CRANBERRIES

Large cranberries are loaded with vitamic C and fiber, rich in phyto-nutrients which are essential for all-round wellness. Use cranberries in stuffing, sauces, juices, smoothies, salads, oatmeal cookies or muffins.

Health benefits of cranberries:

• Prevent urinary tract infections
  
  
  Cranberry juice is probably most well-known for its management of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries contain compounds known as proanthocyanidins, which have natural antibacterial benefits and may help prevent the bacteria Escherichia coli from attaching to the inner surface of the bladder and urinary tract, causing an infection.
  
  
• Support heart health
  A number of human studies support regular consumption of the juice or an extract of the berry to be beneficial for heart health, reducing a number of the key risk factors for heart disease. These include improving cholesterol balance, lowering blood pressure and reducing a compound called homocysteine, which is known to damage the lining of the blood vessels.

• Protect against gastric ulcer and stomach cancer
  
  
  Cranberries contain a plant compound that may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and stomach cancer caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Consuming cranberry products, which are naturally rich in this compound (known as A-type pro-anthocyanidins), appears to suppress the growth of the bacteria and as a result reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer.

• Protect against certain cancers 
  
  
  Cranberries are one of the best food sources of ursolic acid, a plant compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer effects. It has been seen to be particularly useful in prostate cancer.