(NaturalNews) Cranberries are well known for treating urinary tract infections, but they do much more - from cardiovascular protection to cancer prevention.
The phytonutrients in cranberries include phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids and they are high in fiber, vitamin C, and manganese.
Cranberry extracts support the immune system and have been proven to reduced the risk of colds and flu. Cranberries help the entire digestive tract from aiding in gum health in the mouth through supporting the balance of bacteria in the gut. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries inhibit bacteria from latching onto the lining of the urinary tract and the stomach lining (preventing ulcers).
Cranberries are both an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant, especially when the berries are eaten as a whole food. The anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation in the stomach, the colon and the cardiovascular system. In the vascular system, these properties inhibit the formation of plaque on the vessel walls. Studies have confirmed that cranberries help prevent cancer, specifically breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer.
Are there genetically modified cranberries?
Cranberries are not genetically modified; however, cranberry juices and dried cranberries are sweetened with either high fructose corn syrup or beet sugar and 90% of corn and beet crops are genetically modified.Organic verse conventional cranberries
Proponents of conventional farming methods for cranberries state that the bogs used to raise cranberries are rife with natural pests and that the wetlands encourage fungi. The What's On My Food website reveals 13 pesticides found on cranberries. Of these, 3 are known or probable carcinogens, 6 are suspected hormone disruptors, 5 are neurotoxins, 1 is a developmental or reproductive toxin and 6 are honeybee toxins.Things you didn't know about cranberries
There are only 3 commercially cultivated fruit crops that are native to North America. Cranberries are one of the three.Cranberry vines do not need to be replanted each year. If properly cared for, vines last for years. Many cranberry farms produce crops each year from vines 150+ years old.
How to store cranberries so they last longer
Be sure to sort, removing any damaged or shriveled berries before refrigeration. Berries can be refrigerated for up to 20 days. Frozen berries can be kept for several years. Do not thaw the berries until you are ready to use them.How to pick good cranberries
Choose firm, plump, dark red berries. The should not be bruised, broken, shriveled, tough, or sticky.Things to consider
There is one contraindication for adding cranberries to your diet. If you suffer from kidney stones, especially calcium-oxalate stones, cranberries may exacerbate your condition.Remember that the benefits of cranberries can be negated with pesticide consumption, GMO consumption, or sugar consumption. Look for organic dried berries sweetened with juice, organic unsweetened juice which can be sweetened with stevia or other juices, and organic fresh or frozen whole berries.
Cranberry juice has huge health benefits, but whole berries pack a much greater nutritional punch.
Raw cranberry relish recipe:
The following is a recipe from one of the most amazing chefs I know of, Raw Chef Dan, for raw Cranberry Relish. Simply blend the following ingredients in a food processor.- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 4 Medjool dates
- 2 Tbsp chopped ginger
- tsp. sea salt
- med orange
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup loose mint leaves
- 1/2 red apple
Sources:
http://rawchefdan.com
http://www.healingthebody.ca
http://nutritiondata.self.com
http://www.whfoods.com
http://www.cranberries.org
http://www.organiccranberries.com
http://www.whatsonmyfood.org
http://mcgovern.house.gov
About the author:
Kali Sinclair is a copywriter for Green Lifestyle Market, and a lead editor for Organic Lifestyle Magazine. Kali was very sick with autoimmune disease and realized that conventional medicine was not working for her. She has been restoring her health by natural means and is interested in topics including natural health, environmental issues, and human rights.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/047783_cranberries_natural_remedies_kidneys.html#ixzz3K6EVg0hW
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