Nov 17, 2015 01:43 PM EST
6 Benefits of Cranberries to Health: Teeth Protection, Cancer Buster and More

At only 46 calories with 12 grams of carb and 2 grams of sugar a cup, the phytonutrient-rich cranberries have so much to offer to human health and well-being. To make the most of this wonder berry, consumption of fresh cranberries is best.

Anti-Inflammatary

As an anti-inflammatory agent, cranberries may help in easing rheumatoid arthritis and problems in the digestive and cardiovascular systems. It also protects the vessel walls.

Anti-UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

Cranberries are a well-known remedy for UTI.  Because of their rich content of the antioxidant proanthocyanidins, cranberries prevent UTI-causing bacteria from lodging into the urinary tract walls.

Anti-Ulcer

Stomach-ulcer causing Helicobacter pylori may be prevented from lodging into the stomach lining by consumption of cranberries and cranberry juice.  

Dental Hero

The phytonutrient content of cranberries prevent decay-causing bacteria from being deposited onto the teeth's surface. 

It also maintains gum health through its anti-inflammatory properties.

Cardiovascular Protector

The ability of cranberries to protect the heart and the blood vessels stems from their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to regulate the good cholesterol (HDL) to bad cholesterol (LDL) ratio.  

The UK National Heath Services (NHI) recommends a cholesterol level for healthy adults of 5mmol/L or less where the bad cholesterol (LDL) is 3mmol/L or less against a good cholesterol (HDL) level of 1 mmol/L or above. 

Those at high risk are recommended to have a total cholesterol of 4mmol/L or less where the bad cholesterol (LDL) is 2mmol/L or less against a good cholesterol (HDL) level of 1 mmol/L or above.

Cranberry polyphenols help keep blood vessel walls plaque-free while antioxidant properties help lower blood pressure.

Anti-Cancer

Cranberries have been found to slow down and prevent certain types of tumour growth in such organs as the prostate, lungs, breasts and colon.

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