This week it’s cranberries health benefits from Kat’s Kitchen and why they are good at any time of year – not just for Christmas!
The cranberry grows in the wild in Northern Europe, Northern Asia and North America. They are low growing, vining plants that grow naturally in large sandy bogs. They are cultivated in Northern America and Southern Canada.
Native Americas used cranberries as food, medically and also in ceremonies. The red berry was used as a source of red dye and helped to stop bleeding due to its astringent effects. It was also used as a poultice for wounds.
Peak eating/market time for cranberries is during the run-up to Thanksgiving and Christmas. At this time, they can be found fresh in many shops so why not buy extra and freeze to take advantage of their health benefits for a bit longer…..
Here are a few reasons to include cranberries in your diet:
Cranberries Health Benefits
- Can prevent urinary tract infections due to their proanthocyanidins which inhibit the adhesion of bacteria to the lining of the urinary tract
- Prevention of kidney stones as they decrease the amount of ionised calcium in the body which causes kidney stones
- A high level of antioxidants (5 times more than broccoli) helps prevent cancer, atherosclerosis and other degenerative diseases.
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