Cranberries are small, round, deep-red berries related to the blueberry. When in their natural state they have a very sharp and sour taste. I don't really enjoy them this way but they're still the best. Cranberries have loads of benefits especially in preventing urinary tract infection (UTI). So inorder not to go without eating them at all because of the sour taste, I opt for the DRIED cranberries. Dried cranberries are the berries that are made after dehydrating the fresh cranberries.
But here's the thing, real cranberries are low in sugar but once you dry them out and add sweetener, they're no longer a healthy choice for people with diabetes. So instead of having dried cranberries on their own, you can use them as toppings on Custard, salad, muffins, cookies, smoothie, whole-grain cereals, oatmeal, bread etc. Oh as a typical Nigerian who loves to sip garri (cassava flakes) every now and then, I use dried cranberries as toppings and it tastes so good. Imagine your garri with milk, a little sugar or honey, groundnut, cranberries and cold water...
BENEFITS OF DRIED CRANBERRIES:::
Cranberries are beneficial to both men and women. So here are some of the benefits:
- Cranberries are rich in folate, magnesium, potassium, calcium (bone and teeth health), sodium, vitamin C, A, E, K. They are also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and Omega-6 fatty acids. All these essential nutrients helps boosts your immune system. The vitamin A and C is particularly good if you are experiencing dandruff and hair loss. And vitamin C can treat scurvy.
- Dried cranberries are full of insoluble fibers which speeds your digestive tract, relieves constipation and helps you have regular, soft bowel movements.
- It slows down cancer progression
- It promotes Oral health
- It relaxes Muscle Cramps (especially in PMS)
- It helps Cure Anemia
- It Combats Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by preventing bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder.
- It helps in weight loss
- It helps in anti-aging process
- It Promotes heart health and boosts circulation
- It supports post menopause health
- It soothes colds
- It helps eliminate kidney stones and improves renal functions
- It works against respiratory infections
- It fights ulcer development
- It promotes skin health
- Cranberries assists in liver detox
- It aids in sleeping
- Cranberries can improves thyroid function
- It aids in hormonal imbalance
NOTE: Cranberries are a natural superfood with many great health benefits, but it does not mean it is a good choice for everyone. Also, when taken in uncontrolled amounts excessively, it may lead to diarrhea, upset stomach, increased blood sugar levels. So you may want to consume this fruit with care or better still, check in with your doctor if you can consume cranberries.
Your dried cranberries can stay refrigerated or you can be like me and just store them in a safe poly bag. It won't go bad.
Thank you for stopping by.
Until next time.