Cranberries have been utilized medicinally for hundreds of years, and more recently have demonstrated a broad array of health benefits in a number of research studies. Consumption of cranberry juice has been associated with prevention of urinary tract infections, and several well-designed clinical studies have confirmed this association. For years, the preventative effects of cranberries were assumed to be due to the acidity of the fruit; however the majority of clinical studies reveal other active compounds present in the berry.
More than twenty acclaimed researchers presented the results of their latest studies on the positive effects of berries on human health at the 2009 Berry Health Benefits Symposium. Dr. Amy Howell and researchers from Rutgers University presented their findings, “Bacterial Anti-adhesion Activity of Cranberry Proanthocyanidins,” demonstrating compounds in cranberries associated with preventing bacterial adhesion in the urinary tract, stomach, and oral cavity.
So, besides reduces risk of urinary infections, cranberries can inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that cause dental plaque, and based on evaluation of several vitro screening tests, it has been suggested that the proanthocyanidin compounds found in cranberry may exhibit some anti-carcinogenic activity. Cranberry extract has been shown to inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation. Since this process is believed to be part of what can cause heart disease, prevention of oxidation through cranberry supplementation can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease. Some medical professionals and specialists believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of kidney stones. (via nutrasanus.com). If you do end up getting kidney stones though then it might be a good idea to seek treatment from a professional as soon as possible. You could easily check out something like this website here https://www.advancedurology.com/ to give you a better idea of what needs to be done next.
Read more about Cranberry health benefits here.
So whether you buy it or make it, call it cranberry sauce or relish, no holiday meal is complete without some.. but now you have an excuse to eat it year round! This healthy homemade recipe (below) is fat-free, low-calorie, and packed with antioxidants, for a tangy sweet twist to your traditional cranberry sauce. It’s best made in advance to let flavors blend. Make plenty of it, and serve over your favorite vegan ice cream, “cheese”cake, as a side dish with dinner, or over oatmeal in the morning.
Cranberry-Blueberry Sauce
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh organic cranberries
1 cup fresh organic blueberries
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 Tbs. orange zest
¾ cup organic sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook until the sugar dissolves and the berries soften, for about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover and chill.