Better skin and 9 more health benefits of cranberries
You love them or you don’t like them: cranberries. These berries are known for their sour and somewhat bitter taste. That is why they are not at the top of everyone’s list of favorite fruit.
Yet these berries are very good for you for these nine reasons:
1. Good for your blood sugar
Cranberry juice reduces LDL cholesterol. Because of a lower cholesterol level, heart disease is less likely. This also has a positive effect on blood sugar levels. Cranberries can therefore also be good for people with type 2 diabetes. It is true that cranberry juice often has sugar added, which can cause your blood sugar to rise. So pay attention to this when buying. Often there is also a version without added sugars available.
2. Reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer
This berry fights the stomach bacteria Helicobacter pylori. This is often the cause of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. Drinking cranberry juice regularly can reduce the chances.
3. Good for your digestion
Due to the high amount of fiber that cranberries contain, the blood sugar level not only remains low, but is also good for digestion. Due to the high fiber content, it is good for your intestinal flora.
4. Prevent cystitis
Cranberry juice is often recommended for a bladder infection. Although this has not been proven to work, cranberries can prevent bladder infections. In addition to vitamin C, the cranberry also contains so-called proanthocyanidins[1]. These not only ensure that bacteria cannot adhere to the bladder wall, but also that bacteria attached to the bladder wall are loosened.
5. High in antioxidants
One word that we know all too well and that is found in many fruits and cereals is antioxidants. Antioxidants serve as a kind of shield to protect us against harmful substances and thus prevent long-term diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. So from now on, only throw a handful of the berries through your yogurt.
6. Good for your teeth
Researchers in Canada and Japan have investigated the effect of cranberries on tooth decay and gum disease. What seems? The sour berry seems to prevent the adhesion of bacteria that make our teeth sick.
7. Cranberries make you happy
The amino acid tryptophan increases serotonin production. This happiness hormone makes us feel better mentally. It is also good for our brains and improves our memory.
8. Improve your skin
The antioxidants that cranberries contain make them good for your skin. The berries help with skin problems such as eczema, acne, psoriasis and dermatitis. The antioxidants ensure that the blood is filtered of toxins, keeping the skin looking young for longer.
9. Have an anti-inflammatory effect
Not only the pulp of the berry contains healthy qualities, the peel also gives your immune system a significant boost. It contains the substance ursolic acid. This occurs in the peel of many fruits and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on our body. So you know what to take a sip of when you have the flu.
