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.
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