Super Foods Blog

The healing power of the cranberry

The cranberry, also known as American cranberry and bog cranberry is native to North America and grows in the wild. Today it is being widely cultivated. The fruits ripen in autumn to a beautiful deep red. No thanksgiving meal or turkey is complete without one or more cranberry dishes. Historically, this red berry was used by the local Indians and later the European settlers as a medicinal herb and for making juices, drinks and wines. The fruits and leaves were used as teas and decoctions to heal wounds, soothe gastrointestinal disorders, cure diabetes and alleviate liver complaints. Modern research has indeed shown the cranberry to be beneficial to health in various ways.

Cranberries have been found to contain very high doses of beneficial antioxidants which neutralize and destroy the harmful free radicals responsible for aging and disease within the body. The body naturally produces antioxidants but is not sufficient sometimes due to disease or stress and other factors. Experts and nutritionists all agree that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial to health and the prevention of diseases. Fruits like the cranberry are so packed with nutrients and antioxidants that there are very few other foods that come near.

Cranberries provide a variety of nutrients that increase vitality, fitness and health while helping to ward off certain ailments like urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers caused by certain bacteria, E. coli infections and gum disease. It even has anti carcinogenic properties. All these properties are due to the proanthocyanidins or PACs present in cranberries which prevent the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the digestive tract.

The antioxidant, vitamin packed cranberry is seriously being studied by researchers and laboratories for its various beneficial properties. The NCCAM or National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease has been and continues to research the cranberry as a factor in the prevention of urinary tract infection and have found promising data.

The National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research too is working on the properties of the cranberry to prevent dental plaque. So a cranberry miracle toothpaste or mouthwash is not far away. Such serious studies are being done as information already exists as to the beneficial effects of the cranberry.

Cranberries are available year round, fresh, frozen, canned or as pure juices and mixed juices. A glass of juice or a small bowl full of berries a day could do nothing but help towards health, vitality, beauty and keeping disease at bay. It can fit around any type of diet. For those who like it in dishes, there’s sauce, pudding and topping for other desserts. Of course, those who prefer supplements can find it as teas, extracts, tablets and capsules from health shops. When using supplements however, your physician must be informed so that your health care is well coordinated and safe.

This native gift of America used in the first Thanksgiving is nothing but a great natural healer and protector. Enjoy its great taste, while you let its healing powers, protect, heal, energize and beautify you at the same time.

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