Cranberries

Cranberries are the neglected berry by all accounts save for Thanksgiving. However these vibrant gems should be recognized as the nutritional powerhouses they are.

Over two dozen health supportive phytonutrients have been found in cranberries with wide-ranging health benefits on blood sugar control, lowering blood pressure, improving cardiovascular health, boosting immune function, urogenital health, and preventing cancer. Most of these benefits are due to the high amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with fiber, vitamins C and Vitamin E, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, and copper, manganese is abundant and needed for some forms of the body’s major antioxidant super oxide dismutase (SOD).

Twenty percent of cranberries are consumed on Thanksgiving alone. Give your health a boost by working this tart, fresh flavor into your diet year round. Choose fresh and avoid dried, canned or sweetened cranberries as heat processing and storage reduce antioxidant properties. 

Here are a few ways to work fresh cranberries into your diet.

1. Slice in half and mix in with yogurt or kefir, or fresh salads, or quinoa dishes
2. Use 100% unsweetened cranberry juice or fresh berries in smoothies
3. Freeze and add to sparkling water or holiday drinks
4. Mix in with a bowl of fresh berries or other fruit to balance the tart with sweeter varieties
5. Use a hint of natural sweetener like monk fruit if you must sweeten.

Enjoy on Thanksgiving and remember these crimson jewels throughout the year!