Nutritional profile of cranberries
An 80g serving of fresh cranberries provides:
- 12kcal / 52kj
- 0.3g protein
- 0.1g fat
- 2.7g carbohydrate
- 2.7g sugars
- 3.2g fiber
- 76mg potassium
- 10mg vitamin C
What are top health benefits of cranberries?
- Rich in antioxidant compounds
Cranberries include plant components that have antioxidant properties. The majority of these are present in the skin of the berry and may be lost during the juicing process.
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May help prevent urinary tract infections
Cranberry juice is probably most known for its ability to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries include proanthocyanidins, which are natural antibacterial chemicals that may help prevent the bacteria Escherichia coli from sticking to the inner membrane of the bladder and urinary system and causing illness.
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May support heart health
Regular use of the berry’s juice or extract has been shown to benefit heart health by lowering a number of critical risk factors for heart disease. These include improving cholesterol balance, lowering blood pressure, and lowering homocysteine, a chemical known to harm the lining of blood vessels.
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May protect against gastric ulcer and stomach cancer
Cranberries include a plant component that may lower the incidence of stomach cancer and gastric ulcers caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori. Consuming cranberry products, which are naturally high in this substance (known as A-type pro-anthocyanidins), appears to decrease bacterial development and hence lessen the risk of getting stomach cancer.
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May protect against certain cancers
Cranberries are a good source of ursolic acid, a plant molecule having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to be especially beneficial in prostate cancer.