Cranberries. Let’s not beat around the bush. The damned things are sour.
Still, they are extremely healthy and you could benefit greatly just by sneaking a few of them into your diet. I’ m not talking about prepackaged sauce and juices which have lost many beneficial nutrients due to the addition of heat and sugar. Rather, raw unsweetened cranberry juice is the most beneficial because it has all essential vitamins and nutrients intact.
How powerful are cranberries?
You are probably familiar with the use of cranberry juice and extracts to treat and prevent urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice produces hippuric acid to prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder.
Researchers have discovered that cranberries have five times the antioxidant content of broccoli. This means they may protect against stroke, heart disease and cancer. Additional research shows that cranberries contain high concentrations of flavonoids (think red wine), which helps promote circulation and prevent cardiovascular disease.
Much research has been conducted on the health benefits of cranberries and thus it ranks near the top of the list of most beneficial fruits and vegetables. Based on university studies, the cranberry is now believed to lower LDL cholesterol and promote HDL cholesterol. Studies are now being conducted to see if the high level of antioxidants in cranberries also protects against atherosclerosis. New research in a double-blind trial study suggests that cranberry juice can be as effective as probiotics in maintaining good digestive health. Cranberry juice was determined to be as effective as a probiotic in suppressing growth of H. pylori. For more information on this and other scientific studies of cranberries, visit The Cranberry Institute.
Benefits of Cranberry Juice
- treats and prevents urinary tract infections
- prevents kidney stones
- strengthens bones and teeth
- supports digestive health
- inhibits growth of stomach ulcers and cancer
- promotes good cholesterol
- promotes healthy cardiovascular system
- reduces risk of cold/flu infections
By drinking just one glass of cranberry juice per day, you may significantly reduce the risk of infections such as colds and flus. The best way to get the juice is by making your own in a juice machine.
One cup of cranberries = approximately one ounce of raw cranberry juice.
Dr. Mercola suggesst using up to four ounces of cranberry juice per pint of juice. The following great tasting recipe will help you benefit from the good nutrients without being overwhelmed by the sourness of the fruit.
Green Cranberry Juice
3 cups fresh cranberries (one bag)
2 oranges
1 1/2 cups packed spinach
1 cup grapes
2 stalks of celery
Wash all produce. Peel orange and break into four segments. Push all ingredients through your juicer. Pour into a glass with ice and enjoy. (If you find this still too sour, add another handful of grapes.) Makes approximately 20 ounces of juice.
Are you a fan of cranberries? Have you tried to make your own fresh cranberry juice?
[optin-cat id=”3287″]