Eating has become a real pleasure among many of us – we have come to consider it a treat and sometimes we even seek refuge in it. But, an increasing number of us has become self-aware and realized that we don’t live to eat, but vice versa.
In this new series of articles, Miraculous Foods, you’ll find out how you can help yourself and your body, by making the right dietary choices.
Today’s star is cranberries.
They are especially valued here, in North America, because this is where they are mainly cultivated.
They grow in shrubs, and 90-95% of the harvest is wet-picked. Although it has been long thought that it is only industry – convenient to harvest them like this, it was shown that it’s a health benefit reasoning behind the system. If the berries float, they are better exposed to sunlight. This exposure increases their anthocyanin content, which gives the cranberries their unique anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.
But cranberries are best known for protecting against urinary tract infections. The phytonutrients they contain act like a barrier against the bacteria that affects the UT, and recent research has extended these benefits. The same chemical compounds have a similar effect on stomach and gastro-intestinal tract, as well.
In other words, a good glass of cranberry juice or a couple of berries could prevent stomach ulcer, decrease gums’ inflammation, and reduce the risk of chronic digestive diseases.
Furthermore, even your cardiovascular system has a lot of benefits from regular cranberry consume. These fruits offer cardio protection by slowing down the deposits of atheroma plaque, and consequently, normalizing cholesterol levels.
The antioxidants they contain help every cell in your body, and they even play a major role in preventing cancer. They inhibit or block the expression of certain chemical compounds that accelerate the cell malfunctions which lead to tumors, and fight the diseased cells at the same time.
To benefit the most from this tasty fruit, you should consume it about three to four times a week. You can drink a glass of juice, take it as capsules (always pay attention to what you’re buying and to the prescription), eat a handful of fresh or dried cranberries, or even include them in your (dessert) recipes or smoothies.
If you’re already dealing with a UTI, consume it once a day, every day, for at least a week. Otherwise, it’s completely up to you how you choose to include it in your diet!