by Idyllwilde

Created on: May 10, 2008   Last Updated: June 16, 2008

Move over, Martha Stewart! Your cranberry bog is about to be invaded by cranberry-lovers from all walks of life. Not only are cranberries incredibly healthy, they are also a delicious ingredient that can be added to countless recipes. Cranberries have been drastically under-rated for many years, but this has changed in the last decade as people began to realize the health benefits associated with this gorgeous fruit.

Cranberries are chock full of products that are naturally healing and can supplement your dietary needs with amazing results. Tannins, which are powerful antioxidants, comprise one of the health aids that cranberries boast. These not only may improve your circulation, which in turn can help ward off heart diseases, but are also used in treating asthma.

Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidins, or PACs that have been shown to help heal urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers and even gum disease. This is because the PACs fight certain bacterias, one of which is E. Coli. Worried about that evil twin, the bad cholesterol? Try adding cranberry to your diet.

The most exciting tests being done using cranberries as a natural medicine are those concerning cancers: specifically brain, breast and ovarian cancers. The PACs seem to inhibit certain tumors without damage to the healthy cells surrounding them. Some types of chemotherapy treatment seem to be enhanced with the additional use of cranberries. Scientists are finding cranberries to be an exciting find in the field of natural medicine.

Not only do the tannins in cranberries retain their potency when cooked, but the fruit also contains healthy doses of vitamins C and A, calcium, potassium, magnesium and folic acid. And there is no need to worry about your waistline when you enjoy this treat (one cup of cranberries contains .7 grams of fat). Before you race off to the grocery store, you may want to check out a couple of websites with some great nutritional recipes using cranberries:

http://library.wisc.edu/guides/agnic/cra nberry/cranuse.htm
http://www.alderlakecranberry.com/ recipes.asp

There are recipe books that contain wonderful ideas for cranberries breads, cakes, sauces and muffins. The possibilities really are endless, both for healthy living and delicious eating!

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