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Research by scientist recently shows cranberry products contain antioxidants and phytonutrients to help protect cancer, diseases including heart disease without harming healthy cells.

Phytonutrients is a health protective substance in naturally derived plant compounds, such as, fruits, vegetables and grains including cranberries to protect against diseases and help human health. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidin (PAC) to prevent urinary tract infections, gum disease and stomach ulcers. The PAC prevents certain bacteria including E. coli. Studies found that cranberry juice is a high-molecular-weight nondialsyable material (NDM) reducing dental plaque and periodontal diseases. Experiments with cranberries in mouth washes show prevention of strep throat.

Cranberries are a healthy fruit containing natural defenses against atherosclerosis (bad cholesterol) which is the accumulation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). Therefore, cranberries contain no cholesterol, no fat and are low in sodium. Drinking cranberry juice and eating cranberries daily will prevent bad health risks and help healthy living. Cranberry products are purchased fresh, juice, dried or as a cranberry sauce with bacteria blocking health benefits. Fiber, vitamins and levels of dietary fibers are found in various cranberry products to benefit health issues.

"The name "cranberry" derives from the Pilgrim name for the fruit, "craneberry", so called because the small, pink blossoms that appear in the spring resemble the head and bill of a Sandhill crane. European settlers adopted the Native American uses for the fruit and found the berry a valuable bartering tool" (http://www.cranberries.org/cr anberries/history.html).

Great Cranberry Pie Recipe:

Cranberry Pie Recipe
Makes 8 servings. Each serving equals one 5 A Day serving.

Ingredients
2 cups cranberries, whole
2 cups blueberries
1 cup sugar
3 Tbsp flour
1 9" ready-to-bake pie crust
Directions
Mix berries. Combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir into mixed berries. Spread mixture into ready-to-bake pie shell. Bake at 425F for 1 hour.

(http://www.medicinenet.c om/script/main/art.asp?article key=57079)
Ready-to-bake pie shell can be substituted for your favorite home-made pie shell.

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