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Cranberries

If you haven't added cranberries to your diet yet, start now!  Fresh cranberries are available in September through December and they are packed with goodness!  While they're a favorite side dish for traditional winter meals, cranberries are a superfood and are definitely worth adding to your daily menu. A lot of research has been conducted on the healthful properties of cranberries, here are just a few:

• Researchers at Rutgers University’s Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research found that the cranberry is in the top tier of foods with health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, cranberries protect cells from free radicals.
• New research from the National Institutes of Health is focusing on cranberries' effects on yeast infections, heart disease and other conditions.
• According to new findings present at the American Heart Association's High Blood Pressure Research Session regularly drinking cranberry juice can help control blood pressure.
• Research has shown that cranberry juice binds to bacteria, preventing it from sticking to cell walls and causing urinary tract infections.
• Regular cranberry juice consumption can reduce the risk of stomach cancer and ulcers in some people by killing the H. pylori bacteria.
• Your teeth can even benefit from cranberries, as Howell has discovered that a compound in cranberries, proanthocyanidine, can prevent plaque from forming on teeth.
• Drinking cranberry juice daily may increase levels of HDL, or good cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol.
• Cranberries may prevent tumors from growing rapidly or starting in the first place.

Cranberries are also rich in vitamin C and fiber, have only 45 calories per cup and no fat. In disease-fighting antioxidants, cranberries outrank nearly every fruit and vegetable--including strawberries, spinach, broccoli, red grapes, apples, raspberries, and cherries.Only blueberries top cranberries' antioxidant capacity. The strong, tart flavors of fresh cranberries may deter you from adding them to your 'favorites' list, so try these ideas to getting these superberries into your family's nutritional regimens!

• Add dried cranberries to your favorite cereal in the morning.
• Drink 100% natural fruit juice that includes cranberries
• Replace or add some dried cranberries in your blueberry muffins or pancakes for a new taste and an appealing, festive look!.
• Add to a chutney as a accompaniment to roast chicken or broiled fish.
• Dried cranberries with a handful of nuts make an excellent, satisfying snack.
• Sprinkle over salads.

Get creative and before you know it a meal won't seem complete without delicious, power-packed cranberries!