Cranberry is on the list of healthy foods, because of the high content of nutrients and antioxidants, and is often referred to as a "super food." Not to mention, a half cup of cranberries contains only 25 calories! The possible health benefits of consuming cranberries including reduced risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of some types of cancer, improved immune function, decreased blood pressure and many more.
Cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, as well as levels of dietary fiber and minerals. This fruit is a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicals, compounds that are being researched benefits for the heart and vascular system, immune system, and anti-cancer.
Flavonoid anthocyanidins, sianidin, peonidin, and quercetin found in unprocessed fruit or fruit juice. These compounds proved effective against cancer in vitro, but is poorly absorbed in the human body and rapidly eliminated in the blood.
The content of tannin compounds in cranberries have anti-clotting properties, and is able to reduce urinary tract infections and dental plaque, and can also be used to prevent inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
Flavonoid anthocyanidins, sianidin, peonidin, and quercetin found in unprocessed fruit or fruit juice. These compounds proved effective against cancer in vitro, but is poorly absorbed in the human body and rapidly eliminated in the blood.
The content of tannin compounds in cranberries have anti-clotting properties, and is able to reduce urinary tract infections and dental plaque, and can also be used to prevent inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
Benefits of cranberry juice
Cranberry juice is known to effectively prevent urinary tract infections. This is because cranberries has antioxidants called proanthocyanidins, and can prevent the growth of bacteria that cause these infections. In addition, these antioxidants are also known to have anti-adhesion properties that make the bacteria will not stick in the urinary tract, thereby preventing infectious bacteria.
Cranberry Nutrition Facts
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 46 kcal (190 kJ) |
Carbohydrates | 12.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.04 g |
| Dietary fiber | 4.6 g |
Fat | 0.13 g |
Protein | 0.39 g |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A equiv. beta-carotene lutein zeaxanthin | (0%) 3 μg (0%) 36 μg91 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) | (1%) 0.012 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | (2%) 0.02 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | (1%) 0.101 mg |
Pantothenic acid (B5) | (6%) 0.295 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | (4%) 0.057 mg |
| Folate (B9) | (0%) 1 μg |
| Vitamin C | (16%) 13.3 mg |
| Vitamin E | (8%) 1.2 mg |
| Vitamin K | (5%) 5.1 μg |
| Trace metals | |
| Calcium | (1%) 8 mg |
| Iron | (2%) 0.25 mg |
| Magnesium | (2%) 6 mg |
| Manganese | (17%) 0.36 mg |
| Phosphorus | (2%) 13 mg |
| Potassium | (2%) 85 mg |
| Sodium | (0%) 2 mg |
| Zinc | (1%) 0.1 mg |
| Other constituents | |
| Water | 87.13 g |
| |
The health benefits of cranberry
Some of the possible health benefits of cranberry include:- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cranberry is perhaps best known for its role in preventing UTI, especially for those with recurrent infections. The high levels of proanthocyanidin in cranberries help reduce the adhesion of certain bacteria in the urinary tract walls, which in turn against infection.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Some evidence suggests that polyphenols in cranberries may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing platelets -menumpuk and reduce blood pressure through anti-inflammatory mechanism.
- Cancer: Studies have shown that cranberries useful in slowing tumor growth and has shown positive effects against prostate cancer, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon.
- Dental: According to researchers at the Center for Oral Biology and Eastman Department of Dentistry at the University of Rochester Medical Center, contained in cranberry proanthocyanidin, which helps prevent urinary tract infections, may also benefit oral health by preventing the binding of bacteria on teeth.
