Introduction
Cranberries are a popular superfood that are packed with antioxidants and other essential nutrients. They are often used in salads, smoothies, and other dishes. However, like any food, there are potential side effects of eating cranberries that you should be aware of. This article will discuss the potential side effects of eating cranberries, as well as tips on how to minimize them. We will also provide some alternatives to cranberries that can provide similar health benefits.
Side Effects of Eating Cranberries-Eat This, Not That
Cranberries are a tart, red berry that is often used in sauces, juices, and jams. They are also a popular ingredient in many health foods and supplements. While cranberries are generally considered to be a healthy food, there are some potential side effects that you should be aware of before consuming them.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Cranberries contain a compound called proanthocyanidins, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in some people. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cranberries, it is best to avoid them or limit your intake.
Allergic Reactions
Cranberries can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating cranberries, seek medical attention immediately.
Interactions with Medications
Cranberries can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, antibiotics, and diuretics. If you are taking any of these medications, talk to your doctor before consuming cranberries.
Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
Cranberries contain oxalates, which can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, it is best to avoid cranberries or limit your intake.
Conclusion
Cranberries are generally considered to be a healthy food, but they can cause some side effects in some people. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is best to avoid cranberries or limit your intake. It is also important to talk to your doctor before consuming cranberries if you are taking any medications.
Cranberries may not be your go-to fruit, but there is good reason to frequently incorporate this tart berry into your meal and snack rotation. While often associated with juice, cranberry sauce, and other sugary recipes, cranberries aren’t usually thought of as being as healthy as other fruits.
However, cranberries are in fact packed with many valuable nutrients, like antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, all of which have many positive health benefits. When you eat cranberries, you’ll be loading up on powerful plant compounds that appear to have a positive impact in many areas of your body, including reducing certain diseases.
Read on to learn more about what happens to your body when you eat cranberries. Then for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out the 44 Best High-Fiber Foods for a Healthy Diet.
The health benefits of cranberries
The most valuable nutrients found in cranberries are its antioxidants and plant compounds, many of which are concentrated in the skin of the cranberry. This fact means cranberries can be most impactful on your health when eaten whole, compared to being processed into a juice. Supplemental forms of cranberry may also possess concentrated amounts of these nutrients if the skin is used. However, you likely lose out on fiber when consuming cranberries in this form.
When you eat cranberries, the antioxidants they contain provide a number of benefits. As with all antioxidants, these compounds stabilize damaging free radicals in your body, preventing them from causing damage to your body. Some of the compounds in cranberries have other health-promoting properties, too.
For example, A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins are thought to prevent urinary tract infections, one of the most common bacterial infections in women. Cranberries are one of the richest sources of this compound and likely the reason cranberry juice and supplements are used as a tool to prevent and manage UTIs. This same compound is also thought to help reduce the risk of the bacteria H. pylori attaching to the stomach lining, which may in turn reduce the risk of stomach cancer.
These proanthocyanidins and other antioxidants are documented to benefit heart health, too. In one study, cranberry extract was found to improve blood cholesterol profiles in those with Type 2 Diabetes while another study saw improved heart health markers in those who consumed low calorie cranberry juice daily.
Different ways you can enjoy cranberries
Cranberries on their own can be really tart and harder to eat, but they can be consumed in many different forms.
Making juices or smoothies, cooking them into sauces to add sweetness, or taking cranberry supplements can all help you consume various amounts of the powerful compounds found in cranberries, so enjoying them in a variety of different preparations may be best. Additionally, limit the amount of added sugar you consume with cranberries, as this ingredient can pose its own health concerns.