What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Cranberries Regularly

Eating cranberries regularly can improve digestion and promote heart health. This tangy fruit may also help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Cranberries contain type A proanthocyanidins. This flavonoid may decrease harmful bacteria in your colon (large intestine). A healthy colon helps absorb water and electrolytes, produces and absorbs vitamins, and regulates bowel movements.

The fiber found in cranberries may also support digestive health. There is 3.6 grams of fiber in a cup of raw cranberries.

Cranberries are rich sources of vitamin Cwhich offers benefits such as:

• Strengthens your immune system
• Delays the development of certain cancers and heart diseases
• Improves iron absorption
• Produces collagen, a group of proteins that support skin health and help heal wounds

Like other berries, cranberries are antioxidant powerhouses. They are rich in vitamins C, E and K.

Cranberries also contain anti-inflammatory triterpenoids, which may protect against certain cancers like colon cancer.

People who eat cranberries have lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a blood marker of inflammation. Long-term inflammation is a risk factor for premature aging, chronic disease and cognitive decline.

Nutrients in cranberries may help protect against diseases such as:

• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Periodontitis or gum disease
• Tooth decay
• Type 2 diabetes
• Inflammation of the urinary tract

Drinking cranberry juice can protect your heart health. He decreases low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. All risk factors increase the risk of heart disease.

What the science says: A small 2022 study found that people who consumed cranberry powder daily for a month had improved vascular function.

Cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and gums. This may protect against tooth decay and periodontitis (gum disease), but more research is needed.

Further research is needed, but cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract. They can also help reduce inflammation in the urinary tract.

What the science says: A small 2020 study found that certain cranberry products may help prevent and ease the symptoms of UTIs.

Cranberries are generally safe to eat or drink in juice form. However, they are a rich source of fiber. consuming too much can cause diarrheaespecially in children.

Cranberries may interact with the blood thinner warfarin. It’s best to talk to a doctor before adding cranberries to your diet if you are taking a blood thinner.