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You have consumed it as a part of drinks, desserts, or sauces during Thanksgiving. But we bet you never knew how healthful those small red berries are. Yes, we are talking about ‘cranberries,’ which you should include more in your daily diet for better health, skin, and hair. Read on to learn more about the fantastic benefits of cranberry that can improve your overall health and look remarkably.
About The Cranberry Fruit
For those staying attuned to the ever-evolving global food landscape, cranberries have rightfully earned the designation of a “superfruit.” This is owing to their abundant supply of essential nutrients, phytochemicals, and polyphenol antioxidants, all contributing to enhancing immune system functionality and overall well-being. The versatility of cranberries is noteworthy, as they are readily available throughout the year and can be preserved by freezing while maintaining their firmness and freshness. Incorporating a daily glass of cranberry juice into your breakfast routine promises to foster health and a radiant appearance. (1) (2) (3)
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Health Benefits Of Cranberry
1. Offers Great Nutrition
Cranberries come loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. A tiny amount as a half cup of chopped cranberry can provide lots of vitamin A, vitamin B (B1, B2, B3, B6, and B9), vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin K, along with calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Those small berries are also an excellent dietary fiber, carbohydrate, fat, and protein source.
2. Cures Urinary Tract Infection
Drinking a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice 2-3 times a week will effectively cure your urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms. It has polyphenols called ‘proanthocyanidins’ (PACs), which prevent UTI-causing bacteria from binding to the bladder’s walls. But fruit juice might not always have the right concentration of active ingredients needed to wash bacteria from your body. Hence, you can replace it with cranberry capsules.
3. Prevents Tumors
The polyphenolic compounds in cranberry help prevent the occurrence of tumors in the body. In addition, the vitamins and a wide variety of phytonutrients in the fruit also play vital roles in averting the abnormal growth of tissue in the body through their anti-inflammatory properties.
4. Averts Cancer
Cranberry fruits are known to have excellent anti-carcinogenic properties. In addition, research has shown that vitamin K, manganese, and phytonutrients in cranberries can slow down the progression of tumors to a great extent. This has a positive impact on prostate, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers.
5. Keeps Heart Healthy
Cranberries’ flavonoids, dietary fibers, and vitamin E help keep our hearts healthy by reducing the risks of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs), including hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, etc. In addition, they prevent platelet build-up and decrease blood pressure through anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
6. Eases Menstruation
Drinking cranberry juice during your period will help relieve menstrual cramps and bloating. It will also ease the discomfort caused throughout the entire menstruation cycle.
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7. Wards Off Scurvy
High levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice help prevent and cure scurvy, thereby taking good care of our oral health.
Skin Benefits Of Cranberry
8. Keeps Aging At Bay
The antioxidants in cranberries combat free radicals responsible for aging skin. As yogurt is another excellent anti-aging ingredient, use it in your facial mask to keep signs of aging (wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, etc.) at bay. All you need to do is blend two teaspoons of cranberry juice with two teaspoons of yogurt. Next, apply the mixture to your skin and leave it to dry for about half an hour. Then, wipe it off with a washcloth and wash your face with lukewarm water. Do this ritual weekly for younger-looking skin.
9. Gives Well-Toned Skin
Cranberries can make your oily skin look more toned and vibrant with large pores. Being acidic, the fruit helps control the amount of oil your skin produces and unclog the pores. For this, dip a cotton ball into fresh cranberry juice and thoroughly wipe your cleansed skin with the soaked ball. This will help you unclog your pores and keep the shine under control by decreasing sebum production in the skin.
10. Removes Acne And Pimples
The’ resveratrol’ antioxidant in cranberry juice can help shrink nasty acne and pimples. As it controls shine and unclogs pores, the chances of developing breakouts decrease significantly. Apply pure cranberry juice to your acne with the help of a cotton swab. Wash it off once it dries. Its anti-inflammatory properties will help reduce the itching and irritation around the acne. It is also rich in vitamin C, which helps improve overall skin tone.
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Hair Benefits Of Cranberry
11. Adds Shine To Hair
If your hair appears dull and lifeless, revitalize it using a glass of cranberry juice for the final rinse during the wash. This will seal the hair follicles and strengthen the hair fibers. Moreover, the nutrients in the fruit will make your hair look healthier.
12. Relieves Scalp Infections
Cranberry juice is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. So, the next time you make a hair mask with yogurt or eggs, add cranberry juice. The topical application of the juice will help you eliminate dandruff and other scalp infections.
Words Of Caution
- Do not include cranberry in your daily diet if you take blood-thinning drugs, as it will worsen your health by increasing bleeding.
- If you have a history of kidney stones, cranberry can develop more stones, causing higher oxalate excretion in urine.
- Women with dark hair should only use cranberry juice. If you have colored or tinted your hair, the red pigments in the juice will dye it and change the color immediately.
Therefore, consult your doctor before increasing your regular diet’s fresh cranberry or cranberry products. Stay healthy, stay beautiful!
Summary
Discover the holistic benefits of cranberries, hailed as a “superfruit.” Packed with essential nutrients, they offer a nutritional powerhouse, aiding in heart health, UTI relief, and cancer prevention. Cranberry’s skin benefits include anti-aging properties and acne relief, while its application enhances hair shine and combats scalp infections. Exercise caution for those on blood-thinning drugs or with a history of kidney stones, and consider the impact on hair color for those with dyed hair. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes cranberries a “superfruit”?
Cranberries are rich in essential nutrients, phytochemicals, and polyphenol antioxidants, contributing to improved immune health, heart function, and overall well-being.
How do cranberries support heart health?
Cranberries’ flavonoids, dietary fibers, and vitamin E reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension and coronary heart disease, while preventing platelet build-up.
Can cranberries help prevent cancer?
Yes, the polyphenolic compounds in cranberries, along with vitamins and phytonutrients, have anti-carcinogenic properties and may inhibit the progression of tumors, reducing the risk of various cancers.
How do cranberries benefit urinary tract health?
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent UTI-causing bacteria from binding to the bladder walls, effectively alleviating symptoms of urinary tract infections.
What skin benefits do cranberries offer?
Cranberries combat free radicals, providing anti-aging benefits, and their application on the skin helps in toning, reducing acne, and improving overall skin health.
Can cranberries enhance hair health?
Cranberries, when used as a final rinse or hair mask ingredient, add shine to hair, strengthen hair fibers, and act as a natural antiseptic, relieving the scalp of infections.
Are there any precautions when consuming cranberries?
Exercise caution if on blood-thinning drugs or with a history of kidney stones. Cranberry juice may impact hair color for those with dyed hair.
How often should cranberries be included in the diet for noticeable benefits?
Cranberries in your daily diet or routine can provide noticeable health, skin, and hair benefits. However, individual needs may vary, so consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Reference:
- “Get the Facts: The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice” – healthline.com
- “Dried Cranberries: Health Benefits, Nutrition, Uses For Skin And Hair, Recipes, Side Effects” – netmeds.com
- “What are the health benefits of cranberry juice?” – medicalnewstoday.com
