Cranberries: 6 Uses & Benefits

Cranberries are one of the highest fruit sources of antioxidants. The powerful disease-fighting antioxidants they contain are responsible for their many health benefits. Cranberries benefits include the ability to strengthen the immune system, reduce the risk of heart disease, improve digestive health and more.

Cranberries Benefits

1. Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberries benefits include the ability to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. UTI's are caused by the E. coli bacteria. They can cause frequent, urgent or painful urination. Studies have shown that women who frequently drink cranberry juice may suffer from fewer urinary tract infections. Cranberries benefit UIT's by fighting the bacteria that causes them and providing the body with antioxidants to speed healing. (1)

2. Decrease Inflammation

Calories benefits include the ability to lower inflammation levels in the body. Inflammation is often at the root of many different diseases, including heart disease, autoimmune disease, cancer and diabetes. The antioxidants in cranberries help fight free radicals in the body that cause damage and lead to inflammation. Eating anti-inflammatory foods on a regular basis can help reduce the risk of inflammatory conditions. Anti-inflammatory foods are also linked to better brain function and healthier cholesterol levels.

3. Help Prevent Cancer

Studies suggest that cranberries benefits may include the ability to help prevent certain cancers. The antioxidants in cranberries work to slow tumor progression and fight off disease. Research has shown the flavonoids that cranberries contain can help stop age-related diseases from developing by limiting oxidative stress on the body. (2)

4. Improve Immune Function

Cranberries benefits include the ability to strengthen the immune system. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, polyphenols which help ward off illness and disease and improve immune function. These polyphenols work to nurture the lining of the gut. Cranberries benefits also include the ability to improve gut health. Cranberries work to kill of harmful bacteria and encourage the growth of helpful bacteria in the gut.

5. Benefits the Digestive Tract

Thanks to their natural cleansing, anti-diarrhea and anti-septic properties, cranberries benefit the digestive tract. They help relieve water retention and bloating by eliminating toxins. Research has shown that cranberries benefits also include the ability to balance the bacteria in the body. By encouraging the growth of good bacteria, cranberries can help relieve constipation, diarrhea and other digestive disorders.

6. Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease

Cranberries benefits include the ability to reduce the risk of heart disease. The powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients in cranberries work to improve heart health. Cranberries help prevent the activation of enzymes that can trigger heart disease. They work as a natural prevention method against high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and other markers of heart disease. Cranberries also dilate the blood vessels, increase circulation and reduce inflammation to help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. (3)