Packed with antioxidants and other healing properties cranberries should be a daily part of our diet

Cranberries and their benefit to our health is being studied more in depth. Scientists have found that this healing herb helps in treating urinary tract infections and fighting gum disease. The high amounts of vitamin C and ellagic acid help fight cancer and other diseases.

One out of four women get bladder or urinary tract infections during their lifetime. Historically women used it much like a medicinal herb whereby they use cranberry juice as a nutritional supplement to treat these infections. Recently scientific studies have shown that the nutrients found in cranberry do help kill bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.

Cranberry also has powerful antioxidants that consist of vitamin C and flavonoids. Researchers are performing studies to verify if cranberry juice will also help maintain good heart health. Tests done have shown that they contain more antioxidants than 19 of the most commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. This high content of antioxidants may be extremely beneficial in preventing disease and cancer. Numerous studies have found that this herb can be a natural defense against atherosclerosis; a disease, which causes decreased blood flow. Cranberries also contain a chemical that keeps oral bacteria from adhering to the teeth and gums. Preliminary studies show that cranberry juice low in sugar can reduce oral bacteria colonies by as much as half. This means that they could become key in fighting gum disease and gingivitis.

Other preliminary studies are showing that cranberries may be beneficial in protecting the brain from the neurological damage caused by old age. Cranberry juice may also be effective in preventing peptic ulcers.

Cranberries are available as a fresh fruit, juice, sauce, or dried. Most forms are available year round, except as a fresh fruit, which is only available during September and October. To get the health benefits of this medicinal herb experts suggest drinking a ten-ounce glass of cranberry juice with at least 27 percent cranberry content everyday.

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