Cranberry sauce might just be a lowly condiment on the Thanksgiving table, but this tart berry is a nutritional super star. Here are five things to chew on about cranberries.

  1. Cranberry juice interferes with the bacteria E. coli that is responsible for the most serious types of UTIs (urinary tract infections). The berry and its juice contain tannins, which fight the infections on the front lines by creating barriers that prevent E. coli from getting close to the urinary-tract lining. If the bacteria cannot implant itself, it cannot cause infection.
  2. Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidine. If you can't tell by its crazy name that it is an antioxidant and it prevents formation of plaque on the teeth.
  3. Cranberry juice, because of its high-acid content, can help break down and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
  4. Studies indicate that only 30 percent of super-tart cranberry juice of a 100 percent juice mixture is necessary to receive the beneficial vitamins and nutrients, as well as other health benefits imparted by cranberry juice.
  5. Captains of early sailing ships provided cranberries to their sailors to combat scurvy since the berries are high in vitamin C. One cup of raw cranberries contains about one fourth of the current RDI (Reference Daily Intake) for an adult. Many processed foods made with cranberries, like juices and drinks, have extra vitamin C added to the product, resulting in the full daily requirement of vitamin C.

So, I want to know if you eat the cranberry sauce or not? Let me know in the comments section below.

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