Tis’ the Season of the Cranberry!

December 21, 2017

As most of us know, cranberries and cranberry juice are well know to help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) because of their high acid content. But here’s the nutrition geek in me that did a little digging to find out more about these tart little guys.

Research shows that the unique nature of their proanthocyanidins (PACs) is really what makes a cranberry so effective in preventing UTIs. The structure of these PACs create as a barrier to bacteria that attach to the urinary tract lining. This fact alone has lead researchers to consider other possible cranberry benefits. Take stomach ulcers, for example, which are often related to overgrowth and over-linking of a particular type of stomach bacteria to the stomach lining.

So what this means for us is that in much the same way as cranberries may help prevent bacterial growth for a UTI, they believe it may also help prevent attachment of bacteria to the stomach lining.

Good stuff.. huh? 
 
Even more recent studies have shown that consuming a whole cranberry in its natural form rather than a supplement, powder or extract does a better job of protecting our cardiovascular system and our liver.

Bring ’em on!
 
And like many other red and purple berries we eat and use in smoothies, our friend the cranberry provide just as much of the antioxidant benefits, anti-inflammatory benefits, and anti-cancer benefits as there other berry buddies.

I knew these little morsels were AMAZING!

And lastly, because of their beneficial digestion-aiding enzymes, cranberries are the perfect ingredients for a delicious and nutritious smoothie.

YA!! That’s what I’m talking about : )))
 
Check out my new cranberry “holiday” smoothie recipe below. It’s a bit on the tart side, but incredible properties and taste of the CPTG doTERRA Wild Orange essential make this smoothie sensational… YUM!

cranberriesmoothie

Cranberry Green Smoothie

Cranberry Bliss Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 handfuls swiss chard
  • 1-2 handfuls spinach
  • ​1 small handful of parsley
  • ½ cucumber (peeled)
  • 1 apple
  • ½ avocado (or 1-2 Tbsp. hemp seed)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1-2 drops of doTERRA Wild Orange Essential Oil
  • 2 cups of spring or filtered water

Uplevel your smoothie with these options:

Directions:
Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender. I add doTERRA V-Shake Vegan Protein powder  in mind to make this a complete meal! 

Makes 3 pints 

I’m sure this will rock you world! IF you are new to smoothies, or looking for new recipes just CLICK HERE. If you are interested in unleveling them with essential oils, you can order by CLICKING HERE or email me directly at roseann@roseannzaft.com

Happy holidays and happy sipping!

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