By Chisom Ibemere
Cranberries belong to the group of evergreen dwarf shrubs from the subgenus Oxycoccus and genus Vaccinium. Cranberry prominent by the Britain is Vaccinium oxycoccos while North Americans, refers to Vaccinium macrocarpon specie.
Cranberries are small, reddish and round fruits with sour or bitter flavour. They are basically made up of water, but also rich in carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins, and other nutrients. They contain loads of antioxidant flavonoids, plant-based compounds that help to lower inflammation and heal wounds. They are processed into canned cranberry sauce, cranberry juices and dried cranberries.
Cranberries are effective in the treatment of health challenges that are related to the bladder, stomach, and liver, as well as diabetes and wounds. They also help in the prevention of bacterial infection such as the Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Cranberries with its rich anti-oxidants contents helps to hinder the growth of cancerous cells in the body and as such may prevent some certain cancers such as cervical, lung, breast cancers.
Cranberries when incorporated in our meal may improve the heart health and regulates blood pressure. It reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases and lowers the levels of cholesterol in the body.
Cranberries and Cranberry produce has a lot of positive effects on the digestive, dental and heart health. It also improves the cognitive ability. These amazing benefits and more are attributed to its high antioxidant contents.
Cranberries contains loads of antioxidants including, Quercetin, Myricetin, Peonidin, Ursolic acid and A-type proanthocyanidins.
It is rich in Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, potassium, iron and calcium, vitamin E, manganese, copper, B-complex vitamins that are attributed to numerous health benefits.