Cranberries are red fruits that have a distinct taste with both sweet and sour after notes. It was first grown by sailors who used to eat them to prevent Scurvy while at sea. Today it is grown in vines in freshwater bogs, mostly in the Northern United States and Southern Canada.
Cranberries are rich in vitamins and plant compounds few of which are very effective against Urinary tract infections. Let's explore the nutritional facts and health benefits of Cranberries to know more about it.
Nutritional Facts
Fresh cranberries are nearly 90% water and the rest is mostly carbohydrates and fiber. Here are the main nutrients in 1 cup of raw dried and unsweetened cranberries are:
- Total Calories - 46
- Water – 85%
- Protein – 0.4 grams
- Carbohydrates – 12.2 grams -
- Sugar – 4 grams – Contain Simple sugars such as sucrose, glucose and fructose
- Fiber – 4.6 grams – Made of insoluble fiber such as pectin, cellulose and hemicellulose
- Fat – 0.1 grams
- Vitamin C – Great source of antioxidant family Vitamin C
- Manganese – A class of mineral essential for growth and metabolism
- Vitamin E – Essential fat-soluble antioxidant
- Vitamin K1 – Essential for blood clotting
- Copper – A trace mineral that is essential for heart health
Apart from these, cranberries also have plant compounds like Quercetin, Myricetin, Peonidin, Ursolic Acid and A-type proanthocyanidins all with anti-inflammatory effects.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
1. Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection
UTI or Urinary Tract Infection is one of the most common bacterial infections in women which affects the bladder. A component of cranberry known as A-type proanthocyanidins prevent the attachment of the bacteria to the lining of the urinary tract and helps fight against UTIs.
2. Fights Stomach Cancer and Ulcer
Cranberries are also effective against Ulcer and stomach cancer. Studies show that infection by a bacteria called H Pylori causes stomach inflammation and ulcers and cranberries significantly reduce H Pylori infections.
3. Promote Heart Health
Cranberries are beneficial for heart health by increasing your levels of good or HDL cholesterol, lowering bad or LDL cholesterol, lowering blood pressure levels and decreasing inflammation. Consuming cranberry juice or a handful of dried cranberries will deliver this benefit.
The Bottom Line
Cranberries are widely consumed as juice, in the form of supplements or dried fruits. Their unique plant compounds provide several health benefits. Many people tend to get their share of cranberry with juice, but the juice is loaded with added sugar to balance its taste. There are a lot of ways to add the whole fruit to your diet.
You can eat Tassyam's dried cranberry fruit by the handful. Or you can toss them into a salad, add them to oatmeal or cereals or blend them into your smoothie. You can also add them to baked goodies or turn them into jelly or sauce. At Tassyam cranberries are also available in combination as trail mix or berry mix.