Research shows superfood berry can protect the heart, brain and immune system

SUPERFOOD cranberries could do wonders for your gut, heart, immune system and brain.

The tiny berries could even help boost your metabolism and manage diabetes.

For decades, scientists have known that eating cranberries regularly can be good for the urinary tract health.

The berries are rich in health-promoting polyphenols, which have been credited with preventing heart disease and cancer.

New evidence suggests cranberry bioactives could help strengthen the digestive system and protect the body against infection.

Dr Jefferey Blumberg, from Tufts University in Boston, USA, said: “It has been established that cranberries rank high among the berry fruits that are rich in health-promoting polyphenols.”

Dr Blumberg added: “But now, recent investigations have shown that the cranberry polyphenols may interact with other bioactive compounds in cranberries that could protect the gut microbiota. [These could] provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions that benefit the cardiovascular system, metabolism and immune function.”

Emerging evidence has found that the gut microbiome may impact the health of the immune system and brain, as well as how the body balances energy and uses carbohydrates and fat.