Cranberries can be found growing on
evergreen dwarf shrubs along tropical
rain forest areas in Northern America.
Cranberries are highly acidic, and contain
powerful antioxidant properties that are
known to fight off infections, diseases,
and even help prevent against cancer.
It's no wonder the magical little berries
have been dubbed as super fruits!
Cranberries can be prepared in a wide variety
of forms. They can be spread as a tasty jam,
available in candied form, processed into juice,
and have long been a staple of Thanksgiving
dinners. You can grab a handful of dried
cranberries for the perfect snack on the go.
They can be added to breakfast cereals,
yogurts, trail mixes, and even vegetable
salads, to give it a zesty flavorful taste.
Now that you're a bit more familiar with
the tiny red berries, it's time to delve a
bit further into the many health benefits
they possess!
1) Prevents Urinary Tract Infections -
Did you know that a simple glass of
cranberry juice can prevent urinary
tract infections from occurring?
The Proanthocyanidins found inside
the cranberry juice stops bacteria from
attaching to cells of the bladder walls.
Cranberry juice also helps flush toxins
out of the body through urination.
The bacteria never gets a chance to
multiply on the bladder walls due to
the high acidity levels of the juice.
Make sure you buy the unsweetened
brands at your local supermarket.
2) Boosts The Immune System -
The powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals
found within the berries protect cells from
free radicals, and help strengthen
your immune system. Cranberry juice also
increases (HDL) good cholesterol in
the body, while reducing minimizing the
(LDL) bad cholesterol.
3) Fights Cancer -
The proanthocyanidin of cranberries
decreases growth of cancer cells from
spreading throughout the body.
Cranberry juice contains phenols,
flavonoids, and anthocyanins, which
are used to combat micro tumors from
taking over blood cells, The anti-carcinogenic
properties of the juice also helps to
prevent against breast cancer.
4) Improves Cardiovascular Health -
A cup of cranberry juice can limit
cardiovascular diseases from occurring.
The supercharged antioxidants also
prevent against atherosclerosis, which is
the hardening of the arteries due to the
accumulation of fatty plaques and
cholesterol. The flavonoids found in
cranberry juice helps promote healthy
flowing of the blood throughout the body.
5) Contains Anti-Tumor Properties -
Polyphenolic compounds in cranberries have
been documented to contain anti-tumor
properties. The salicylic acid of the dark
red juice, reduces swelling and blood clots,
which can eventually form into tumors.
The strong polyphenol properties build
T-cell production, found along the intestine
and reproductive tracts.
6) Helps Reduce Inflammation -
Cranberry juice is loaded with
many anti-inflammatory properties,
including vitamin C, which helps
limit inflammation and thrombosis.
These anti-inflammatory properties ensure
that viruses never stick around your blood
cells for long.
7) Prevents Tooth Decay -
Brushing and flossing are two vital
components for preventing tooth decay,
but a few cranberries can also benefit
your teeth. Cranberries inhibit the growth
of harmful bacteria, which causes plaque
formation, and leads to cavities. Cranberries
can even freshen your breath! Avoid the
sugary brands, and go for the organic variety
instead.
8) Soothes Heartburn and Peptic Ulcers -
The acidity of cranberry juice can help kill the
helicobacter pylori bacteria that causes
peptic ulcers and heartburn problems, which
we wrote about in depth. People suffering from
gastric disorders have turned to cranberry
uice as a soothing relief for treating acid
reflux issues.
9) Fights Off Yeast Infection -
Yeast infections occur when there is an
overgrowth of a type of yeast called Candida
in the human body. The infections are common
among pregnant women or people
suffering from diabetes. Cranberry
juice kills the bacteria that plagues the
urinary tract, and flushes out the yeast.
10) Helps You Lose Weight -
Start your morning off with a delicious
glass of natural cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice plays a significant
role promoting good cholesterol levels i
n the body. Cranberries are full of
essential nutrients and vitamins,
both critical factors in maintaining a healthy
diet. The high acidity prevents that
annoying hunger pang as well.
11) Prevents Kidney Stones from Forming -
Cranberry juice reduces the amount
of magnesium, citrate, oxalate and calcium
found in the urine. The polyphonic properties
help fight off kidney infections, urinary
tract infections, and prevent bacteria
from attaching to the membranes of the
kidneys. Consult with your physician if you
suffer from any renal diseases beforehand.
12) Fights Common Infections -
Are you suffering from a terrible cold? A
glass of nature's wonder berries can
help with that! Cranberry juice helps
sooth a sore throat and combats
infections. Cranberry juice inhibits
the bacteria structures of the
Hemophiliacs influenza, which causes
painful ear and respiratory infections
in children as well.
13) Prevents Scurvy -
Sailors used to carry cranberries aboard
their vessels to prevent scurvy at sea.
Vitamin C deficiency is the leading cause
of scurvy, but you won't have to worry
about that problem with cranberries.
The tiny red berries are extremely high
in vitamin C, which are used to produce
collagen to ensure healthy regulation of
tissues in your immune system.
14) A Natural Acne Treatment -
Cranberry juice contains an acne-fighting
compound called resveratrol, and antiseptic
properties that help ensure nice clean skin.
As an added bonus, you can even make a
mask out of cranberry juice, and here's
how to do it:
- Mix a little cranberry juice with orange
- peel powder, and a teaspoon of honey.
- Mix well until a paste develops.
- Apply the cranberry juice mask all over
- he face, and allow it to sit for 20 minutes
- before washing it off.
15) Softens Up the Skin -
Cranberry juice helps promote healthy
collagen production due to the high levels
of vitamin C. Collagen joins together with
keratin to strengthen the hair and skin.
The function of collegen is to help blood
vessels beneath the skin carry oxygen.
In turn, the collegen then softens
up the skin, giving it that bright
radiant glow, and a youthful appearance.
16) Promotes Healthy Hair Growth -
Vitamins A and C help promote the growth
of strong healthy hair. The essential nutrients
found in vitamin C helps repair damaged
hair follicles. Just make sure you rinse
thoroughly after.
17) Contains Anti-Aging Properties -
Cranberry juice can help slow down the
aging process by destroying free radicals.
Free radicals are responsible for causing
the formation of wrinkles on the skin.
The super powerful antioxidants of the
cranberry juice, promotes healthy skin
cells and gets rid of any unwanted
blemishes and redness.
18) Can Be Used a Natural Skin Toner -
Cranberries are very acidic, which works
against oily skin. The cranberry juice mask
mentioned earlier can help give your skin
a lighter tone if done on a regular basis.
It's important to use natural cranberry
juice while preparing the mask.
19) Prevents Psoriasis and Alopecia -
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to such
scalp diseases as hair loss or psoriasis.
The vitamin C found in the cranberry juice,
is used to treat a variety of hair disorders,
including alopecia or male pattern baldness.
A cup of cranberry juice may be poured over
the scalp to prevent dandruff and psoriasis
from occurring.
20) A Natural Hair Color -
A natural cranberry tonic can be made
to highlight your hair. Actress Nicole
Kidman says that she keeps her thick
ed hair radiant by pouring a cup of
cranberry juice over her head after
shampooing. The directions for the
natural hair color are as follows:
- Mix a cup of natural cranberry juice with
- 1/4th cup of water.
- Use the cranberry shampoo after
- washing the hair.
- Let the cranberry shampoo sit
- between 30 minutes to an hour,
- depending on the type of hair you
- have. 30 minutes for lighter strawberry
- hair and up to an hour for darker colors.
- Rinse your hair out thoroughly.
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