Merry with Cranberry

Cranberies are one of the top antioxidant-rich foods, packing in more antioxidants ounce-for-ounce than other "superfoods" like spinach and green tea. For these reasons & more, cranberries deserve full recognition as a health-supportive fruit that can bring multiple benefits to a meal plan.

Seven reasons to eat cranberries all year round:

Prevents Cancer
Anthocyanins, procyanidins, and flavanols in cranberries were all documented to have potential effects on cancer prevention. The cardiometabolic effects of cranberries have been investigated in several clinical trials. It was found that cranberries positively affect atherosclerotic cholesterol profiles and that they reduced several cardiometabolic risk factors.

Urinary Tract Health
The study results of multiple kinds of research suggest that cranberry products have shown to reduce the incidence & recurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI). A specific type of flavonoid, proanthocyanidins (PAC), in cranberries provide urinary tract benefits by interfering with the ability of pathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli (E. coli) to stick to the urinary tract lining, thus preventing the bacteria from multiplying further and hence facilitating in their removal from the body.
 
 Heart Health
 According to a 2016 study cranberry juice helps improve blood flow and blood vessel function — both good for the heart! There are multiple other studies which state that cranberries increase (HDL) good cholesterol in the body beause 

they contain high levels of antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols. This helps in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, which are the major cause for ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol silting up in arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to angina, thrombosis and heart attacks.

Gut Health
Several emerging evidence from numerous studies shows that cranberry may affect the gut microbiota, as well as reduce intestinal inflammation.
Cranberries have also been known to support microbiome health by strengthening gut defense systems and protecting against infection – meaning they can help keep many important systems running smoothly.
 A new area of exploration for cranberries, emerging evidence shows that cranberries may affect the gut microbiota, as well as reduce intestinal inflammation.

Anti-Bacterial & Antioxidant Benefits
Cranberry compounds have been shown to help stop bacteria from sticking to cells and initiating infections in a variety of organs, including oral cavity, stomach, small intestine, and colon.
Science has also confirmed that cranberry contained the highest quantity of disease-fighting phenols which have the ability to protect the body from destructive free radicals.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Cranberries are often called nature’s anti-inflammatory berries. Anti-inflammatory activity of cranberry was discovered in 2009. Cranberry juice or cranberries have been shown to inhibit the colonization of H. pylori in the stomach and protect against intestinal inflammation.

Glucose Metabolism
Cranberries provide a rich source of protective compounds - called polyphenols - that support our body's natural defenses and help us achieve a balanced lifestyle to improve health.