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
The $1000 Weight-Loss Secret Your Body Makes for FREE
Weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have become household names. These injectable GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs have captured widespread attention, with celebrity endorsements and social media success stories highlighting their dramatic results. But here’s what those glossy headlines aren’t telling you… GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone released by your gut. It acts as...
Brain Fog? Your Thermostat Could Be the SURPRISING Culprit
Cranking up the heat in winter or blasting the AC in summer can send your utility bills soaring. So, it’s no surprise that many of us choose to grit our teeth and endure it. But that could be a huge mistake. New research reveals that extreme indoor temperatures don’t just make you uncomfortable—they could be...
Nature's Powerful COVID-19 Defense REVEALED
While Big Pharma scrambles to cash in on new COVID-19 treatments, Mother Nature already has powerful allies waiting in the wings. A groundbreaking review in the journal Nutrients revealed a secret that Big Pharma won’t advertise—common herbs and supplements could ease mild COVID-19 symptoms. And the best part? You won’t need a prescription or to...
Women, Don’t Ignore These 5 Signs!
I’ve spent decades in medicine, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that women are tough as nails. They’re pros at pushing through discomfort and brushing off warning signs. But that strength can also be their biggest health risk. Feeling tired? Well, of course—after all, you’re juggling a million things! Short of breath? It...
5 Warning Signs Men Should NEVER Ignore!
Men—listen up. I know you pride yourself on being tough. You insist on pushing through and refuse to make a fuss about “every little ache and pain.” But here’s the cold, hard truth… That tough guy act? It could KILL you. As a doctor I get an unwanted first-row seat to some hard-learned lessons. Hardly...
Mailbag: Is Your Gut Secretly Attacking Your Joints?
“Can a leaky gut cause sudden onset arthritis? My wife has developed arthritis over a 2-month period that is almost debilitating at this point, and she has constant diarrhea. Are these symptoms connected in some way?” -Leaky and Lost Hi Lost, When my patients ask me about leaky gut, my answer is always the same: “It’s...
“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk
If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan. There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week. But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea. Now, new research suggests it was a...
Nature's New Mood Booster? (It's Already in Your Kitchen!)
Scientists uncovered something surprising hiding in plain sight in our kitchens. And it might turn out to be nature’s answer to fighting depression. The best part? You’re probably already eating it… Let’s find out. An exciting new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reveals that naturally occurring spermidine could help keep the blues...
Coffee Mug Hack Could Head Off Cancer
If you’re a coffee lover, it doesn’t get much better than that first cup of morning coffee. But before you reach for your favorite mug, I have some news that might make that java taste EVEN better. A new study finds your coffee habit could protect you from one of the world’s most common cancers…...
WALK Away from Cancer? Study Says “Yes!”
When you’re battling cancer, the LAST thing you need is more questionable advice. Yet a parade of well-meaning folks will insist you must do everything from running marathons to moving to a Greek island in order to outsmart the disease. But what if something as simple as a daily walk could give you the extra...