Hello everyone, and happy, happy Thanksgiving!! All praise and thanks to God for His goodness and glory! For today, I want to encourage you all to spend the day rejoicing in Him, and celebrating the love of the Lord!
I wanted to highlight a Thanksgiving favorite today: cranberries!
Did you know that 80 million pounds of cranberries are consumed on Thanksgiving? But did you also know that cranberries are not only a delicious seasonal favorite, but are also medicinal, and have a wide variety of health benefits.
Native Americans used cranberries as medicine, a food preservative, and a natural dye. They are one of only a few fruits native to America. Here are some wonderful benefits of and uses for cranberry consumption:
- Urinary Tract Health- With proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, studies show that cranberries can lower and reduce the occurrence of and help heal from UTIs.
- Heart Health- Cranberries improve cholesterol levels. They lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise”good” HDL cholesterol. Studies have shown cranberry juice consumption to positively affect many cardiovascular risk factors.
- Rich Source of Antioxidants- Rich in many antioxidants, especially polyphenols, cranberries help neutralize free radicals in the body. They also reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Anti-inflammatory properties- Cranberries reduce chronic inflammatory conditions. The polyphenols in cranberries reduce inflammation in the body. Research shows cranberries to help manage rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
- Digestive Help- The proanthocyanidins and fiber in cranberries prevent harmful bacteria like H. pylori from colonizing the stomach. It inhibits H. pylori infection, which is a risk factor for stomach ulcers and gastric cancer.
- Cancer Prevention- Quercetin and Ursolic acid, compounds found in cranberries, may help reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancers. The growth and spread of cancer cells can be inhibited by these compounds.
- Oral Health- Cranberries prevent bacteria from binding to the teeth and gums, reducing cavities and gum disease.
- Enhancing Immune Function- Cranberries are high in vitamin C content and other antioxidants. Healthy immune systems ward off infections and diseases.
- Blood Sugar Regulation- Cranberries positively impact blood sugar regulation by improving insulin sensitivity. This benefits those with diabetes and pre diabetes.
- Improved Brain Function- The antioxidants in Cranberries may improve cognitive function and protect against age-related decline. Studies show cranberries to enhance memory and coordination.
So enjoy Thanksgiving traditions; and use cranberries as supplements, as a side dish, as a juice drink, in tinctures and in glycerites. It is refreshing and rejuvenating!
“Let all things now living a song of thanksgiving
to God the creator triumphantly raise,
who fashioned and made us, protected and stayed us,
Who guides us and leads to the end of our days.
His banners are o’er us, His light goes before us,
a pillar of fire shining forth in the night,
’til shadows have vanished and darkness is banished,
as forward we travel from light into light.”
Hymn