Cranberry Fruits nutrition, protein, and health benefits
Cranberries are linked to blueberries and lingonberries and are a part of the heather family. Small, firm, spherical, red fruits called cranberries are often described as having a bitter and sour flavor. They are abundant in phytonutrients necessary for overall wellbeing, high in vitamin C and fiber, and include antioxidants that could help defense against inflammatory illnesses, dental decay, and urinary tract infections. The majority of the vitamins in dried cranberries are lost, although other elements like calcium and potassium are still there. Cranberry nutrition’s and health benefits are given below.
Cranberry Nutrition Facts
- 46 calories
- 0.5 grams (g) protein
- 0.1 g fat
- 12 g carbohydrates
- 3.6 g fiber
- 4.3 g sugars
- 8 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 0.23 mg iron
- 80 mg potassium
- 2 mg sodium
Vitamins and Minerals
Cranberries are a good source of vitamin C (14 milligrams per cup) and manganese (0.4 milligrams per cup).
Fat and protein
Fewer than 0.1 grams of fat per serving may be found in raw cranberries. In one cup of uncooked cranberries, there is less than one gram of protein.
Carbs
Only 46 calories and 12 grams of carbohydrates are included in a 1-cup serving of raw cranberries. 3.6 grams of the carbs are fiber, and 4.3 grams are sugars that are found in nature. A 1/2-inch slice of canned, sweetened jellied cranberry, which is frequently offered at Thanksgiving dinner, has around 90 calories. About 23 grams of carbs, 18 grams of sugar, and less than 1 gram of fiber are included in each slice. A common alternative is dried cranberries. Dried cranberries that have been sweetened provide 123 calories, 33 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fiber per 1/4 cup serving. For a serving size of 1/4 cup, dried cranberries are thought to have a 19 glycemic load. When calculating a food’s effect on blood sugar, glycemic load takes portion size into account.
Here are some of the nutrition facts and health benefits of cranberries:
Nutritional content
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps shield the body from harm caused by free radicals, is abundant in cranberries. The Daily Value (DV) for vitamin C is around 25% of what is found in one cup of fresh cranberries.
- Manganese: Manganese, a mineral that aids in the body’s metabolism of carbs, proteins, and lipids, is another nutrient that cranberries are an excellent source of. About 16% of the DV for manganese is provided by one cup of fresh cranberries.
- Copper:Copper, a mineral that supports a strong immune system and aids in the formation of red blood cells, is present in good amounts in cranberries. About 7% of the DV for copper is provided by one cup of fresh cranberries.
- Vitamins E and K1: Additionally, cranberries provide trace levels of the antioxidant vitamins E and K1, which help guard the body against harm from free radicals.
- Fiber: 4 grams of fiber, or 16% of the DV for fiber, may be found in one cup of cranberries. Fiber is beneficial for digestive health and might increase satiety.
Health benefits
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): According to one research, women who regularly drank cranberry juice were 40% less likely to get a UTI than women who did not. Cranberries have been demonstrated to help prevent UTIs by preventing germs from attaching to the walls of the urinary system.
- Cavities: By limiting plaque accumulation, cranberries contain chemicals that may help prevent cavities. According to one research, kids who regularly eat cranberries had fewer cavities than kids who don’t.
- Reduced inflammation: Antioxidants found in abundance in cranberries may assist to lessen inflammation. Numerous chronic illnesses, including arthritis, cancer, and heart disease, are associated with inflammation.
- Improved heart health: The heart’s health may be improved by cranberries’ potential to decrease blood pressure and cholesterol. According to one research, those who regularly consume cranberries had lower levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and greater levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol than those who do not.
- Cancer prevention: Cranberries may aid in the prevention of several cancers, including stomach cancer, according to some research. However, further study is required to validate these results.
- Immune system support: A good amount of vitamin C, which is crucial for the immune system, is found in cranberries.The body requires vitamin C to fend against illnesses and viruses.
May Aid Diabetes Management
Some studies have shown that cranberries in various forms may help those with type 2 diabetes. For a study published in the Journal of Food Science, scientists measured the metabolic response to sweetened dried cranberries, raw cranberries, and white bread in people with type 2 diabetes.
The study’s results indicated that a low-sugar variety of sweetened dried cranberries and raw cranberries were associated with a favorable glycemic and insulin response in those with type 2 diabetes. If low-sugar sweetened dried cranberries are unavailable in your store, an unsweetened dried cranberry is a more practical alternative.
However, other research reviews have suggested that the evidence could be clearer. In a report published in 2013, study authors said that while diabetes might be affected by cranberry bio-actives, results have been inconsistent, with some studies showing a slight benefit and others indicating no benefit at all.
May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers
Infection by H. pylori is also considered to be a major cause of stomach cancer. Cranberry supplementation may prevent it from increasing in the gastric mucosa, potentially reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
There is also evidence that cranberry polyphenols may deter human cancer cells from growing in the oral cavity, colon, and prostate.
Supports Heart Health
Numerous heart disease risk factors have been demonstrated to benefit with cranberry juice and cranberry extract. According to a research in The Journal of Nutrition, persons who drank low-calorie cranberry juice for eight weeks had higher HDL cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, lessened blood vessel stiffness, and lower blood pressure.
Numerous heart disease risk factors have been demonstrated to benefit with cranberry juice and cranberry extract. According to a research in The Journal of Nutrition, persons who drank low-calorie cranberry juice for eight weeks had higher HDL cholesterol, lower LDL cholesterol, lessened blood vessel stiffness, and lower blood pressure.(Cranberry nutrition’s and health benefits)
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
The most prevalent bacterial illnesses are urinary tract infections (UTIs), particularly among women. Escherichia coli, which adheres to the inner surface of the bladder and urinary system, is typically the culprit.
A-type proanthocyanidins, a special type of phytonutrient present in cranberries, can stop E. coli from adhering to the lining of the bladder and urinary system, potentially reducing infections.
May Aid in Ulcer Prevention
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori infection is regarded as a primary contributor to stomach ulcers and inflammation. Cranberries’ A-type proanthocyanidins may stop H. pylori from adhering to the stomach lining, potentially avoiding various digestive disorders.
May Reduce the Risk of Some Cancers
Additionally, stomach cancer is thought to be mostly caused by H. pylori infection. By preventing it from spreading to the gastrointestinal mucosa, cranberry supplements may lower the incidence of stomach cancer. (Cranberry nutrition’s and health benefits)
Additionally, there is proof that cranberry polyphenols may prevent human cancer cells from proliferating in the prostate, colon, and oral cavity.
It is usually regarded as safe to consume cranberries daily. However, before consuming more cranberries, those who are pregnant or on blood thinners should see their doctor.. (Cranberry nutrition’s and health benefits)
Here are some ways to add cranberries to your diet:
- Eat fresh cranberries. You can add them to salads, yogurt, oatmeal, or cereal.
- Drink cranberry juice. Make sure you use pure cranberry juice rather than a cocktail, which is primarily made of water and sugar.
- Take cranberry supplements. You may get cranberry supplements as capsules or powder.
Cranberries are a tasty and nutritious fruit that have a number of health advantages. Including cranberries in your diet is a terrific way to enhance your general health.
Here are some additional tips for getting the most out of cranberries:
- When possible, choose fresh cranberries. Compared to canned or frozen cranberries, they are tarter and more delicious.
- To get rid of extra sugar, thoroughly rinse cranberries before using them from a can or freezer.
- Your favorite dishes should use cranberries. Both sweet and savory meals can utilize them.
- Try out several cranberry items, including cranberry sauce, cranberry relish, and cranberry juice.
- Consume cranberries sparingly. Despite being a fruit, they have a lot of sugar.
I hope this information is helpful!
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