"Super Foods": Cranberries

Cranberries deserve to be included in the Super Foods category due to their highly effective benefit of promoting a healthy urinary tract.  This is because cranberries are very high in antioxidants called proanthocyanidins or condensed tannins and these antioxidants are very powerful and have a unique effect of preventing bacteria from "sticking" to the urinary tract wall, which then decreases the incidence of urinary tract infections.

This is not the only health benefit you can expect from cranberries ... check these out...

• The ability of cranberries to prevent bacteria from sticking is called "anti-adhesion".  This is thought to also be of benefit in stomach ulcers that are known to be caused by bacteria, especially Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

• This "anti-adhesion" is also thought to help to decrease the incidence of periodontal gum disease by stopping the bacteria from sticking to the teeth and gums.

• The fact that cranberries reduce the damaging effects of bacteria mean that we will have less need for antibiotics, which is a very positive health benefit.

• Cranberries are very high in antioxidants, which of course is very important in fighting free radical damage.

• Studies have shown that cranberries improve good cholesterol and reduce bad cholesterol, which of course decreases the risk of heart disease by reducing the amount of plaque deposited on the arterial walls.  This is due to the high level of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds found in cranberries.

• Studies have also found that the high levels of antioxidants in cranberries have also helped cranberries to have a decided anti-cancer effect.

• Preliminary research on lab animals have found evidence that cranberries may reduce the damage caused by strokes in the brain.  The consensus was that although it may not prevent a stroke, it may help to reduce the damaging effects of a mild stroke. 

• Cranberries have almost 50% more antioxidant power than many other fruits including apples, cherries, blueberries, strawberries, watermelon and bananas.

• Research is also being conducted to explore the possibility of cranberries preventing the development of yeast infections.

• Cranberry is also touted as having a strong anti-inflammatory effect.

Now, the best thing about using Super Foods to improve your health is that you can eat these foods in delicious dishes instead of having to pop a pill!  You can check out the internet for many delicious recipes using cranberries ... I have included here 2 of my favourite recipes for Christmas...

Check out these delicious Super Foods recipes...

Super Foods Recipe:   Cranberry Sauce for Turkey

2 cups whole cranberries           1/2 to 3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup water 

1. Put all ingredients in a pot and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes or until soft.
2. Remove from heat and mash lightly with a potato masher or an electric stick blender, making sure you do not puree mixture.
3. Add a bit more sugar to taste if you would like the sauce to be less tart.

Superfoods Recipe:   Cranberry Stuffing for Turkey

1/2 cup wild rice                   1 cup brown rice

1/2 cup cranberries               1/2 cup walnuts chopped

1/2 cup apples chopped         1/2 cup celery

2 cups chopped mushrooms     1/2 chopped onion

2 cloves minced garlic             6 cooked chicken sausages chopped

1/2 cup sultanas                    1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

1 teaspoon each poultry seasoning or sage, salt & pepper, and cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon cloves

1. Cook rice until almost tender.
2. Saute celery, mushrooms, garlic and onions.
3. Mix together all ingredients in a large bowl and lightly stuff turkey just before roasting.

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