Six Reasons Why Cranberries Should Be Included in Your Thanksgiving Day Dinner

Will cranberries be part of your Thanksgiving Day feast? If you are not planning on serving cranberries or cranberry sauce with your turkey, maybe you should think twice about this little fruit. The cranberry is packed with all sorts of healthy and nutritious vitamins. Read here about some reasons why you should include cranberries in yourThanksgiving Day Dinner.

Cranberries have the highest level of antioxidants of all the common fruits.

It is well known that antioxidants are strong disease fighters. Cranberries have been shown to have more antioxidants than most other commonly eaten fruits. These antioxidants are believed by medical and health community members to help prevent heart disease and some cancers. What are antioxidants? The body naturally produces compounds that can help protect our bodies from harmful molecules that we are exposed to everyday. These are antioxidants. But when we are under stress, the body will produce less antioxidants. Therefore, it is important to supplement our antioxidant supplies with dietary choices. Cranberries are an excellent choice since they are so full of antioxidants.

Cranberries have been shown to help fight gum disease

Studies have shown that cranberries contain anti adhesive properties that prevent bacteria from forming in the mouth. These same properties seem to also help reduce oral bacteria in the mouth. Cranberries can lessen the formation of dental plaque, which is a leading cause of gum disease.

Cranberries fight urinary tract disease

Women have known for a long time about cranberries and their ability to help fight urinary tract infections. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACS), which stops bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. New research shows that cranberries have even stronger anti-bacterial properties than even previously thought.

Cranberries may help fight heart disease

Cranberries contain flavonoids. Studies show that flavonoids can help fight bad cholesterol. which can cause serious blood flow restrictions if levels build up in arteries. This can in turn lead to serious heart disease and even heart attacks.

Cranberries may help prevent peptic ulcers

Recent and ongoing studies are showing that the anti-adhesive properties of cranberries can actually help prevent peptic ulcers. Researchers are now suspecting that peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria, and not caused by stress and stomach acidity as previously thought. Studies are showing that cranberries may be helpful in preventing the bacteria that may cause peptic ulcers from adhering to the lining of the stomach.

Cranberries may help aging

Well, they won't stop you from aging, but the cranberry may help with providing protection against aging related conditions such as memory problems. In short, studies are leading many in the medical field to suspect that cranberries may be good for the brain, which is good for all of us as we age.

So, there you have it. Six compelling reasons why you might want to include a cranberry dish in your Thanksgiving Day Dinner. And, you might just want to give thanks for the extra health benefits that the little mighty cranberry provides.

For more information on cranberries, go to the Cranberry Institute at http://www.cranberryinstitute.org.