Berries are one of the healthiest foods on earth. They are considered a superfood, and the health benefits of eating berries are numerous. Cranberries in particular are advantageous for your health. Here are five benefits of eating cranberries:
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1. Improve heart health
A new study has found that eating cranberries can improve heart health.
Research from King's College London tracked 45 men aged 18 to 45 for more than a month to find out how cranberries affected their blood pressure, heart rate, and arteries. Participants were given whole cranberry powder—equivalent to 100g of fresh cranberries per day—and compared to a control group given a placebo.
The arteries of those who consumed the cranberries widened by 1.1 per cent after a month, an important sign of improved blood flow. When arteries narrow, it can reduce blood flow to the heart and cause a host of health issues and even a heart attack.
Cranberries contain various antioxidants that may be beneficial for heart health. According to Healthline, cranberry products may be beneficial for various heart disease risk factors by:
- Increasing your levels of good cholesterol
- Decreasing levels of bad cholesterol in people with diabetes
- Reducing stiffness in blood vessels among people with heart disease
- Decreasing blood pressure
- Lowering your risk of inflammation in blood vessels
2. Prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
As reported by Healthline, cranberries are one of the richest fruit sources of phytonutrients known as A-type proanthocyanidins.
A-type proanthocyanidins prevent intestinal bacterium from attaching itself to the lining of your bladder and urinary tract, which is what causes a UTI.
However, it’s important to remember that cranberries are not effective at treating UTIs, they only reduce your risk of developing one.
3. Prevent stomach cancers and ulcers
A-type proanthocyanidins might also lower your risk of stomach cancer by preventing bacterium from attaching to the lining of your stomach, causing stomach inflammations, ulcers, and cancer.
According to WebMD, cranberries also decrease bile acids in the gut that have been connected to colon and gastrointestinal cancers.
Registered dietitian Candace O’Neill, RD, LDN told Cleveland Clinic that:
A-type proanthocyanidins, which are only found in cranberries, can help with reducing the bad microbes that live in your colon.
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4. Prevent cavities
Not only do cranberries maintain your digestive health, they also help control harmful acids in your mouth. According to WebMD, cranberries reduce the amount of acid you make and stop it from sticking to your teeth. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and even oral cancer.
O’Neill said:
Researchers think a-type proanthocyanidins are responsible for preventing bacteria formation in the mouth as well.
5. Reduce inflammation
Cranberries contain high amounts of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which may have anti-inflammatory effects. O’Neill said:
Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies
