Often used during holiday seasons to make drinks, desserts, sauces and pies, cranberries are popular fruits throughout the world, relished by people of all ages. Apart from their unique sweet and sour taste, their nutritional value is what makes them a super food. Here are 7 reasons you should include them in your diet.
1# Improves cardiovascular health: Cranberries contain flavonoids and antioxidants that lower your risk of suffering from atherosclerosis, a condition where the arteries get blocked because of accumulation and deposition of cholesterol and fatty substances. The compounds found in cranberry juice will increase the formation of blood platelets and prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cranberries can also delay the development of dangerous heart-related diseases
2# Helps you lose weight: Cranberries have a high fibre content that will make you feel full for a very long period of time. They are low in calories and have quite an emulsifying effect on fats that get deposited on the walls of the arteries. This increases the process of fat loss.
3# Fights ageing: Another wonderful health benefit of cranberries is their ability to fight ageing. They contain antioxidants, vitamin B3, B5 and C, which protect cell damage caused due to natural factors. They fight free radicals and slow down the process of ageing. Whether it is fine lines, wrinkles and spots or pigmentation, cranberries can effectively fight all skin ageing problems.
4# Promotes dental health: Cranberries are reliable when it comes to oral health. They prevent tooth decay and help fight bad breath. They contain proanthocyanidins that prevent the growth of bacteria on your teeth and prevent the development of cavities.
5# Fights infections: Cranberry juice can be used effectively to fightcold, flu and several other common infections. It also helps relieve a sore throat. Cranberries, according to several researchers, can protect the body from brain-related diseases or neurological damage. Ear infections among children or diseases related to the respiratory tract can also be healed with the help of cranberries.
6# Promotes hair growth: Cranberries are great for hair growth. Cranberry juice contains vitamin C and A, which not only helps hair growth but also makes them soft, smooth and shiny. Cranberry juice, when consumed daily, can treat damaged hair, alopecia and baldness.
7# Ideal for your skin: Cranberries have a large number of skin benefits to offer. They contain antioxidants like resveratrol that help reduce the size of pimples. Not just that, cranberries can brighten up your skin and give you a cleaner and fresher look instantly. Simply mix some cranberry juice, orange peel powder with honey to make a thick mixture. Apply this mixture this thrice a week for healthy, glowing skin. Cranberries are rich in vitamin C that helps production of collagen, giving firmness to the skin. They also help improve skin tone by carrying oxygen and other nutrients to the skin.
