Health & Beauty Benefits: Cranberry Edition

Sorry for the laziness on Wednesday. Sometimes shit happens and you forget to publish your blog post.

Oops.

On Friday’s I have been rotating between beauty posts, fashion posts and Health Benefits Of Posts which means today is a new edition of Health Benefits Of.

To get you into the holiday spirit I thought it would be fun to do a post on Cranberries!

Festive, right?

“Cranberries, which are known as karonda in Hindi are small acidic berries which grow on evergreen shrubs that are native to North America. They were first harvested by Native Americans and later by the Europeans. Since the dawn of the 21^st century, cranberries have been touted to be super fruits due to their rich nutrient and antioxidant properties. Cranberries can be processed into juice, jam, sauce or candies. They are also available in a dried form.”

Most people know about cranberry juice, cocktail and pills. Most often these are used for cocktails and for U.T.I’s.

Yeah…those can get nasty.

Anyways.

Let’s dive into some of the other uses of cranberries for your health and beauty.

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Health & Beauty Benefits of Cranberries:

Works as an Aphrodisiac

Cranberries help to keep sex glands running, since they are rich in Vitamin C. They are also really good for reproduction and immunity.

Keeps your Kidney and Bladder in Check

Citric acid and other nutrients in cranberries help to prevent kidney stones and bladder problems.

Helps the Heart

They help to reduce bad cholesterol levels which clog the arterial walls. Hence, they also reduce the chances of heart attacks.

Has Anti-tumor Properties

The polyphenol compound present in cranberry has anti-tumor effects. Regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon and prostate tumors.

The presence of salicylic acid reduces swelling and prevents the formation of blood clots which can lead to tumor.

 Curbs Yeast Infection

Yeast infections are caused due to an overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria in the body and occurs mostly in men and children. This juice contains substances that render the bacteria ineffective to cling to the walls of the mouth, intestines or urinary tract. Fresh cranberry juice flushes out yeast and other excess fungi from the body.

Prevents Hair from Falling Out

We already know that cranberry juice is rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are essential for promoting hair growth. Drinking cranberry juice regularly may help to keep hair strong and prevent hair fall.

Anti- Aging Properties

With its high concentration of antioxidants, vitamins C, B3 and B5, drinking cranberry juice everyday not only enhances the turnover of cells, but also shields them against any damage caused due to environmental factors. The free radicals present in the environment are responsible for the formation of wrinkles, redness, pigmentation and fine lines on the skin. Antioxidants in cranberry juice combat the free radicals by supplying the missing electrons, reducing the damage caused and slowing down the aging process. 

Treats Dandruff

Many scalp conditions can be treated with the help of cranberry juice. The properties, such as anti-fungal and anti-septic help in preventing dandruff. These properties also contribute to prevent psoriasis. It can be applied on the scalp directly to eliminate the conditions. Damaged hair can be treated effectively with the use of cranberry juice as cranberry juice contains Vitamin C.

Firms up Skin

Vitamin C in cranberry juice is crucial for the production of hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, the amino acids which are required for the production of collagen in the body. Collagen helps the blood vessels under the skin carry oxygen and other nutrients which, in turn, soften and firm up the skin and make it look young and radiant. This juice is a favorite as it offers ample protection against the harsh winter weather conditions. Consumption of cranberry juice will help keep the skin smooth and supple even during winters.

Treats Acne

The antiseptic properties of this cranberries are very effective for treating acne and boils on the skin. Cranberry juice is rich in resveratrol, an antioxidant, which is very effective in minimizing acne and pimples.

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While researching about cranberries I was pretty blown away by all the benefits, especially since I was recently diagnosed with Eczema, check out the story here. I had no idea that cranberries were especially good to consume during winter time which is a major cause of dry skin, which in turn can cause Eczema.

ALSO – I don’t know about you, but my lips get hella dry during the winter. I perpetually have a thin white line hovering on the tops of my lips.

I fucking hate that.

Luckily cranberries are another source to keep your lips healthy. They are super effective in treating dry and pigmented lips. If you use cranberries topically, your lips will become depigmented, soft and radiant. You can use cranberry juice, cranberry-infused lip gloss or balm or cranberry paste to see visible results.

Have a fab weekend!

Xx

K

Sweet and Masala