Cranberries, which are one of the most popular ingredients for getting health benefits, were found in the 18th century. There are some instances which indicate that cranberries were first cultivated in the year 1816. Earlier the Americans used the benefits of dried cranberries for fulfilling their requirements of vitamin C. Later many more cranberry benefits were discovered and now are being used throughout the world.
For the world, this highly beneficial fruit is famous with the name of cranberry but not many are aware of its scientific name. Cranberries are also known as ‘Vaccinium’ as its scientific name.
What is Cranberry?
When asked about cranberries, not many of us are aware of that. So, what is cranberry? Cranberries are known as evergreen shrubs, which are found in the regions of Britain and North America. They have a sharp taste and belong to the Vaccinium family. These are also considered as magical fruit and can deal with several health problems, providing the best cranberry health benefits. The vitamins in cranberry juice target the entire body for the common possible problems that it faces.
Types of Cranberries:
There are in total 4 types of cranberries from which you can get the necessary cranberry juice uses. The most popular ones are as follows:
- American Variety: This variety is the most popular and is found all around the world. These cranberries are bright red in colour.
- European Variety: This variety is ornamental and is less popular than the American variety.
- Mountain Variety: These cranberries are bright red and dark red in colour. These are available only on some particular occasions.
- Highbush Variety: It is used as an ornamental fruit and is mostly used for making jam, jellies, sauces, and other items.
Is Cranberry Good For Health?
Yes, cranberries are good for health. The various cranberry uses have been benefiting its users for quite a long time. Cranberry has the required potential to fight against all the serious as well as common health problems.
With the various cranberry fruit health benefits, it is quite easy to maintain and balance the essential body requirements along with fighting against major health problems. So, the next time, if someone asks you, are cranberries healthy, you know what to answer them. Isn’t it?
Importance of Cranberries:
The importance of cranberries has been highlighted right from ancient times. Over time, the importance has only increased as many of the cranberry benefits have been discovered. Cranberry acts like the one and only complete solution for the betterment and improvement of health, hair and skin condition.
The importance of cranberry can be identified with the numerous cranberry benefits for weight loss, cranberry for UTIs, and cranberry for the skin along with the cranberry benefits for the liver. Considering the importance of cranberries, most people with extreme health conditions are often suggested to start a cranberry diet. This helps them to get instant health benefits and relief from their health problems.
Cranberry Nutritional Facts:
There have been many talks about the nutritional benefits of cranberry along with the cranberry uses in health. With the desired information about the cranberry sugar content along with the carbs in cranberries, the nutritional value can make it clear how much can you be benefited with the consumption of one cup of cranberries on a daily basis.
Here is a brief about the various nutrients that can be found in one cup of cranberries. This can help you decide about the dried cranberry benefits and its side effects according to your health conditions. Have a look:
- 50 calories
- 0.50 g of protein
- 0.14 g of fat
- 13.2 g of carbohydrates
- 4 g of fibre
- 10 mg of calcium
- 0.24 mg of iron
- 7 g of magnesium
- 12 mg of phosphorus
- 22 mg of potassium
- 2 mg of sodium
- 0.1 mg of zinc
- 15.4 mg of vitamin C
- 70 IU of vitamin A
- 1.44 mg of vitamin E
- 5.5 mcg of vitamin K
Read: Goji Berries Health Benefits
Amazing Cranberry Benefits for Skin, Hair & Health.
In this article, we enlisted the 21 best cranberry benefits for skin, hair and health and its nutritional values. Let’s have a look into them.
Health Benefits of Cranberries:
Cranberry’s benefits are enormous. Right from the minor health problem to all the major ones, you can get the cranberry health benefits for all of them. Even most health experts suggest having some cranberry nutrition to make your body healthy and strong against health issues. If you want to avail the various advantages of cranberry juice, then here are the most common health benefits that you can get. Have a look:
1. Good for The Heart:
One of the major cranberry benefits is its ability to fight against heart problems. The vitamins and minerals present in the cranberries are so strong that they prevent all possible heart problems and issues.
The cranberry fruits also contain good enzymes which make it easy for the heart to perform all its functions effectively. It also prevents the blockages of the heart arteries and thus stimulates the blood flow throughout the body.
How To Consume:
- Using some fresh cranberries in your breakfast or having a glass of cranberry juice can give you the best health benefits.
- The lesser calories in cranberries also enhance the benefits for the heart.
2. Treat Urinary Tract Infections:
Cranberry vitamins are perfect for women who are suffering from the problem of frequent urinary tract infections. The anti-infectious properties of cranberry make it a perfect ingredient to prevent the infections from spreading across and also to reduce the chances of re-occurrence of the problem.
The anti-oxidants in the ingredient also help in maintaining proper hygiene, in this case of a problem. Thus, real cranberry juice will bring the best benefits against the problem of urinary tract infections.
How To Consume:
- Nothing can be more refreshing than having a glass of cranberry juice for UTI every day, either in the morning or in the evening, when you are fighting against this problem.
- If the problem is serious, the women are suggested to have 2-3 glasses of fresh cranberry juice.
3. Boost Brain Power:
The information available about cranberry nutrition indicates the fact that they are a rich source of vitamin A and K. Both of these vitamins are effective and necessary for preserving brain functioning along with preventing possible brain problems.
Boosting brainpower is considered as one of the most powerful and effective cranberry fruit benefits for users. The anti-bacterial properties of the fruit are also responsible for eliminating the majority of brain problems and enhancing its power.
How To Consume:
- With regular use of cranberries, you can boost your brainpower to the maximum level and also can stimulate the blood flow.
4. Prevent Cancer:
Cancer is one of the most dangerous health problems with which the majority of people deal every year. In the case of most cancers, the main symptom of cancer is the high amount of free radicals available in the body. These free radicals enhance the spread of the cancer tissues in the body. Therefore, it is necessary to stop these free radicals to spread across.
The anti-infectious properties of cranberries are well-known to reduce the impact of free radicals and thus help in controlling the spread of cancer. The anti-oxidants help in reducing free radicals and minimize the risk of cancer.
How To Consume:
- Have a glass of fresh cranberry juice daily and witness the benefit by yourself.
5. Combats Tooth Decay:
The nutritional value of cranberry juice consists of all the necessary vitamins and minerals that can help in reducing oral problems along with the problem of tooth decay. The cranberry calcium available in cranberry drinks protects the teeth by forming a protective layer outside them.
How To Consume:
- Mix some cranberry powder with baking soda and use it as your toothpaste to brush your teeth.
- The regular use of this mixture will deliver the needed protection for tooth decay.
- It will also prevent cavities, plaque, and other gum diseases.
- Start eating cranberries and stay away from all the oral health problems with minimal risks.
6. Lowers Bad Cholesterol:
High cholesterol is one strong reason for health problems. It is one serious problem that most people often ignore. The high value of bad cholesterol has a direct effect on the degradation of health conditions. This is where you can take the cranberry fruit benefits. The anti-oxidants available in the fruit are quite effective in reducing the amount of bad cholesterol after a few days of use.
How To Consume:
- Mix some cranberries with honey and lemon juice and have a glass of this mixture in the morning.
- This will help in reducing the level of bad cholesterol along with boosting the availability of good cholesterol, needed for the efficient functioning of the body.
7. Prevent Kidney Infection:
Prevention of kidney infection is one of the cranberry health benefits. If you are aware of what is cranberry then you will know that the nutrients available in cranberries will bring the maximum help to reduce kidney problems along with reducing the associated pain. The cranberry antioxidants help in removing the blockages from the kidney and thus prevent the formation of kidney stones.
How To Consume:
- Mix some cranberry extract with lemon juice and apple cider vinegar and see the problem of kidney stones disappearing.
- The citric acid, in the cranberry juice for kidneys, is the main charm that helps in getting the cranberry powder benefits.
8. Helps with Weight Loss:
If you are over-weight, you must have been suggested to have fresh vegetables and fruits to reduce those extra kilos. Adding cranberries to these fresh fruits will no doubt, double the needed benefits and you will get in the desired shape within no time.
Cranberry in fibre content has no comparison with the other fruits and thus it enhances the process of weight loss. The rich antioxidants which flush the body toxins help in getting the cranberry benefits for weight loss. It also helps in increasing the digestion strength of the body along with bringing the maximum benefit to the metabolism.
How To Consume:
- Mix some lemon juice with cranberry to make the desired cranberry juice and consume for weight loss.
9. Boosts Immunity:
The vitamins in cranberry, especially vitamin C and A, are considered as best for boosting immunity. Along with these vitamins, cranberries also have certain enzymes that prevent any problems in the body mechanism and thus boost immunity.
Further, the availability of antioxidants enhances the immunity working of the body. Use the fresh cranberry juice daily and give the maximum health benefits of cranberry juice to your immune system.
How To Consume:
- You can also mix some lemon juice and honey with cranberry juice to enhance its benefits.
- The regular use of cranberry juice will boost immunity within no time along with bringing the other needed benefits to the health of the body.
10. Prevent Stomach Ulcer:
The fibre in cranberries can also bring significant results in preventing the problem of stomach ulcers. The rich fibre content in cranberries helps the body to improve its digestion and get relief from constipation. Along with this, you can also expect the maximum cranberry advantages for an ulcer.
Cranberry juice prevents ulcer bacteria to attach to the inner lining of the stomach with its strong anti-bacterial properties. Also, thanks to the anti-infectious property of cranberry, you can prevent ulcer infections to spread further inside the body.
How To Consume:
- Mix some cranberry extract with fresh lemon juice and honey to avail of the desired cranberry extract benefits.
11. Treat Diabetes:
The vitamin C in the diet cranberry juice along with less cranberry juice calories, you can rely on the cranberry juice to end your battle with diabetes. Cranberry helps in reducing the blood sugar level and thereby prevents the problem of diabetes to occur in the body. Thanks to the low sugar in cranberry juice, it can be easily taken in case you are diabetic.
How To Consume:
- Take some fresh cranberries and add some apple cider vinegar to it to make the best solution to the problem of diabetes.
- You can also use some dried cranberries and take them on a regular basis to get the needed benefits for diabetes.
Read: Strawberry Benefits for Health
6 Best Cranberry Benefits For Skin:
Along with the various health benefits of cranberries, you can use this amazing cranberry dry fruit for your skin. Glowing skin is everyone’s dream, isn’t it? Now, with cranberries, you can fulfil your dream and can get the maximum cranberry dry fruit benefits for your skin. Some of the benefits are as follows:
1. Heals Acne and Blemishes:
If acne and skin blemishes are the main skin problems with which you are fighting for a long long time but are not getting any benefits, then it is high time that you start using cranberries for the same. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants which are known for its effectiveness against the problem of acne and blemishes.
The main antioxidant that cures acne and skin blemishes is resveratrol. This antioxidant along with the antiseptic properties of cranberries and vitamin C of the unsweetened cranberry juice combine together to minimize the problem of acne and skin blemishes.
How To Apply:
- Mix some cranberry juice with orange peel powder along with some honey and apply it on your face as a mask.
- Leave for about 30-40 minutes or wait until it dries off. Then wash your face with normal water.
- Repeat applying this face mask for 2-3 weeks with a frequency of twice in a week and see your skin getting smooth and glowing.
2. Helps Unclog The Pores:
Thanks to the right amount of antioxidants available in cranberries, these are used for getting smooth skin. Other than the antioxidants, the various vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K helps the skin to unclog its pores.
As soon as your skin pores are unclogged, your skin will start breathing and it will glow like never before. The natural acidic property of cranberries along with the right amount of astringents available in the ingredient further helps in eliminating the problem of clogged skin pores.
How To Apply:
- You can start applying the cranberries juice as soon as you feel your skin pores being clogged.
- You can either apply the cranberry juice directly on the skin or can add some honey and lemon juice and then apply the mixture as a face mask.
- The regular use of this face mask will provide you with the benefit of cranberry juice fibre and as a result, will unclog the skin pores.
3. Improves Skin Glow:
Dull skin or dry saggy skin is caused because of free radicals available in the skin. If you can fight against these skin issues, you will win half of your battle to get the needed fairness and glow for your skin. Interested in knowing which ingredient you can use to get the instant skin glow along with reducing the dull, dry and saggy skin?
It is none other than cranberries. As cranberries contain antioxidants, it can work at its best to reduce the number of free radicals in the skin and thus can deliver smooth and glowing skin. Other than the antioxidants, the anti-bacterial and anti-infectious properties of cranberries help in preventing harmful bacteria to grow in the skin tissues.
How To Apply:
- Other than using the available cranberry tablets or cranberry pills, you can apply a mix of cranberries and honey to your face.
- After leaving the face mask for about 15-20 minutes, you can remove it with normal water.
4. Anti-ageing:
Who doesn’t wish for having smooth skin without any effects of ageing? And very honestly, you all must have tried a number of things for reducing the signs of anti-ageing from your skin. Isn’t it? So, have you got the desired benefit? If not, then you should start using cranberry for the skin. Cranberry will prove to be an excellent ingredient to fight the major problem of free radicals and thus minimizes the problem of ageing.
The high amounts of vitamin C, B3, and B5 along with the various antioxidants in cranberries are the secret behind its success against the removal of signs of ageing. It will not only reduces the signs of ageing but will also brighten up your skin and give it a smooth finishing.
How To Apply:
- Mix some cranberry juice and add aloe vera gel and honey and then apply that on the skin.
- Leave the mask for 20-25 minutes and then wash normally.
5. Treats The T-Zone Area To Reduce Oil Buildup:
Cranberry juice for the skin also exhibits the benefit to reduce the oil buildup in the T-zone. The vitamin C available in cranberries works like a wonder for reducing the oil buildup in the T-zone with its effective use.
Vitamin C exfoliates the skin and thus helps in reducing the generation of oil in difficult skin areas. The antioxidants also available in cranberries help in clearing the skin veins and arteries, which result helps in balancing the oil in the skin.
How To Apply:
- You can mix cranberry juice with rose water and a little bit of lemon juice and then apply to your face.
- This face mask will remove all the dust and dirt particles from the skin, leaving it smooth and shiny.
- You can apply this face mask twice a week to maximize its benefits.
6. Reduces Skin Pigmentation:
Skin pigmentation is one of the common problems that happen quite easily to most of people. The pollution, dust, and dirt available in the surroundings can damage your skin without even giving any signs. Therefore, it is always better to prevent your skin against these issues.
Here you can use the dried cranberries nutrition or can take the various cranberry capsules available on the market. These capsules also have the required amount of needed ingredients that your skin needs to safeguard itself against the harmful effects of pollution. Antioxidants and vitamins available in cranberries work in a combined manner to deliver the required amount of benefits against skin pigmentation.
How To Apply:
- Mix egg white, cranberries, aloe vera gel, almond oil, and lemon juice and then apply this on your face for 30 minutes and then wash with normal water.
- The results will be unbelievable.
Top 4 Cranberry Benefits For Hair:
Cranberry juice and its benefits are not just limited to health and skin benefits but you can get an equal amount of cranberry advantages for your hair. Here are some of the potential benefits of cranberry juice for hair growth.
1. Improved Hair Growth:
One of the major cranberry benefits is that it stimulates blood circulation in the scalp and thus fastens hair growth. You can totally rely on the benefits of cranberry for getting long and smooth hair with a dashing glow. It is one of the most trusted cranberry juice uses that are even suggested by most experts. Pure cranberry juice contains the required amount of vitamin A and C, which makes the hair grow stronger and smoother.
How To Apply:
- Mix some cranberry with aloe vera and then apply it on your hair for 20-30 minutes and then rinse properly with normal water.
2. Say Goodbye To Dandruff:
The anti-fungal property of cranberry is the needed remedy when you are fighting against the problem of dandruff. Along with this, the antiseptic properties of cranberry juice reduce the chances of dandruff reoccurring. Apart from this, the vitamin C available in the cranberry supplements not only helps in reducing the problem of dandruff but also improves hair quality.
How To Apply:
- You can directly apply the cranberry juice to the scalp and reduce dandruff with just a few days of use.
- Leave the cranberry juice for 30 minutes on the scalp and then remove it with normal water.
- You can also add almond oil with cranberry juice to enhance its benefits.
3. Treats Scalp Irritation:
Cranberries are also well-known to have anti-inflammation and anti-bacterial properties which are effective for reducing scalp irritation. The use of cranberries brings instant benefits to the problem of scalp irritation. No matter how old or severe the problem is, cranberries can bring in the best of benefits.
How To Apply:
- Mix some egg white with the natural cranberry juice and then apply the mixture to the scalp. Leave it for 30-40 minutes and then rinse off with normal water.
- You can massage your scalp for some time as well.
- Repeating this hair pack twice a week can quickly reduce scalp irritation.
4. Add Shine To Your Hair:
The number of vitamins and minerals in cranberry is just sufficient for adding the needed shine to your hair. Regularly using the cranberry juice or cranberry hair mask will bring natural shine to your hair and also prevent it from obvious damage. This is one of the popular cranberry uses and benefits that help people to add shine to their hair.
How To Apply:
- Mix some mayonnaise with some cranberry juice and make a thick hair mask.
- Leave the hair mask for 15-20 minutes and then wash your hair for getting the desired benefits to your hair.
- Repeat applying this hair mask on a frequent basis and you will notice positive benefits very soon.
Read: Are Blueberries Good for Your Hair?
Side Effects of Consuming Cranberries:
Despite the numerous cranberry fruit health benefits, there are also some side effects associated with the fruit. Proper care should be taken while consuming the fruit as the overdose of it can bring in cranberry side effects. Some of the cranberry juice side effects are as follows:
- Cranberry is not suitable for interstitial cystitis. The consumption of cranberry in this problem can worsen the problem.
- Wearing of the tooth enamel is also considered as one of the potential cranberry side effects.
- If you are on medication for heart problems, even then you should first consult your doctor before consuming cranberry as it may interfere with the existing medication.
- Consuming cranberry in excess amount can cause diarrhoea and can further upset the stomach.
The benefits of cranberry powder are limitless. You name any of the problems and cranberry is found to be the perfect remedy for that. Thanks to the number of benefits of cranberry, the importance of cranberry have increased a lot in recent time.
The cranberry juice benefits are the perfect gift that you can give to yourself for getting the maximum grooming. Try it now and have the most fabulous benefits for your health, hair, and skin.
If you still have any doubts about cranberries, do comment below. We will try and provide you with the best solutions. Our experts will clear all your confusion related to cranberry uses.