Cranberries

In North America cranberries are associated with Thanksgiving celebrations as an accompaniment to turkey.

Cranberries are also associated with winter festivals in parts of Europe.

Cranberries have also been placed in the growing category of “super fruits” because of their nutrient content and potential health benefits.

As a result, the number of cranberry products available in the grocery store and as natural health products continues to grow.

However, some cranberry products on supermarket shelves are far removed from fresh cranberries.

Rather than offer potential health benefits they may contribute to adverse health effects.

In addition, the health claims made on both grocery products and natural health products need to be considered with caution.

Scientific evidence to support health claims is limited and inconclusive.

There is, as yet, insufficient research to promote cranberry consumption to prevent specific diseases.

However, the nutrients cranberries contain can contribute to a healthy eating plan from which you may derive health benefits.

What are cranberries?

Cranberries are the fruit of short shrubs or trailing vines with small evergreen leaves which belong to the Vaccinium oxycoccus family.

The shrubs or vines produce dark pink flowers which when pollinated and fertilised result in berry formation.

Immature berries are white, but become dark red with maturation and ripening.

The edible berries, which tend to have an acidic taste, have a high micronutrient to macronutrient ratio

Cranberry nutrition

Which nutrients make cranberries a healthy addition to your eating plan and why are cranberries highlighted as “super fruits”? 

1 cup of raw cranberries provides you with small, but not insignificant amounts of:

• vitamin A, beta-carotene,
• vitamins B₁, B₂, B₃ and B₆,
• pantothenic acid,
• vitamins E, C, and K.

In addition, the mineral content of cranberries includes...link to the full article to learn more.