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
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...