Holiday Berry to LOAD UP On (5 Reasons)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted December 24, 2021
As you belly-up to the table this holiday season, you may be tempted to over-do it a bit.
Want my advice?
Go ahead!
Now I’m not saying go on a week-long binge, but this has been a long year, and we all need to cut loose every once in a while. One or two days of eating anything you desire is really good for your soul.
And believe it or not, one of those delicious treats isn’t as bad as you might think.
Today, I’m going to tell you 5 reasons why you should load up on this amazing holiday berry… and not feel a single but of guilt about it!
I’m, of course, talking about the mighty cranberry.
Cranberries are small, red, round berries that are cousins to the blueberry. They typically have a sour or sharp taste – that is, until we dump a lot of sugar on them.
Scientists know that bright-colored berries are full of healthy goodness because the molecules inside the berries that make them colorful are the same molecules that have health benefits.
Here’s why any nutritional scientist worth his salt piles his plate high with cranberries.
- They’re FULL of health-boosting antioxidants. Cranberries contain quercetin, myricetin, peonidin, ursolic acid, and various proanthocyanidins – ALL of which provide a protective antioxidant effect. You should know that most of these compounds are found in the skin, however, so cranberry juice has way less antioxidant power than whole cranberries.
- They can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). If there’s one thing most people know about cranberries is they’re great for UTIs and kidney health. This is thanks to those same proanthocyanidins which are naturally anti-bacterial. In fact, they can STOP bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
- They’re great for your heart. Many scientific studies show that regular consumption of cranberry helps strengthen your heart overall. In particular, other studies have linked cranberry to lower blood pressure, reduced homocysteine (a compound associated with heart disease), and lower cholesterol.
- They’re good for your gut. Cranberries contain a plant molecule that may reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and stomach cancer caused by Helicobacter pylori.
- They fight cancer. All of those antioxidants I mentioned earlier are anti-inflammatory and can help your body fight cancer.
While you might want to avoid a third helping of your cousin Bob’s special moonshine eggnog or your sister Betty Ann’s seven-layer bars, cranberries are something you can feel good about adding to your plate any time of the year.
P.S. Do you suffer from frequent UTIs? Click here to learn about some easy, all-natural ways to banish them.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Nature’s Pharmacy Knocks Out Long COVID Symptoms
I’ve had many people ask me about Long COVID recently. It’s a big concern because it’s affecting more survivors than you might think. If you’re one of them—before you resign yourself to a life of lingering symptoms—there’s hope on the horizon… And it comes straight from Mother Nature herself. Recent data paints a sobering picture....
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...