Perhaps the most common use of cranberries is for urinary tract infections. There is little evidence that cranberries can cure a UTI, but there is evidence that cranberry may be able to prevent them. The current thinking is that the unsweetened cranberry juice keeps the bacteria from sticking to the inside of the bladder wall and the urethra which keeps the infection from forming.
One must be careful with cranberry products as most of them contain sugar which causes them to be absolutely useless for prevention of UTI's. This is why many people take a supplement instead of drinking the juice. The juice of raw cranberries, without sugar is very very tart and hard for most folks to drink. Personally I take a cranberry supplement every day as a preventative measure. I have never had a UTI and I hope I never do.
Cranberries contain vitamin A, vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate, potassium, manganese. proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and antioxidants. They are second highest among berries in antioxidant strength with blueberries coming up first.
Drinking cranberry juice in excess can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea.Cranberries have salicilic acid in them which is an ingredient in aspirin. If you are allergic to aspirin you should avoid cranberry in large amounts. If you are prone to kidney stones you may want to avoid large quantities of cranberry because cranberries have oxalates in them which contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
Cranberry beverages can be taken both hot and cold. There are several cranberry teas on the market. A good punch can be made by adding a little carbonated water to the cranberry juice.
I want to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a Happy Thanksgiving. As we continue in the holiday season you can find many good cranberry recipes on the internet. Check out my website at www.valerielull.com I welcome your questions and comments. My e-mail address is below.
Valerie Lull
Author
Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@clearwire.net
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