We may be done with Thanksgiving, but cranberries are not done with us.
Sure, we had our fill of turkey and cranberry sauce, but lest you think cranberries are a one and done holiday accoutrement, oh you’ve got another think coming. We’re about to enter the thick of the holiday season, and cranberries are taking center stage in the form of sauces, decorations, and festive drinks.
These tiny, tart berries are more than just a colorful addition to your holiday table. Packed with nutrients, they offer a sleigh-load of health benefits.
Let’s unwrap the top five health benefits of cranberries and see how they can be a merry and bright part of your holiday diet.
1. Powerhouse of Antioxidants
Cranberries are the little elves of the fruit world, working hard to protect your body.
They’re loaded with antioxidants, which combat free radicals, those pesky molecules that can lead to a variety of chronic diseases. During the holidays, when indulgence peaks, adding a handful of cranberries to your diet could be a simple way to keep your body’s defenses up.
2. Urinary Tract Health
A little TMI, but it’s still important to know that cranberries can maintain urinary tract health.
They contain compounds that prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls. Including cranberry sauce or juice in your holiday meals isn’t just a tasty tradition; it’s also a boon for your urinary system.
3. Digestive Health
The holidays are notorious for delicious but sometimes heavy meals.
Cranberries can be your tummy’s best friend during this season. They contain dietary fiber which aids digestion and can help prevent constipation, keeping your digestive system merry and light.
4. Heart Health
Cranberries are full of heart-healthy compounds, including flavonoids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and, in general, are a funny word to read and say out loud.
Their anti-inflammatory properties are like a holiday gift to your arteries, helping to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. A sprinkle of dried cranberries over a salad or a glass of cranberry juice could be a simple way to keep your heart beating with holiday joy.
5. Immune Support
Winter brings with it the gift nobody wants, colds and the flu.
Cranberries, with their high vitamin C content, are great for bolstering your immune system. Integrating cranberries into your holiday diet might help keep you off Santa’s sick list.
But the magic of cranberries doesn’t stop at vitamin C. They also boast a suite of other immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin E and K, and antioxidants. These components work together to enhance your body’s ability to fight off infections, making them a natural and tasty way to boost your immunity.
🎄 🕎 🕯️ SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT 🎄 🕎 🕯️
In addition to cranberries, you know what else we love? Gnomes.
As such, we present our Gnome for the Holidays Gift Basket, built in a hyacinth basket, featuring a plush gnome ornament, gnome cookie jar, gnome nog mix, gnome cocoa mix,
Walker’s shortbread, Magnolia Bakery banana pudding cookie, Dolcetto wafer cookie pack, and more!
About BasketWorks
BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!
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