Cranberries – a superfruit full of vitamin C, nutrients and antioxidants
Cranberries are fruits full of various nutrients and antioxidants. They can provide various health benefits when added to a balanced diet.
Cranberries are considered a superfood because of their high nutrient and antioxidant content.
Nutrient profile of cranberries
One-half cup of chopped cranberries contains:
- 25 calories
- 0.25 grams (g) of protein
- 0.07 g of fat
- 2 g of dietary fiber
- 6.6 g of carbohydrates (including 2.35 g of natural sugar)
- 44 milligrams (mg) of potassium
- 7.7 mg of vitamin C
- 6 mg of phosphorus
- 4.4 milligrams (mg) of calcium
- 3.3 mg of magnesium
- 1.1 mg of sodium
- 0.12 mg of iron
- 0.05 mg of zinc
- 0.5 micrograms (mcg) of folate DFE
- 35 international units (iu) of vitamin A
- 2.75 mcg of vitamin K
- 0.72 mg of vitamin E
Cranberries also contain a range of vital B vitamins, such as:
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)
- Vitamin B6
Cranberries are also a good source of vitamin C, a powerful, natural antioxidant.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), vitamin C can:
- Improve iron absorption from plant sources
- Boost the immune system
- Support collagen production for wound healing
- Prevent some of the damage caused by disease-causing free radicals
Health benefits of antioxidant-rich cranberries
Cranberries are a great source of nutrients and antioxidants and they can provide various health benefits when eaten as part of a balanced diet.