This Antioxidant Powerhouse Is in Season
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Cranberries. We’re not talking about the aluminum can hunk of gel on your grandmother’s Thanksgiving table. We’re talking about fresh cranberries, one of nature’s most powerful antioxidant sources! Fresh, tart cranberries are in season right now and can be found at great prices in many stores.
Cranberries promote urinary tract health, but they are also good for the gastrointestinal tract and the mouth. Recent studies have shown they may play a role in helping to reduce the risk of kidney stones, as well as lower bad (LDL) cholesterol. Not too shabby for this sour little fruit!
Cranberries contain anthocyanadins, potent antioxidants also found in blueberries and pomegranates. As you know, antioxidants fight inflammation and free radical oxidation in your body. Translation: they help prevent aging, disease, and health problems! Cranberries also contain plenty of vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. You can stew fresh berries, or pit them and dice them up into salads, or reduce them into a delicious topping for pork, duck, turkey or other meats. Aaron will be bringing you a cranberry recipe later today, so stay tuned!
Rene S Flickr Photo (CC)
Source: World’s Healthiest Foods
Further Reading:
Berries for breakfast (and other tasty breakfast ideas)
A visual guide to antioxidants (fridge-friendly!)
The smartest foods for your body
Technorati Tags: cranberries, cranberry recipe, health benefits of cranberries, antioxidants
Posted By: Worker Bee
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Cranberries are beautiful but way too tart to be eaten alone. I sweeten my homemade sauce with apple juice.
The “berry” fruits are topping it when it comes to antioxidants. I read recently that the fruits with the highest antioxidant activities were (in order) blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, prunes and raspberries, etc. I love frozen cranberries and blueberries, together with yogurt and raisins.
I don’t doubt that cranberries have lots of antioxidants, but how do you eat them without adding a lot of sugar to them? I think some people reading about the benefits of cranberries will grab the dried, sweetened ones in the grocery store without realizing how much sugar/corn syrup comes with them.