Here are the health benefits of cranberries as supported by a registered dietician
A registered dietician supported these “real” health benefits of cranberries which many people might don’t know yet.
This variety of berry contains 50 calories and only 4 grams of sugar per cup which is lower compared to other fruits. You can eat this as a snack or as a main dish, according to the article from Good Housekeeping.
Here are the health benefits of cranberries, according to Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN.
- Antioxidant (including vitamins A and E)
- Fiber (4 grams)
- Good source of vitamin C
- Protect cells from damage and to boost collagen production
- Helps in wound healing and skin integrity
- Reduce the risk of chronic disease due to polyphenols, a type of antioxidant
- Help protect cells from damage
- Reduce the risk of oxidative stress which can lead to chronic inflammation over time
- Helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer and bacterial infection (certain cranberry polyphenols)
- Promotes gastrointestinal health
- Provides prebiotic fiber, which provides fuel to your body’s probiotics
- Helps regulate blood clotting because cranberries are rich in vitamin K (consult your doctor first since vitamin K can interfere with medications)
The registered dietician suggested eating frozen or fresh cranberries and not the dried ones. According to London, the drying process concentrates the sugar that the fruit contains. With high sugar, the water and fiber content is reduced, as well as the antioxidant content. It is better to eat this fruit raw, the dietician said.
However, London clarified that cranberries or cranberry juice cannot get rid of urinary tract infection (UTI). She said that it will require a very high concentration to prevent bacterial adhesion. The dietician stressed out that whole, fresh cranberries may reduce the risk of getting UTI but it does not serve as a cure.
READ ALSO: YOGURT: Health Benefits You Can Get From This Dairy Product