prevent scurvy as they are rich in vitamin C. They help prevent the occurrence of kidney stones.

Cranberries are known for curing the common cold and can help you prevent a number of respiratory diseases too. They are a welcome addition to most people’s diets and can really contribute positively to the way your body and mind functions.

Uses of Cranberry

Cranberries are primarily used for their culinary benefits. They are used in many world cuisines to flavour certain dishes. The juice is used to create cocktails and flavoured beverages. Furthermore, dried cranberries are often added to breakfast cereals, pancakes, and other breakfast foods, as well as certain baked treats like muffins.

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Side-Effects & Allergies of Cranberry

It is not advisable to consume cranberries if you are on any blood thinners like warfarin. This is because it can put you at risk for high bleeding. It can even deodorize urine in people who suffer from urinary incontinence.

If you are not sure whether or not you are allergic to cranberries, performing a patch test can always help. On a general note, it is always best to consult a physician before adding anything new to your diet or lifestyle.

Cultivation of Cranberry

Cranberries are native to North America. They are a fairly popular item and are now available all over the world for people to consume.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
    Reviewed By
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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