The beneficial berry
My grandmother swore by cranberry juice - she said it kept her and Grandpop's "plumbing" in good working order.
Turns out, grandma was ahead of her time. Modern research has confirmed that cranberries can ward off urinary tract infections - and a whole lot more.
Researchers at Rutgers University in New Jersey recently released a report summarizing the health benefits of cranberries. They found that these little red wonders block UTIs by binding the infection-causing bacteria before it can adhere to cells. But they also found that cranberries can kill H. pylori, the bacteria that cause many types of stomach ulcers and stomach cancer; reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol and increase "good" HDL cholesterol; and even slow tumor growth. They've also discovered a compound in cranberries called proanthocyanidine, which can prevent plaque formation on the teeth.
So include cranberries in your diet year-round - not just at holiday time. Dried cranberries are a delicious sweet snack; cranberry relish is delicious on turkey sandwiches any time. Of course, cranberry juice is another good source - just watch sugar content and calories. Avoid the heavily sweetened supermarket products like Ocean Spray. Favor the more tart products in juice or concentrate form from your local health food store or the natural food section of your local supermarket. Try cutting cranberry juice with sparkling water and a slice of lemon for a refreshing, low-calorie drink - with all sorts of health benefits to boot.
