cranberries for all seasons

The holiday season is the time for the little red berry, the tart cranberry, to shine! It adorns trees and is part of the holiday feast, but cranberry is much more than a condiment to be celebrated just once a year.

Rich in vitamin C and other phytonutrients that may help protect against infections and heart disease, the cranberry has become a popular herbal remedy. History

Native Americans used cranberries well before English settlers arrived. The settlers eventually learned how to use cranberries for both medicine and food, and even to dye cloth. The name cranberry is believed to have come from German and Dutch settlers who first named the berry “crane-berry” because it appeared to be the favorite food of cranes, and the blossom of the cranberry looks somewhat like the head and neck of a crane. Crane berry was shortened to cranberry. Cultivation of cranberries began in the 1800s in Massachusetts. Today cranberries are grown in several northern American states, including Oregon, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts.

Nutrition

While cranberries contain water, they also contain carbohydrates and fiber. In fact, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) lists one cup of cranberries as supplying 3.6 grams of fiber, or almost 13 percent of the daily value for fiber. Cranberries are best known for their antioxidant value. Cranberries supply flavonoids, including proanthocyanidins (PAC).

Urinary Tract Health. The most popular reason cranberry is taken as a remedy is for urinary tract health. Studies have shown that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements can help reduce the risk and recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). One study found that people who consumed cranberry juice significantly reduced the ability of both E. coli and S. aureus (responsible for Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus or MRSA) to multiply and thrive, reducing the risk of infection. Another study showed that cranberry capsules lowered the risk of UTI by 50 percent - even more than cranberry juice. It is now known that the PAC flavonoids interfere with the ability of pathogenic bacteria to cause infections in the urinary tract. Heart Health. Compounds in cranberries help improve the flexibility and health of arteries, resulting in better circulation and blood flow. One study found that participants who consumed strong cranberry juice had a significant reduction in arterial stiffness, an indicator of heart disease. Another study found that daily consumption of cranberry for a month raised HDL “good” cholesterol by 10 percent, reducing the risk of heart disease. Other research suggests that cranberries may help reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin resistance. Gut Health. Research is now finding that cranberries may support the beneficial bacteria in the gut that are tied to immunity, mood, and digestive health. It is thought that antioxidant polyphenols and other compounds could protect gut microflora, which in turn could result in antioxidant and antiinflammatory protection in other systems of the body. And since cranberries are a good source of fiber, they can help reduce constipation and support overall digestive health.

Research continues to show that these powerhouse berries may play a role in reducing certain types of infections, decreasing inflammation, and they may even support oral health. Availability

Cranberry is available as fresh berries, dried berries, or in juice form. It is important to note that cranberries are naturally sour, so most commercial cranberry juice cocktails contain added sugar. When drinking cranberry juice, look for 100% cranberry juice or 100% pure cranberry juice blends to avoid the excess calories and sugar. In addition, cranberry concentrates are available in supplement form, which offers the benefits of cranberries without the extra calories. ● A simple, lightly sweet, and refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail, perfect for holiday parties and celebrations!

Christmas Cranberry Mocktail

From cookathomemom.com

2 cups 100% cranberry juice chilled 1K cups 100% apple juice chilled 16 ounces unflavored seltzer ice 4 sprigs fresh rosemary (for garnish) N cup fresh cranberries (for garnish)

Paleo & Whole30

friendly recipe serves 4

1. Mix the cranberry and apple juices together in a pitcher. Keep in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. 2. Optional Step: Sugar rim the glasses by running a sliver of lemon around the rim, then dipping into coconut sugar. Note: This will make the mocktail Paleo but it is no longer Whole30 compliant. 3. Fill four glasses halfway with ice and add juice until each glass is about L of the way filled. Top off the last M of the glass with seltzer. Leave a little room for bubbles!

4. Garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh rosemary and a few cranberries.

Chamberlin’s Max Extract™ Cran-Ultra™ Cranberry

Promotes urinary tract health.* Provides antioxidant support.* Produced from pure cranberry fiber infused with cranberry extract for a concentrated formula.