Don't overlook these fruits in the supermarket. They boost heart and immune health

Although often associated with meat and cheese pairings, cranberries deserve a more regular presence in our homes. Considering their current seasonal availability and beneficial properties, it's a good idea to make the most of them while they're available in supermarkets.

If you've been contemplating whether to purchase fresh cranberries, let this be your friendly nudge toward grabbing a bag. These modest, red gems— somewhat similar in appearance to stalkless cherries— are renowned for their properties that aid the kidneys and urinary system. Cranberry juice can be an incredible booster in your everyday diet. Let's delve into why it's worthwhile to reach for it.

Fresh cranberries consist mainly of water—around 87 percent. As such, they are comparatively low in calories, containing only about 46 kcal per 3.5 ounces. Cranberry juice is an exceptional source of vitamins C and E. It also contains substantial amounts of vitamins K1, B1, B2, B6, and copper, coupled with other ingredients like anthocyanins, flavonols, tannins, and various organic acids including citric, quinic, ursolic, and benzoic acids. These ingredients contribute to the cranberry's distinctively tart taste. Furthermore, cranberry juice is a rich source of polyphenols, which, much like vitamins C and E, act as potent antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals and slowing down our bodily aging processes.

Cranberries and their juice can prove particularly beneficial when we're battling with illnesses like colds, bacterial infections, fungal infections of the gastrointestinal system and urinary tract induced by the Candida yeast, or digestive disorders. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, quercetin, and proanthocyanidins found in cranberries can aid in the prevention of heart disease and cancer, and slow down the bodily aging processes.

Studies show that women who consumed a large glass (approximately 10.1 fluid ounces) of cranberry juice daily for six months had 58 percent less bacteria in their urine. Furthermore, in those suffering from urinary tract infections, the frequency of antibiotic use was halved among the group that consumed cranberry juice compared to those who did not.

Cranberries and cranberry juice contain polyphenols such as proanthocyanidins (OPC), flavonols, and quercetin. These compounds, particularly OPC, exhibit antibacterial properties. They halt bacteria from adhering to the lining of the bladder and urinary tract. This means that the bacteria can't reside in these areas, are removed, and any potential infections are thwarted.