The Great Health Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberries are creeping shrubs or sometimes referred to as vines that are usually grown and found in the cooler locations in the Northern Hemisphere. These vines have slender stems with evergreen leaves that are small in size.

Cranberries are considered a major commercial crop in various states in America and in some provinces in Canada. Products that are made from cranberries include juices, cranberry sauce, and craisins, or sweetened cranberries that are dried, similar to raisins.

Below are some medical conditions and ailments where cranberries have been found to be effective in treatment and/or in the reduction of symptoms and discomfort:

Kidney stones - cranberries contain quinic acid which is believed to be helpful in the prevention of the development of stones in the kidneys. Taking cranberry juice or consuming them fresh acts as a preventive measure in developing kidney stones, especially among the elderly.

Heart disease - the extract derived from cranberries are said to show low density lipoprotein oxidation. Lipoprotein oxidation is believed to cause heart disease, and the consumption of cranberries is believed to reduce the risk of the said disease.

UTI/Urinary Tract Infection - a lot of people, especially elder ones, take cranberries as a supplement in order to prevent urinary tract infections that are due to bacteria. This is because the proanthocyanidins which are found in cranberries are believed to block the E. coli bacteria from sticking to the uterus and bladder, thereby preventing urinary tract infection.

Plaque - cranberry juice is believed to prevent the accumulation of bacteria that causes dental plaque. So for a great smile with great teeth, don't forget to include cranberry juice in your daily diet.

Anti - Cancer - cranberries and its proanthocyanidins are believed to be anti - carcinogenic, which means that they are an effective way to prevent cancer.

Aside from its great taste, cranberries have a lot of health benefits that surely anyone in any age would benefit from. Drinking cranberry juice and consuming these berries fresh has a lot of great uses. People can take them either in juice form, sauce, or fresh right off the vines and enjoy the many health benefits that these small berries come with.

So what are you waiting for? The next time you go to the grocery to shop for food, don't forget to grab cranberries in its many different forms and get you and your family started on a healthy lifestyle. Help your family prevent different diseases as after all, prevention is a lot better than cure.

Article Resource: Leslie Bautista
Reference: WHFoods: Cranberries - The World's Healthiest Foods