Page 5 - Inspire Health | November - December 2017

super food

Cranberries

By: Anja Springthorpe

mericans consume reducing inflammation, slowing tumor sauce, make a homemade relish using
more than 400 million progression as well as providing potent fresh berries, rather than relying on
pounds of cranberries antioxidant actions. canned sauces, which are often laden
each year. But there Research confirms that many with sugar.
Ais one day where we diseases, like cancer and heart Last but not least, don’t limit
consume more than 80 million pounds disease, as well as premature aging, cranberries to once a year. Cranberries
of cranberries alone – Thanksgiving. are initiated or exacerbated by are available all year round fresh or frozen
Cranberries have been used as food the oxidative stress caused by free and make a healthy snack, salad topping
for medical purposes and even as radicals. Free radicals are unstable, or addition to smoothies.
clothing dye for centuries by Native volatile compounds generated as a
Americans. In fact, historians believe normal part of our metabolism.
that cranberries were served to The human body is well equipped By providing our body
Pilgrims at the very first Thanksgiving. to deal with these free radicals. with antioxidant nutrients,
Cranberries are a flavor-packed However, if we increase the burden
fruit with a unique nutritional profile. of free radicals with sedentary we boost our ability to stop
They provide ample vitamin C, which lifestyles, medications, alcohol or free radicals causing damage
reduces your risk of catching that poor food choices, our system can
pesky cold going around this time of become overwhelmed. That’s when to tissues and cells.
year. And, the high-fiber content of cranberries come to the rescue! By
cranberries not only helps your bowel providing our bodies with antioxidant
stay regular, but also supports the good nutrients, we boost our ability to stop
gut bacteria associated with endless free radicals from damaging tissues
health benefits. and cells, and reduce the risk of
A lesser known reason why diseases.
cranberries qualify as a superfood While raw, unprocessed
are the high concentrations of cranberries provide the best nutrition,
phytonutrients, such as phenolic they probably won’t impress your
acid and flavonoids. Both of these family at the Thanksgiving table. To
nutrients have been linked to serve a tasty and nutritious cranberry

inspirehealthmag.com § #inspirehealthmag INSPIRE HEALTH 5