Cranberries Pack Nutrition Punch

Cranberries Pack Nutrition Punch

Cranberries are heading to supermarkets all across the country.  Wisconsin is the nation’s leading producer of cranberries, harvesting more than 60 percent of the country’s crop. The little red berry, Wisconsin’s official state fruit, is the state’s number one fruit crop, both in size and economic value.

The cranberry, once called “crane berry” by settlers because of its blossom’s resemblance to the sandhill crane, was first harvested in Wisconsin around 1860 by Edward Sacket in Berlin, Wisconsin. Today, more than 250 growers produce cranberries throughout central and northern Wisconsin.

Cranberries pack a powerful – and healthy – punch! Studies show that the tart, red berry is a unique, good-for-you fruit that offers a wide variety of health benefits. Not only are cranberries a healthy, low-calorie snack, but they can also play a significant role in preventing urinary tract infections, reducing the risk of gum disease and much more.

Positively Good For You

·         Cranberries and cranberry products contain significant amounts of antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

·         Cranberries may be beneficial in the prevention of ulcers, which are linked to stomach cancer and acid reflux disease.

·         Cranberries contain hippuric acid, which has antibacterial effects on the body, as well as natural antibiotic ingredients

The cranberry has moved beyond the Thanksgiving table to become a favorite food year-round. Sweetened-dried cranberries are finding their way into everything from summer salads to trail mix and cookies, and cranberry juices and sauces come in more varieties now than ever before!

Source: Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.