Fact or Myth: Can Cranberries Lower Blood Sugar?
This is a FACT.
The research is in: cranberries do lower blood sugar! The tartly delicious cranberry is the latest food targeted by researchers in an effort to find natural methods to treat and prevent disease.
Indigenous to the United States, Canada and a few areas of Europe, cranberries are part of the Ericaceae family and have been used by Native Americans medicinally and ceremonially for centuries.
Fresh, canned, dried or juice varieties offer something for everyone. Fresh cranberries are available September through December and store well in the refrigerator for several days and in the freezer for several years. Fresh and frozen berries offer the highest concentrations of antioxidants. Cranberries pair well with citrus, apples and nuts and are delicious added to baked goods or sprinkled over salads or in yogurt.
Cranberries have five times the antioxidants of broccoli. The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry rated cranberries number one in antioxidant abundance out of 19 other commonly consumed fruits. Simply by adding an eight-ounce glass of cranberry juice to your diet each day, you can drastically improve your total body health.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Cranberries
- 1. Blood sugar: Low in sugar and high in fiber, cranberries reduce blood sugar and help regulate glucose levels throughout the day. Cranberries are recommended for type 2 diabetics.
2. Urinary tract infections: Cranberries are high in natural antibacterial compounds called proanthocyanidins, which prevent and treat urinary tract, bladder and digestive infections.
3. Kidney stones: Quinic acid in cranberries dissolves calcium deposits that form kidney stones.
4. Cholesterol: Cranberry polyphenols raise HDL (good) cholesterol and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. They also prevent the formation of plaque which leads to hardening of the arteries and is one of the leading causes of heart disease.
5. Cancer: Cranberries stop the growth of cancer cells and halt their ability to multiply and spread. Studies to date have focused on using cranberry extract to treat breast, lung, prostate and colon.
6. Heart health: Cranberries improve blood vessel function, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and helping you make a faster recovery after a stroke. They also help to prevent brain cell death.
7. Brain function: Anti-inflammatory properties help protect overall brain function. Improvement of memory, focus and relief of stress are just some of the brain-friendly benefits.
8. Oral hygiene: The acids in cranberries have been connected to a decreased risk of plaque, gingivitis and cavities.
9. Immunity boost: Cranberries flush toxins and remove free radicals, stimulating your immune system to do what it does best – get you healthy and keep you there.
10. Weight loss: The acids in cranberry juice break down fats and flush them from the body. Cranberries are high in fiber and assist in digestion and the efficient absorption of other nutrients. The unique blend of vitamins and minerals also boosts energy levels and stimulates the metabolism, giving you more energy and burning more fat.
Consider adding this tart fruit to your regular diet. Not only do cranberries lower blood sugar, but they are also filled with nutrition that fortifies your total body health.
Source: Fact or Myth: Can Cranberries Lower Blood Sugar?
