Crazy for Cranberries

Most people only think of cranberries around Thanksgiving time, but there are many reasons to consider the crimson tones of cranberries any time of year. Cranberries harbor a wealth of benefits for the body. Cranberries are rich in a phytochemicals known as proanthocyanidins, which are powerful disease-fighting antioxidants and are responsible for the rich-color of cranberries. It is these procyanidins that are primarily responsible for preventing bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract and causing urinary tract infections.

But cranberries are good for even more reasons. In a recent study presented to the American chemical society, consumption of three 8 ounce glasses of cranberry juice each day over the course of a month increased blood concentrations of HDL (good) cholesterol by an average of 10%. The juice steadily increased antioxidant capacity in the blood, which is compelling because this is a direct link to preventing cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

It appears again that the benefits again are coming from or linked to these proanthocyanidins. For you to get the maximum benefit from your cranberries, choose brands that contain a minimum of 27% pure cranberry juice. Be sure and read your labels as many cranberry juices are loaded with sugar and subsequently have less of the benefits. Try to avoid juices that contain high fructose corn syrup, and other high drama sweeteners. If the bitter taste is a little over the top for you, simply add a little honey or agave to buffer the bitter or dilute with a little pure water.

Here are some other ideas on how to add cranberry to your life:

Spread cranberry sauce onto your favorite whole grain bread

Add dried cranberries to your cereal or to a rice dish

Add dried cranberries to a salad

Add fresh cranberries to your pies, crisps, or muffins

Combine unsweetened cranberry juice with sparkling water for a refreshing spritzer. If sweetness is desired, add a touch of stevia or agave nectar

November 14, 2011