Cranberries are a fruit that grows in low, creeping shrubs or vines. These vines can grow from a mere 2 meters to about 20 cm in height.
Cranberries are sold commercially in the United States and Canada, but this is not a fruit that has come out in value as a result of modern research. It was used since ancient times for its medicinal properties. It was considered so valuable that sailors would eat them to ward off scurvy, while Native American Indians used them to heal wounds.
Today eating cranberries is considered part of having healthy food and lifestyle. When eaten cranberries give off an acidic taste. However, they are an excellent source of polyphenol antioxidants and phytochemicals and as a result they are considered significantly beneficial to health. Here is a look at the health benefits in eating cranberries:
They prevent ulcers by preventing certain types of bacteria from sticking to the stomach.
They have significant anti-aging properties and can help to boost memory power and coordination, both of which are aspects that tend to decrease with age.
It flavinoids prevent bad cholesterol from accumulating in the arteries, this preventing arteriosclerosis.
There is an element in cranberries which prevents plaque from forming in teeth. It acts as a prophylaxis for gingivitis.
The polyphenolic constituents have shown to be effective in preventing several types of cancers.
They can reduce oxidation of bad cholesterol.
Juice from cranberries has show effectiveness in preventing the formation of kidney stones. Cranberry juice has also shown ability to fight against bacterial infections in the urinary system because of their ability to flight of bacteria Helicobacter pylori and Escherichia coli.
Cranberry seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids as well as vitamin E. all of these are helpful in counteracting the effects of aging. Oil taken from Cranberry seeds has the lowest amount of saturated fat and can be used in cooking.
Cranberries are available in the month of December. When buying them, you should s choose the really red ones which are firm to touch as these are the ones that are ripe for eating.