Inside Out

•Cranberries pop with unexpected health perks.

They do a lot more than just perk up your Thanksgiving dinner. Packed with nearly as many antioxidants as blueberries, these tart berries are a health-food phenom in so many ways.

Fresh cranberries have 45 CALORIES PER CUP and contain nearly 90% WATER AND ALMOST 4 GRAMS OF FIBER.

That’s the perfect combo to help keep you fuller longer. Be aware, though, that most cranberry dishes come with a big dose of sugar to balance their tart flavor.

Packed with good-for-you nutrients (including manganese and vitamins C, E and K),

CRANBERRIES COME IN SECOND ONLY TO BLUEBERRIES IN TERMS OF TOTAL ANTIOXIDANTS.

Their phytochemicals help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which protects against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

They boost digestion.

Thanks to their prebiotic fiber, cranberries naturally aid digestion by providing a longer-lasting nutrition hit that helps healthy gut bacteria thrive. This keeps food moving through your gastrointestinal tract to prevent bloating and constipation. It also helps boost your gut microbiome.

They banish bacteria.

The flavonoids in cranberries help run interference with E. coli (the intestinal bacteria often to blame for urinary tract infections) by preventing the bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract wall. While cranberries can’t treat a UTI, they can slash your risk for getting one.

They strengthen your smile.

The compounds in cranberries weaken decay-causing bacteria and make it harder for them to stick to teeth and gums. Bottom line: Cranberries can help fight cavities, reduce oral infections and prevent gum disease.