Health Benefits Of Eating Dried Cranberries

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Dried blueberries they were originally used as a unique ingredient in ice creams and shakes, but over time have become part of many other delicious dishes.

They are often used instead of raisins, dates and prunes in various baked goods. Tasty and especially useful, these fruits have four times more vitamin C than oranges and twice as many antioxidants than blueberries.

Cranberries are also high in GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and potassium (twice as much potassium as bananas). They are also full of anthocyanins, which are said to help fight various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, joint inflammation, eye strain, urinary tract infections, kidney stones and cancer. Like most other blueberries, dried cranberries have a rejuvenating effect.

Here are some of the most important benefits of dried cranberries:

1. Dried cranberries help fight cancer - according to a study by researchers from Hungary, Italy and the United States dried cranberries are rich of antioxidants called anthocyanins. These antioxidants are useful for the prevention and control of various diseases by stabilizing the imbalance of oxidative and antioxidant factors in the body.

The focus of the study was on the effect of the cranberry shell on cancer cells. Dried blueberry extracts are also considered a good anti-cancer agent in the fight against breast and endometrial cancer cells.

2. Dried cranberries are full of dietary fiber - dietary fiber has been shown to play a crucial role in increasing good cholesterol and reducing bad cholesterol in the body, while reducing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and stroke.

Consuming a glass of dried cranberries per day equals approximately 40% of the daily dose of fiber needed by a healthy adult with a diet of about 2000 calories per day.

Dried cranberries are rich of both soluble and insoluble fibers. While soluble fiber helps you stay away from chronic diseases such as diabetes, insoluble fiber regulates bowel movements and can prevent digestive disorders.

3. Dried cranberries are good for bone health - Dried cranberries contain large amounts of minerals such as potassium, manganese and copper, which are extremely good for bones.

Manganese supports the production of bone tissue, while potassium promotes the growth, development and maintenance of bone health. Copper also keeps our bones healthy, and a deficiency can lead to greater chances of fractures, especially in the elderly.

Consuming cranberries would help reduce the risk of bone problems such as joint inflammation, osteoporosis and arthritis.

4. Dried cranberries reduce the risk of diabetes - anthocyanins in cranberries, which help fight cancer cells, also help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a study published in "Reviews of endocrine and metabolic disorders", anthocyanins are polyphenolic compounds most commonly found in dark-colored fruits, vegetables, and grains.

The study shows that consuming more anthocyanins reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications by increasing the body's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, improving insulin resistance and lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

5. Dried bilberries hydrate your eyes - if you suffer from dry eyes, it is recommended to eat dried bilberries regularly. According to a clinical study, people who received a supplement of 300 mg of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) daily for a short period of time noticed a significant improvement and relief of dry eye symptoms.

Photo: VILI-Violeta Mateva

6. Dried cranberries help you look younger - one cup of dried cranberries contains 367 mg of honey, which is about 37% of the daily dose needed by an adult. Copper not only promotes the absorption of iron, but also helps produce collagen - one of the main building blocks of our connective tissues. Collagen is responsible for keeping skin, hair, bones and muscles in good shape.

Copper also helps the body use its energy efficiently and prevents damage to cell tissues and DNA cells by free radical compounds.

Adequate honey intake prevents osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, thyroid problems and anemia. It also helps the skin stay more supple and wrinkle-free, making you look younger.