This time of year, it’s especially easy to add cranberries to your diet. From homemade cranberry sauce to tossing some cranberries into your favorite winter salad, they make a delicious and nutritious addition to a healthy diet. Let’s take a look at four reasons to enjoy cranberries.
4 Health Benefits Cranberries Bring to the Table
May Help Treat UTIs: One of the most well-known health benefits of cranberries has to do with their ability to potentially help with the treatment of UTIs(urinary tract infections). This is thought to be due to their high level of the antioxidant proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are thought to help prevent UTI causing bacteria from affecting the urinary tract walls.
May Boost Oral Health: The same antioxidants, PACsmay also be responsible for cranberry’s oral health benefits. Again these particular antioxidants may help prevent bacteria from attaching to teeth. So, add more cranberries to your diet to show your pearly whites some love.
Rich Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Cranberries also pack in a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C, making them a great nutrient-dense option for a healthy diet.
Cranberries May Booth Immune Health: Due to their high vitamin C content, cranberries also serve as great immune-boosting food. Consider adding more to your diet during cold and flu season to help support a strong immune system.
How to Add Cranberries to Your Diet
Need some inspiration on how to add cranberries to your diet? Here are a few delicious ways to enjoy them.
Make homemade cranberry sauce—cranberry sauce can be enjoyed all year, not just for Thanksgiving!
Make a cranberry smoothie.
Enjoy in a salad.
The Bottom Line
Cranberries are a nutrient-dense food to enjoy all year long, not just during the holiday season! Consider enjoying them throughout the year to help boost your vitamin C intake, keep your immune system strong and keep those pearly whites healthy!