It turns out that cranberry is not only good for urinary tract infections, but it’s also good for the heart and has the ability to supercharge your health.
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The Heart of the Matter
The study, fielded by a collaborating team of scientists from Washington State University and Tufts University, looked at what happens when overweight but otherwise healthy individuals drank a cranberry beverage containing heart-healthy polyphenols. After two glasses (15.2 oz.), the volunteers showed healthier blood sugar levels without spikes or dips, changes often attributed to cravings or fatigue. The health benefits were sustained if they continued drinking two glasses on a regular basis.
- After eight weeks of daily cranberry beverage consumption, individuals had increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps maintain artery health by sweeping up bad cholesterol.
- Participants also showed better blood vessel function and less oxidative stress, which can prevent inflammation, a condition often linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and arthritis.
- Researchers also noted that the cranberry beverage helped maintain blood sugar levels within normal range over the eight week study.