After a long, cold winter many of us need to lose a few pounds to get ready for the fast approaching bikini season. We know that dairy, carbs and sugar make us gain weight. But we need something naughty to look forward to and fantasize on… Personally, I am unable to crack my sweet tooth. I wanted something to replace my winter German Chocolate Cake obsession with that would give me multiple benefits. I finally hit upon it.
Cranberry-Apple-Walnut-Puree
This recipe is the bomb for breakfast or dessert! Not only is it light, sweet and delicious but it fights cancer/tumors, boosts immunity and makes your skin glow. I have included facts on cranberries, apples and walnuts from organicfacts.net website (fabulous!) to highlight their benefits. A puree is far easier on your digestive system than the solid version of any of the contents. Why? Because your body exerts vast amounts of energy to break down food every time you eat. This makes you tired and steals energy from your body’s ability to detox.
This is a great treat for children! It is delicious and a brain booster (thanks to walnuts!). Great for your man too especially if you are trying to enhance his fertility…
Ingredients
1 bag of unsweetened frozen organic cranberries (try Whole Foods)
6 organic apples washed and cored
1 cup of shelled walnuts
Cinnamon (optional)
Steam the cranberries and apples until the apples are soft. Wait to cool. Blend them with the walnuts and cinnamon. Sometimes for texture I will add a dash of almond meal and oats on top. This adds fiber-benefits!
Walnuts
The health benefits of walnuts include reduction of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, improvement in metabolism, weight management, and control of diabetes. Other important health benefits of walnuts stem from the fact that these nuts possess anti-inflammatory properties, improve brain health, and help as a mood booster. They are also believed to slow down the spread of cancer.
Walnuts are edible seeds from the trees of Juglans genus. They are round, single-seeded fruits of the walnut tree. The fruit and seed of walnut are enclosed in a thick, inedible husk. The shell of the fruit that encloses the kernel is hard and two-halved.
Walnuts have always been considered as ‘brain food’, perhaps because the surface structure of the walnut has a crinkly appearance like that of the brain. Due to this reason, they have been considered as a symbol of intelligence, leading to the belief that they actually increase one’s intellect. While this is not exactly true, recent studies have proven that the consumption of these seeds does help in promoting brain function. There are two types of walnuts; black and brown. We shall be talking about the brown walnut in detail.
Along with their delicious taste, walnuts have antioxidants and proteins that help in imparting a multitude of health benefits. They are also a delicious supplement and therefore can be easily included in anyone’s diet.
Nutritional Value of Walnuts
Walnuts are 65% fat by weight and 15% protein. They are richer than most nuts in polyunsaturated fats and particularly rich in an omega-6 fatty acid called linoleic acid. Walnuts also have a relatively high amount of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). They are a rich source of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and folate, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc.
Walnuts also contain other essential minerals such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, as well as phytosterols. They are a good source of dietary fiber. They are rich sources of antioxidants like ellagic acid, catechin, melatonin, and phytic acid. Walnuts are also considered as ‘power food’ since they are believed to improve body stamina.
Health Benefits of Walnuts
Let’s find out the major health benefits of walnuts.
Prevent Cancer
Walnuts have the capability of controlling the growth of cancer cells in the body. The phenolic compounds, omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-tocopherol, and other antioxidants found in them recorded a control on human cancer cells, including breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
Improve Heart Function
Walnuts are rich in amino acid l-arginine, omega-3, and monounsaturated fatty acids (72%) like oleic acid. It also contains EFAs like linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and arachidonic acids. The inclusion of walnuts in any diet helps prevent coronary heart diseases by favoring a healthy lipid supply. Their consumption lowers the LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases the level of HDL (good) cholesterol. Consuming walnuts daily also helps lower the risk of high blood pressure.
Antioxidant Power
Walnuts rank second in the list of ‘antioxidant-rich’ foods, after blackberries. The rare powerful antioxidants such as quinone juglone, the tannin tellimagrandin, and the flavonol morin present in walnuts have remarkable free-radical scavenging power. These antioxidants also help prevent liver damage due to chemicals.
Weight Management
Walnuts are one of those nuts that help you feel full, which means that it increases satiety. The rich source of protein and fiber makes it a healthy snacking option, especially for vegetarians.
Improve Male Fertility
Walnut has a positive impact on male fertility by improving sperm quality, quantity, vitality, and motility.
Brain Health
Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids, which increase the activity of the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids coupled with iodine and selenium add to ensuring optimum functioning of the brain. It also treats cognitive disorders like dementia and epilepsy.
Control Diabetes
People suffering from diabetes can have walnuts on a regular basis without any significant weight gain, since they contain a high amount of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Researchers say that the intake of nuts is inversely proportional to the risk of developing type-II diabetes.
Boost Bone Health
Essential fatty acid from walnuts secures the bone health of the body. These increase calcium absorption and deposition, while reducing urinary calcium excretion.
Improve Metabolism
Walnut, along with EFAs, provides minerals like manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium to the body. These minerals help contribute to metabolic activities like growth and development, sperm generation, digestion, and nucleic acid synthesis.
Reduce Inflammation
The polyphenolic compounds and phytochemical substances found in walnuts reduce the effects of inflammation in the body.
Cleanse Digestive System
This superfood helps to clean the internal digestive tract, aiding in detoxification by removal of toxins and waste. It also cures constipation.
Pregnant Women
The rich source of vitamin B-complex present in walnuts is extremely essential for fetal growth. Pregnant mommies are you listening!
Regulate Sleep
This nut makes melatonin, a hormone that helps induce and regulate sleep, and is present in bio-available form in them. Thus, they help make a perfect addition to your dinner dishes that lead you to a great, restful sleep.
Mood Booster
Lack of omega-3 fatty acids (provided by walnuts) can cause hyperactivity, irritability, and tantrums. Supplementing a child’s diet with these nuts compensates the deficit in EFAs and alleviates their mood. This is even applicable to adults who are battling depression and stress.
Skin Care
The vitamin E present in walnut helps in maintaining and protecting the skin from free radicals that are harmful in nature. It also helps in preventing wrinkles and dry skin. Regular use of walnuts also lightens the dark circles.
Astringent Properties
Walnut oils have significant astringent properties. Walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor that helps bring aroma and flavor to the food. This flavor gives a pleasant taste, but only when it is used in moderation. It is used as a carrier/base oil in various therapies like aromatherapy, and massage therapy, as well as in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.
Boost Immunity
Regular consumption of walnuts helps in building strong immune system, which can prevent onset of various diseases. The rich source of antioxidants is responsible for this benefit.
Hair Care
Walnuts are also responsible for healthy hair as they strengthen hair follicles and makes scalp dandruff free. It also provides thicker, longer and stronger hair. You could also use its husk as a natural highlighter.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections on the skin or inside the body, black helps you get rid of it all.
Side Effects
There are some serious side effects linked to walnut consumption, which are as follows:
- Allergy:Overconsumption of walnuts may result in a range of allergic reactions from minor to lethal.
- Digestive issues:Too much consumption of walnut may lead to nausea, stomach pain,diarrhea, bloating, and more.
- Weight gain:Although it is a source of good fats, taking too much of this nut can make your weight rise like nuts!
- Pregnancy and Lactation:Expecting and nursing women are advised to consume this food in standard amounts only. If you desire to increase its dosage, do consult your doctor.
Apples
The health benefits of apples include prevention of heart, stomach, and liver disorders, gallstones, constipation, anemia, and diabetes. They also lower your risk of suffering from rheumatism, eye disorders, a variety of cancers, gout, and Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. . Apples help in reducing weakness, providing relief from dysentery, and promoting digestion. Finally, they also aid in dental and skin care.
What Are Apples?
Apples (Malus domestica)are pomaceous fruits produced by apple tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. Apples are some of the most popular and delicious fruits on the planet. There is nothing like biting into a bright, red, sweet, juicy apple to quench your thirst and satisfy your sweet tooth while boosting your health in a major way. There are more than 7,500 varieties of these delicious fruits and they come in a variety of colors namely red, yellow, and green.
The skin of apples is thin but sturdy and the inner flesh is thick and juicy, and it softens as it ripens. The inner core holds the seeds which are dangerous for your health. The nutrients are in the flesh and the skin, which are a rich source of anthocyanins and tannins. It’s indeed true when they say, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away!’
In 2010, the complete genome of the apple was decoded, which has led to an increase in research and understanding of why apples are so beneficial for our health, and what specific components are responsible for the boost they provide! Let’s take a look at some of those essential components of one of the world’s favorite and healthiest fruits!
Apple Nutrition
Apples are free of fat, sodium and cholesterol. Antioxidants, high dietary fiber, vitamin C, and a few vitamin B are responsible for the long list of health benefits attributed to apples. They are energy-dense and water-rich fruits which help you feel full. They are rightly called ‘nutritional powerhouse’.
The other important nutrients in apple include vitamin K, potassium, copper, manganese, and magnesium. Apples are very good sources of dietary fiber and a single serving provide 12% of the daily fiber requirement. They are also packed with phytonutrients and flavonoids like quercetin, epicatechin, phloridzin, and other polyphenolic compounds.
Health Benefits of Apples
Mentioned below are the best health benefits of apples that actually help you in keeping the doctor away:
Aid in Digestion
Apples, being rich in fiber, help in the digestive process. Regular consumption of apples ensures smooth bowel movements and the prevention of constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other stomach disorders. Fiber also stimulates the release of gastric and digestive juices to ensure efficient uptake of nutrients, while simultaneously scraping excess cholesterol out of your veins and arteries to ensure proper heart health and reduce the chances of atherosclerosis.
Prevent Cancer
Apples have shown moderate improvement in treating various types of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancer. However, the most significant discoveries have been regarding lung cancer. Apples show a distinct and undeniable capacity to reduce lung cancer and slow its spread if it does develop. Hypotheses usually speak about the high phytonutrient content, including kaempferol and quercetin, but the exact mechanism for apples’ impact on cancer is still to be known.
Prebiotic Effects
Apples contain pectin which is a type of fiber that acts like a probiotic. It specifically helps to improve the functioning of the bacteria living in our large intestine. Apples stimulate metabolism within the digestive tract and promote good bacteria in the gut. This prebiotic effect leads to an improved health by maximizing nutrient uptake and eliminating harmful bacteria and toxins.
Reduce Strokes
Studies have shown that regular apple intake reduces the risk of thrombotic strokes in both men and women.
Treat Anemia
Apples are useful in treating anemia since they are a rich source of iron. By increasing the number of red blood cells in the body, apples not only prevent anemia but also ensure a proper oxygenation of essential organ systems. This results in enhanced blood circulation and proper functioning of the organ systems.
Boost Immune System
Apples rich in vitamin C, antioxidant compounds and protein can have a major role in preventing weakness, boosting immunity, and improving muscle tone. If you want to gain weight, apples should be a part of your daily diet. They also help in detoxifying the body and improving the overall health.
Control Diabetes
Blood sugar control is essential for people who suffer from diabetes and the polyphenols in apples have been directly linked to reducing the uptake of carbohydrates by the body. This, in turn, reduces the fluctuation of blood sugar levels that occur in the bloodstream, an important factor for keeping diabetes in check. The polyphenols also lower glucose absorption in our digestive tract and stimulate the release of insulin from our pancreas, which is also necessary to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Finally, the polyphenols stimulate the insulin receptors on cells throughout our body, which speeds up the removal of sugar from our bloodstream and gets it to our cells for metabolism and proper organ function.
Dental Care
Eating apple helps in cleaning both, the teeth and gums. When you eat apples, the fiber in them cleanses the teeth, while the antibacterial properties of this fruit keep bacteria and viruses from infecting the body. Apples also stimulate the secretion of saliva (an alkaline compound).which reduces the ability of bacteria to multiply and grow in your mouth.
Prevent Alzheimer’s
The antioxidant effects of all the phytonutrient compounds in apples certainly help to reduce Alzheimer’s diseases, since the degeneration of the brain that leads to Alzheimer’s has been linked to free radical activity. In terms of Parkinson’s, apples stop the gradual breakdown of dopamine-producing nerve cells, which can be an underlying cause of the disease.
Boost Brain Health
Apples increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain, which is linked to improving concentration, problem-solving, and memory.
Treat Asthma
Apples have shown tremendous anti-inflammatory behavior and in terms of asthma, they have stood out among other natural treatments. Quercetin, a flavonoid present in the apple skin helps reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.
Prevent Heart Diseases
Apples help lower the risk of heart stroke and various other heart ailments. The antioxidant property of apples reduces the oxidation of fats, called lipid peroxidation. It also neutralizes various fats found in blood vessels that can exert dangerous pressure. The flavonoid quercetin reduces inflammation in our blood vessels. The polyphenol epicatechin also lowers the blood pressure in the body.
Lower Cholesterol
The soluble fiber present in apples helps to lower the level of cholesterol in the body, making it a strong defensive mechanism against cardiovascular diseases. Eating apples every day results in 23% decrease in LDL (bad) cholesterol and 4% increase in HDL (good) cholesterol in just six months.
Improve Bone Health
Compounds like kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin present in apple have been linked to reducing inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout. Thus, people suffering from rheumatism find apples very useful as they aid in the healing process.
Improve Vision
Apples help to prevent conditions like macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. They also make the eyes stronger and improve eyesight and help in treating night blindness. Apples are rich in flavonoid compounds and antioxidant phytonutrients, which reduce the impact of free radicals on the eyes and prevent the various issues.
Weight Loss
The water and fiber in apples make us feel and increase satiety, thereby reducing appetite and overeating. Apples actually speed up metabolism so that the additional calories consumed after eating an apple don’t register in our body. Meaning, they are burned off quicker, or not absorbed by the body at all. This is great news for millions of people struggling with obesity.
Skin Care
The powerful antioxidants in apples counteract the damaging effects of free radicals, which are directly linked to premature aging, wrinkles,age, age spots and age-related conditions.
Apples also increase circulation which keeps the skin looking young and toned. They stimulate the replacement of old cells, repair of the damaged ones, and prevention of acne. Pastes made of apple and honey or apple and milk increase the shine and glow of the skin when topically applied.
Protect From NSAIDs
Catechin and chlorogenic acid found in apples help protect the stomach lining from injury due to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These are a class of painkillers which may injure the stomach cells.
Prevent Gallstones
The rich source of pectin in apples helps in controlling excess cholesterol in the body, solidification of which results in gallstones.
Rich Source of Vitamin C
One large apple provides approximately 11% (for men) and 14% (for women) of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C. This essential vitamin helps increase the immunity against infections and diseases. The ascorbic acid reserves found in apple helps in collagen formation which provides a range of benefits for the skin.
Treat Hemorrhoids
The abundant fiber in apples helps in preventing constipation and straining too much pressure during excretion. Thus, they help alleviate hemorrhoids.
Detoxify Liver
The vitamins, minerals, and fiber in apples help to flush all the toxins out of the liver.
Hair Care
Applying apple juice to scalp prevents dandruff. Washing the hair and finally rinsing it from apple juice gives it a healthy shiny look. It also acts as a good conditioner.
Uses of Apples
Apple can be used in different ways for different purposes as follows:
- Eat it:Apples can be eaten raw right off the tree or in a variety of dishes such as fruit salads and custards. These fruits can be baked, minced, mashed, frozen, or even dried into chips as a healthy, sweet snack.
- Drink it:Apple juice is also a common drink throughout the world and it is also included in many desserts.
- Apply it: The oil extracted from its seeds is also useful and has many applications especially in the cosmetic industry. The benefits of apple seed oil include reducing the appearance of acne, reducing wrinkles, and moisturizing the skin.
How to Buy and Store Apples?
Here are a few tips for selecting and storing apples:
- When you buy apples, make sure they are firm.
- Don’t buy the ones that have wrinkles, since they have lost most of their health benefits and nutritional values.
- Do not select the ones that are unusually soft or bruised.
- Do not store apples that are overripe or are beginning to rot with the ones that are firm
Note: Ripe apples metabolize their nutritional resources by releasing a compound called ethylene gas. This ethylene gas can stimulate the rapid ripening and rot of other apples. So make sure to remove these ones from the bag of apples that you buy.
The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart diseases. It is also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.
Cranberries
Cranberries are a versatile fruit and their benefits make them useful in food as well as in medicinal products. The Latin name for the cranberry plant is Vaccinium macrocarpon and they are one of the native fruits of North America. Cranberries have a tremendous amount of antioxidant capacity as compared to other vegetables and fruits like broccoli, spinach, and apples. One cup of cranberries measures a total 8983 antioxidant capacity.
Nutritional Value of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. By containing only 45 calories per cup, cranberry juice fits very well within the dietary guidelines. Cranberry juice also contains 87.13 g water per 100 g. It provides energy, protein, and carbohydrates. In terms of minerals, it contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin E(alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone). Cranberries are members of the Ericaceae family and are native to North America.
Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has long been used for curing various illnesses. The health benefits of cranberries include the following.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections refer to the existence of certain micro-organisms in the urine that exceed normal levels. These infections can develop in the bladder and cause cystitis in the kidney to cause renal parenchyma, or in the prostate, resulting in bacterial prostatitis. Studies have shown that cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins that possess anti-clinging properties, which prevent the bacteria from binding itself to the cells on the walls of the bladder. These compounds prevent bacteria from multiplying further and flush them out of the body through urination.
Research shows that drinking cranberry juice regularly can help prevent recurring UTIs in middle-aged and pregnant women. Regular intake of cranberry juice has also been proven beneficial for patients undergoing other treatments in the hospitals as a guard against the urinary tract diseases. It is beneficial in reducing the risk of UTI amongst women undergoing elective benign gynecological surgery. The study also suggests that cranberry juice may even help in preventing pediatric urinary tract infection. However, cranberry juice is not effective in treating UTIs once you have the infection and is only a preventative measure.
Antitumor Effects
The anti-tumor efficacy offered by cranberry juice is attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds within the fruit. Studies have suggested that regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon, prostate, and other cancers. Cranberry juice contains a high amount of salicylic acid which can help reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and eliminate tumors.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Cranberry juice can help lower the risk of heart-related ailments and assist in sustaining cardiovascular health. The flavonoids present in cranberries have antioxidant properties and may decrease the threat of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the arteries are narrowed due to the build-up of fat, calcium, and cholesterol found in blood. This obstructs the flow of oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body and may lead to potentially fatal outcomes like heart attacks and strokes. These compounds have been shown to delay and suppress the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and beneficially stimulate the blood platelets.
Prevents Tooth Decay
According to new research studies, cranberry juice prevents tooth cavities. Proanthocyanidins, a chemical compound present in cranberries, inhibits harmful bacteria from clinging to teeth. These components inhibit acid production and protect the teeth from periodontal diseases by preventing the growth of plaque. Good oral hygiene, along with the consumption of cranberries, disrupts the pathogenic mechanism of dental caries and generally makes for good dental health. At the same time, one should watch out for the soaring sugar content and the acidity of some commercially available cranberry juices – natural juice is always better!
Avoids Respiratory Infections
According to conducted studies, cranberry juice helps inhibit certain strains of the Haemophilus influenza, which is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. The juice inhibits the bacteria’s hair-like structures, inhibiting them from adhering to the surface of the skin.
Prevents Cancer
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. Studies have suggested that diets rich in flavonoids play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of cancer as well as cancer mortality. Cranberry juice contains anti-carcinogenic components that interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those associated with colon and prostate cancer. According to studies, proanthocyanidins can stop micro-tumors from developing in the blood vessels. Regular consumption of cranberry juice prevents the rapid growth of tumors. Chemicals in cranberries also prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.
Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Although cranberry juice is a natural source of calcium, many juice companies add extra calcium to cranberry juice. Natural or otherwise, calcium reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis.
Cures Cold
Fresh cranberry juice is effective in fighting infections. It cures sore throats and colds.
Weight Loss
Cranberry juice is rich in organic acids, which have an emulsifying effect on the fat deposits in our body. So, it is good for people who want to shed those extra kilos.
Prevents Kidney Stones
The high amount of acid components in cranberry juice prevents kidney stone formation.
Treats Peptic ulcers
Peptic ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. This microorganism attacks the protective layer of the stomach and duodenum, which is a first part of the intestine. This may lead to further inflammation of the stomach lining. Foods rich in flavonoids, a category that includes anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins, like cranberries, apples, and garlic help reduce the risk of stomach disorders, including stomach ulcers, by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria. An investigative study performed on a group of patients having that type of stomach disorders showed a 50% advantage over patients who didn’t consume cranberry juice. Therefore, doctors commonly advise the regular intake of cranberry juice to suppress the infection.
Prevents Scurvy
Deficiency of vitamin C in an individual can result in scurvy. Cranberries provide high levels of vitamin C, which is also vital for the body to make collagen, the main component responsible for the healthy functioning of tissues.
Treats Lung inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry juice have been proven to be effective against the inflammation caused in the lungs by the influenza virus. A substance called nondialyzable material or NDM present in cranberries prevent the influenza virus from sticking to the cells, hence preventing a flu infection.
Anti-aging Benefits
The USDA scientists at the human research center suggest that the wealth of phytonutrients and antioxidants present in cranberries play a vital role in providing protection against the problems that develop with age, such as memory loss and lack of coordination. Cranberries have a multitude of therapeutic properties that protect the cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals that contribute to aging, thereby making the skin look younger.
Uses of Cranberry Juice
- Cranberry fruit extract is used in making various sauces and cranberry juice cocktail.
- About one liter of juice can be extracted from 1500 grams of fresh cranberries.
- Cranberry juice cocktails are approximately 30% pure cranberry juice mixed with artificial sweetener or fructose.
- Dried cranberries can be enjoyed with breakfast cereals or can be added to muffins.
Side Effects of Cranberry Juice
Cranberries and cranberry juice offer a variety of health benefits, barring the few exceptions listed below:
Warfarin (Coumadin): Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that is used as a blood thinner, and it lowers the chances of blood clots occurring in the body. These blood clots can further result in serious conditions like cardiovascular disorders or clots in the legs, lungs, and other parts of the body. There are indications that people who take warfarin should be cautious regarding the intake of cranberry, as they are at a high risk of bleeding. Excess consumption of cranberry juice is not recommended for these people as it may affect the efficacy and safety of warfarin in the body. In such cases, it is always advisable to regularly get your blood tested in order to consume the correct dose of the medication.
Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain substantial quantities of salicylic acid, which is also present in aspirin. People who need blood thinners and are prescribed aspirin should avoid consuming too much cranberry juice. Intake of cranberries should also be restricted if you are allergic to aspirin.
Kidney stones: Cranberry extracts contain a significant concentration of oxalate and calcium. This amplifies the chances of developing calcium-oxalate stones and uric acid stones in certain people. People who have kidney stones or have a history of kidney stones should consult a medical professional before consuming cranberry supplements or a large amount of cranberry juice. Studies have provided evidence that cranberry juice can raise the level of oxalate in the urine by up to 43%.
Cranberry extracts have been used to deodorize urine in some people who have complications in controlling urination, also known as urinary incontinence. The extracts can prevent the urinary catheters from blocking and speed up the curative process of the membrane around the stomach.
Word of Caution: Unsweetened cranberry juice tastes slightly sour, but for medicinal purposes, 2 ounces of cranberry juice diluted in 8 ounces of water is recommended. It is very good for your overall health. Finally, cranberry juice strengthens the immune system and helps relieve stress. It works well for skin conditions like acne and can be consumed dried, fresh or frozen.
Enjoy cranberries in any form you like, and also enjoy the wealth of health benefits you can get from this powerful little fruit!
