Cranberries

CRANBERRIES are small, round red berries that have a sharp and sour taste; therefore, they are not recommended to be eaten raw. It is more palatable if consumed dried, juiced or added to recipes.

Cranberries grow on trailing vines low to the ground, through sandy bogs and marshes.

They contain anti-oxidants, mostly found on the skin of the berries. To make the best use of these protective anti-oxidants, eat dried cranberries or use the fresh or frozen varieties instead of the juice.

It is a known fact that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections. The reason for this is proanthocyanidins – which have strong anti-clinging properties. This is helpful because the bacteria that can cause these painful infections cling to the walls of the urethra and multiply, but because of this component, they are unable to do that and cause infection.

There are many health promoting benefits from cranberries.

For instance, they possess a good quantity of potassium, which can help the body regulate blood pressure and thereby help heart health.

Calcium is another mineral abundant in cranberries; this can provide strong bones and teeth. Cranberries are essential for good health and should be eaten regularly.

Here are some recipes to help you do that.