Since Autumn has arrived, some people who like fruits have been contemplating adding cranberries to their diet and festive holiday menu. Besides being celebratory, cranberries are considered to be health-enhancing fruits that add sweetness and beautiful red colors to traditional holiday meals.
Cranberries are nutritious red fruits that are low in calories. The said fruits offer an advantage to individuals watching their weight or adhering to a healthy eating lifestyle. The weight-reducing benefits of cranberries are known to be:
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Low-Calorie Count: Cranberries are relatively low in calories, making them a suitable choice for snacking or incorporating into your meals without significantly increasing your caloric intake.
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High Fiber Content: Cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
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Antioxidants: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and various phytochemicals, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants support overall health and may be beneficial for weight reduction.
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Provide Hydration: Cranberries have a high water content, which can help with hydration. Staying hydrated is important for weight loss because thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger.
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Help with Blood Sugar Control: Some research suggests that cranberries may help regulate blood sugar levels, which can be beneficial for managing weight, especially for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
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Improve Gut Health: The fiber in cranberries can promote a healthy gut by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. A balanced gut microbiome has been associated with weight regulation and overall well-being.
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Can Help Reduce Cravings: The tart taste of cranberries may help reduce sugar cravings. In doing so, one can find cranberries to be useful to curb overeating and weight gain.
It is essential to note that while cranberries can be a valuable part of a weight management plan, no single food will magically make one person lose weight. A balanced and varied diet, along with regular physical activity, are key to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Cranberries are very tart fruits that must be sweetened in order to be palatable. Caution is needed when consuming cranberry products: the majority of such commercial products contain high levels of added sugars. The regular and excessive consumption of foods containing heavily processed and artificial sugars is scientifically proven to generate obesity, diabetes, and multiple comorbidities.
Beware of: cranberry paste and cranberry juice cocktails. They are usually overloaded with sucrose and or high fructose corn syrup. The added sugars in such adulterated products can negate the weight benefits of watching one’s weight.
Nutritionists recommend the consumption of fresh or frozen cranberries as a healthier alternative to artificially sweetened cranberry products.
Sri Regine Lherisson-Bey, Ph.D. and doctorate degree candidate in Natural Medicine, is a Mind-Body Therapist, Wellness Coach, and published Author voted Wellness Expert by peer consensus in 2005. Therapist Lherisson-Bey is the author of the Kindle bestseller HOW TO DETOXIFY YOUR LIFE NATURALLY as well as the weight management program GET SLIM EFFORTLESSLY. From an original CD, the publication has evolved into an instructional picture book, an eBook, and an effective weight management program. Therapist Lherisson-Bey’s works have been featured on TV, radio, and in several magazines in the past 32 years.
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