Cranberries have become popular because of the health benefits it has to offer. Cranberries are mostly grown in North America but are now available globally. Cranberries have a sour taste and not preferred raw. Some take cranberry as a supplement but the benefits can also be found in more natural forms such as tea.

Introduction

Cranberries are either consumed when dried, as juice or the most delicious and nutritious of all as cranberry tea. Cranberry tea benefits as it is rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants that are effective in treating health conditions like UTI.

Funny Facts about Cranberries

• Did you know that people celebrate National Cranberry Relish Day? Yes, it is celebrated on 22nd November.
• Over 400 million pounds of cranberries are sold in America every year.
• It is considered the official state berry in Massachusetts since 1994.
• The juice of this berry restricts the pathogens responsible for tooth decay.
• Cranberries are largely grown in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.

Nutritional Facts of Cranberry Tea

55 gms of chopped cranberries for ½ cup tea contains-

Cranberry Tea Health Benefits

It’s difficult to believe that something as simple as a glass of tea could have lasting health benefits. Cranberry tea, while far from being a miracle, offers a range of support to a myriad of systems in our bodies. There is research to support cranberry’s benefits in the following areas:

Heart Health

Drinking this tea prevents cardiovascular diseases. Cranberry fruit contains polyphenols that reduce the risk of CVD. Drinking this regularly prevents the accumulation of plaque in arteries and improves the blood and oxygen flow to the heart. It doesn’t allow platelet accumulation and reduces blood pressure as it is anti-inflammatory in nature (R).

Oral Health

Cranberry tea slows down the progression of gum and tooth decay. It is important to pay attention to dental health, as many diseases are linked to oral hygiene. The properties of the tea strengthen gums and fight harmful bacteria. Streptococcus mutans is a bacteria that disturbs dental health, and drinking this tea prevents this bacteria from sticking to the mouth (R).

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

The biggest role cranberry plays is in the treatment of UTI. It treats the symptoms of this nagging disease and also reduces recurrence. The tea is rich in antioxidants that prevent the growth of bacteria in the bladder (R). It also creates an acidic environment, which makes it further difficult for the bacteria to thrive. Cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins, which prevent E.Coli from sticking to the bladder and prevents UTI.

Digestion

A natural remedy to improve digestion would be to drink Cranberry Tea, the same properties that protect the heart and aids digestion. It prevents the growth of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach which is one of the root causes of stomach ulcers (R).

Anti-Cancer

Drinking Cranberry Tea reduces the chances of cancer. It contains Phytochemicals, and it works in preventing the growth of cancer cells. It contains flavanol and anthocyanin glycosides that benefit from killing cancer cells. Studies show that cranberry extracts reduce the progression of cancer and the size of a tumor. It may also have a positive influence on breast cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer (R).

Method to Prepare Cranberry tea

Cranberry tea is incredibly easy to prepare. The base is, obviously, cranberry! Anything after that is mostly for consideration of flavor. Water will help dilute and volumize, sugar will help reduce the bitterness, and lemons add a nice compliment to help balance everything out. Here’s the basic recipe for cranberry tea:

Ingredients

• Water- 3 ½ quarts
• Cranberries- 1 ounce
• Sugar- 2 cups
• Lemons- 2 juiced

Instructions

• Take a pan and boil water.
• Now, Add the cranberries and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Add the sugar and the juice. You may also add some ginger juice, cardamom, and cloves to enhance the taste.
• Cover and let it steep for an hour. Serve hot.

The Bottom Line

Cranberry Tea is delicious and beneficial for health. The benefits of cranberry cannot be counted on your fingers. To reap complete health benefits of cranberry, you can consume it in the form of supplements but with doctor’s approval. This tea cleanses the body and detoxifies the kidney, liver, and lymph. It is a natural form of tea, which gives you no reason not to try it.