Cranberries are small, round, deep-red berries related to the blueberry. They have a very sharp, sour taste, so are rarely eaten raw; they’re more commonly enjoyed dried or juiced.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries contain plant compounds that have a protective antioxidant effect. Most of these are found in the skin of the berry and may as a result be lost during the juicing process.
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.
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.
Cranberries contain a plant compound that may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and stomach cancer caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
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.