Cranberry

Cranberries are actually a type of acidic berries that are rich in vitamin C and believed to contain excellent infection fighting properties.

A source of pythochemicals known as condensed tannins; these berries are powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effect. The good news about tannins is the fact that cooking could not destroy it. Although most of us only know that cranberries are good for urinary tract infection, studies have also showed that there are other benefits of this humble fruit. Scientists now believe that this same fruit can help ward off health problems like ulcer and gum problems.

Benefits of Cranberries :

• Improve the body's circulatory system.
• A daily glass of cranberry juice will treat diseases like cystitis.
• Provide relief for asthma patients.
• Condensed tannins in cranberries can inhibit the oxidation of bad cholesterol and as a result protects body against atheroscelrosis.
• Tannins are also considered an important contributor to a healthy heart.
• Acts as bactericide and affects the acidity of the urine. In effect, it disrupts the development of kidney stone formation.

The Uses of Cranberries :

1. Asthma Attack
   To overcome an asthma attack, cranberries can be used. Crush the berries, boil it in distilled water and skin. This is effective relief from an attack since the berries contain active ingredients similar to drugs prescribed by your doctors to control asthma.
2. Urinary Tract Infection
   As known, the juice has been long known to treat this disease. This is because the juice reduce the number of bacteria adhering to the body's urinary tract lining. A study among elderly patients suggested a 50% reduction of infection among patients who drank 300 ml of cranberry juice everyday for over 6 months. A daily portion of cranberries would also help in treating the disease.
3. Reduces Cholesterol
   Laboratory results have also shown that cranberry extract reduces the oxidation of "bad cholesterol". This helps promote healthy heart.
4. Prevent Ulcers
   New studies have shown the ability of this fruit has the ability to prevent peptic ulcer by inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria to certain parts of the stomach.
5. Anti-Aging
   An exciting new research has shown that cranberries could help protect the brain from neurological damage.