How to Use Cranberry as an Antioxidant

Antioxidants are produced naturally by the body to reduce damage to cells caused by oxidation. Much research has been done on the health benefits of antioxidants in preserving the integrity of cells. Antioxidants include certain trace elements, beta-carotene and phenols such as those found in cranberries.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Enjoy Cranberries

1. Find 13 mg. of vitamin C, 4 grams of fiber and lots of antioxidants (phytonutrients) in 1 cup of whole cranberries. Anthocyanin is the antioxidant that gives cranberries their red color, and proanthocyanidin may prevent certain bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.

2. Give your heart the antioxidant benefit when you use cranberries in your daily diet. Animal studies have shown improved blood flow with less blood clotting in the vessels with a regular diet of cranberry.

3. Reap the benefit of antioxidants found in cranberry juice for fighting cancer. The immune-boosting property of antioxidants may reduce the chances of developing certain types of cancer and enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments.

4. Consider the reports that indicate cranberry juice is effective in the reduction of cholesterol. The antioxidant benefits are noted to decrease cardiovascular incidents such as strokes.

5. Choose dried cranberries over raisins or prunes for the highest amount of antioxidants from fruit.

6. Fight cavities with regular cranberry use. The antioxidants quercetin and myricetin have been reported to weaken the ability of Streptococcus mutans to make dental plaque and erode the tooth surface.

Prepare a Cranberry Salad

7. Get a large bowl and combine 2 cups fresh or thawed chopped cranberries, 3 cups miniature marshmallows and 3/4 cup sugar.

8. Cover and place in refrigerator for 8 hours.

9. Add 2 cups chopped apples, 1 cup seedless green grapes and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts.

10. Pour 1 cup chilled whipping cream into a chilled mixing bowl.

11. Whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form.

12. Fold whipped cream into fruit mixture.

13. Place in refrigerator until time to serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for the amount of cranberry in the juice. The higher the concentration of cranberry, the greater the antioxidant benefit.
• The highest amount of antioxidants are found in dried or fresh cranberries.
• Use artificial sweetener and reduced fat whipping cream for a low-calorie salad.
• Add cranberries to your favorite salad, stuffing or cereal to get the nutritional benefit without the added sugar found in cranberry juice.
• Drinking too much cranberry juice can lead to diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress. See your health care provider for an accurate diagnosis before beginning a treatment regimen with cranberry juice.

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