A bowl full of berries is surely screams good health and happiness. Berries have always been known for high nutrition to good carbs and fiber content and in this whole list of berries Cranberries are surely a superfood to explore and eat. Do you the plant of this super loaded berry is actually a dwarf more like a creeping shrub, which sees small, evergreen leaves. Cranberry in itself is much tiny and very acidic in taste. Scientifically known as Vaccinium Macrocarpon, this one is loaded with vitamin C and fiber, rich in phyto-nutrients and all of these contribute to the overall wellness. Most consume Cranberries either in the form of sauce or juice or just added to stuffing, casseroles, or dessert.
Eminent Dietitian, Holistic Health Consultant Writer, Kavita Devgan says “Cranberry is one superfood that is nutrient-dense superfood which delivers essential vitamins and minerals, dietary fibre and multiple other important compounds with numerous potential health benefits.
They are loaded with antioxidants and most of the benefits associated with them come from there. In fact these berries have the highest level of disease fighting polyphenols; grapes come a distant second. They deliver good amount of vitamin C, vitamin K and vitamin E, all extremely effective antioxidants. Not many may know that fresh cranberries contain nearly 90% water, but the rest is mostly carbs and fiber. The main nutrients in 1 cup (100 grams) of raw, unsweetened cranberries are (1Trusted Source): Calories: 46, Water: 87%, Protein: 0.4 grams, Carbs: 12.2 grams, Sugar: 4 grams, Fiber: 4.6 grams, Fat: 0.1 grams.
- Being rich in Antioxidants Cranberry products contain polyphenol antioxidants. Cranberry juice is an excellent source of antioxidant vitamins C and E. Some scientific evidence suggests that consumption of antioxidant vitamins may reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, FDA has determined that this evidence is limited and not conclusive.
- Nutrient-dense foods - The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend choosing a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including fruits like cranberries, which contain essential vitamins and minerals, dietary fiber and other naturally occurring compounds that may have potential health benefits.
Low fat diets rich in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of this disease. Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors. Cranberries are cholesterol and fat free, and very low in sodium.
- Carbs and Fiber -Rich in carbs and fibers, these berries contain mainly simple sugars like sucrose, glucose, and fructose. The rest in them is made up of insoluble fiber — such as pectin, cellulose and more which helps in gut health. But not miss the fact that it contains soluble fiber and excessive consumption of these results in digestive symptoms too, while on the other hand, cranberry juice contains literally contains no fiber and is usually diluted with other fruit juices.
- Cranberries role in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) is well known. The high level of proanthocyanidins in cranberries help lower the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract walls, helping thus in fighting off infections. These same compounds also help our oral health by preventing gum disease and bacteria from binding to the teeth.