Cranberry - The Fruit Everyone Loves

Although very small in size, Cranberry has a lot to give. Not only is cranberry a very delicious fruit or a dish on your dining table, but it also has many health benefits associated with it.

picture taken from uscranberries.com

Heart: Cranberry contains flavanoid and polyphenolic compounds which are proven to be good for the heart. These are antioxidants which prevent the oxidation of low density lipoprotein(LDL), which are your bad cholesterol. This would in turn reduce the risk of getting atherosclerosis, blocked arteries, which is due to the accumulation of the LDLs.

Gastric Ulcer: The presence the bacteria Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of many gastric ulcer. It neutralises the pH of the gastric lining which allows itself to the stomach wall and hence proliferates. However, Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins which undermines the bacteria's ability to stick on our stomach wall and hence preventing gastric ulcer.

Urinary Tract Infection: Similar to that of gastric ulcer, proanthocyanidins prevents the bacteria E. coli from clinging on the lining of the urinary tract. Since the E. coli cannot stay on the urinary tract, it gets flushed away and therefore less chance for an infection to occur.

Anti-inflammatory benefits: An infection on the gum may cause peridontal diseases which might damage the support for the teeth. However cranberry contains phytonutrients which has anti-inflammatory properties that is capable of combating such and infection. It also prevents inflammation along the gastro-intestinal tracts.

Choosing your cranberry is just as important as knowing the benefits of it. Jin's Health Tips suggests that you choose cranberries which are plump, deep red and firm. The firmness indicates the freshness of the fruit. The more red it is, the more nutritious it is.

Live well, Eat Well!

Should you have any questions, please email Jin's Health Tips at tanjinlin@gmail.com