Historically, Cranberries have been used as a natural remedy for many things. We often associate cranberry juice as a natural remedy to lower the risk of Urinary Tract Infections, but this little red fruit does much more! Cranberries contain high levels of antioxidants and anthocyanins. Antioxidants help delay or prevent cell damage in the body. Meaning that they can often give the body the boost it needs to fight off an infection. Anthocyanins on the other hand give cranberries their dark red color and have anti-inflammatory effects. Some research supports that Anthocyanins also have anti-cancer effects. While research is still developing on specific effects cranberries have on our health, we do know that they provide our bodies with many essential vitamins and minerals, plus they contain more fiber than most fruits!
Cranberries are harvested fresh in September and October, right in time for fall dishes! Fresh cranberries can be refrigerated for up to 2 months or they can be frozen. Cranberries are also available dried, canned, or pre-frozen. Be aware that some cranberry products will have additional sugar added to them to help with the tart taste. Check the ingredients label if you prefer no added sugar.
It is important to remember that no one fruit or vegetable can alter your overall health. It takes a village to keep our bodies healthy. A colorful diet is one of the best ways to get all of the essential nutrients we need. Next time you need some color, add a few cranberries to your meal!
Here are a few ways to incorporate cranberries into your diet:
- Add cranberries to any salad
- Add dried or fresh cranberries to oatmeal or your morning cereal
- Add dried, fresh, or frozen cranberries into cookies or muffins
- Add frozen cranberries into a smoothie
- Grab a handful on the go!
Cuisine for Healing Meals that contain Cranberries:
- Blonde Coconut Macaroons with Cranberries
- Delicious Orange Cranberry Muffin
- Nutty Cranberry Chicken Salad
- Peanut butter Protein Poppers
Resource: Medical New Today (2019 November 1st) What to Know About Cranberries. Retrieved from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269142#nutrition
