A popular superfood, cranberries are consumed in the form of a sauce or juice. They may also be added to stuffings or desserts. These nutritious berries are high in their nutrient and antioxidant content. There has been research to link nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infections (UTI), the prevention of certain kinds of cancer, improved immune function and decreased blood pressure.
Cranberry tea is another popular form of consuming cranberries.
Nutritional Facts of Cranberries
Half a cup of chopped cranberries contains:
| calories | 25 |
| protein | 0.25 grams (g) |
| fat | 0.07 g |
| carbohydrate |
6.6 g(including 2.35 g of natural sugar)
|
| fiber | 2 g |
| calcium |
4.4 milligrams (mg)
|
| iron | 0.12 mg |
| magnesium | 3.3 mg |
| phosphorus | 6 mg |
| potassium | 44 mg |
| sodium | 1.1 mg |
| zinc | 0.05 mg |
| vitamin C | 7.7 mg |
| folate |
0.5 micrograms (mcg)
|
| vitamin A |
35 international units
|
| vitamin E | 0.72 mg |
| vitamin K | 2.75 mcg |
Cranberries also contain a range of vital B vitamins, including:
- vitamin B-1 (thiamin)
- vitamin B-2 (riboflavin)
- vitamin B-3 (niacin)
- vitamin B-6
They are also a good source of vitamin C.
Cranberry Tea benefits
1. Might Help Heal Sores
Drinking cranberry tea may help prevent the occurrence of sores and other oral diseases like gingivitis. Hence, cranberry tea may be great for maintaining good oral health(1).
2. Helps Reduce Weight
Cranberry tea may be used to reduce weight. It helps to burn fat by flushing out toxins from the body. The weight loss is a result of the organic acids present in the cranberry tea. A mixture of green tea and cranberry herbal tea is good for health, as this combination contains essential nutrients, and supports weight loss.
3. Acts as a Natural Cleanser
Cranberry apple tea acts as a cleansing and detoxing agent and helps the liver, kidney, and lymph to carry out their body functions properly.
[Read: Cranberry Juice for UTIs]
4. Increases the Body’s Metabolism
Cranberry hibiscus tea may be consumed to increase the metabolism of the body. 3 cups of this drink may be consumed by an adult to help decrease any health issues.
5. Effective Against Certain Cancers
Cranberry tea is great for treating certain types of cancer, like stomach and breast cancer(2).
6. Reduces Cholesterol in the Body
Cranberry tea may be used to reduce cholesterol levels in the body, thereby preventing many cardiovascular diseases(3).
7. Treats UTIs
One of the main advantages of cranberry tea is that it treats urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberry tea for UTIs works as a cleansing agent, flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract and preventing and curing UTI.
8. Decreases Wound Healing Time
Cranberry tea contains a lot of vitamin C, a powerful natural antioxidant, that can block some of the damage caused by diseases-inducing free radicals, improve iron absorption from plant sources, boost the immune system and supports collagen production for wound healing.
[Read: Cranberry Juice for Kidney Stones]
9. Improves Cardiovascular Function
Cranberry tea also has fiber, which may help a person reduce their risk of developing a range of health conditions like stroke, hypertension, coronary heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and certain gastrointestinal diseases. Increased fiber intake may also bring down blood pressure and cholesterol levels, improve insulin sensitivity and aid weight loss for people who are obese.
10. Enhances the Immune System
Cranberry tea also contains vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a role in immune functions. It may help a person prevent or delay the conditions associated with free radicals like cancer, cataracts, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis.
[Read: Benefits of Raspberry]
How to use cranberry tea?
Cranberry tea may be used on its own. Just blend the tea bag with water, and you have a cup of steaming good cranberry tea. You may blend cranberry tea with other elements like apple, hibiscus, and Pomegranate too, for better flavor and more advantages.
To make Cranberry and Pomegranate Tea
- Add 4 cups of water and 3 ounces of fresh cranberries and 3 ounces of pomegranate in a large saucepan.
- Bring to boil, and reduce heat to mid-low and simmer for half an hour.
- Next, add 1/2 a cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 whole cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir to combine. Next, remove from heat, cover, and steep for an hour.
- When the tea is ready you may leave the cranberries in the tea or strain before serving.
The tea is quite tasty over ice too!
[Read: Benefits of Cranberry Juice]
Side Effects
While there are no side effects surrounding cranberry tea given its natural goodness, there could be possible side effects.
- People who use blood thinners should not consume it.
- Cranberry products may also lead to higher oxalate excretion in urine, promoting the formation of kidney stones in those susceptible to calcium oxalate-type stones.
- Individuals with a history of kidney stones need to consult a doctor before consuming cranberry tea.
In conclusion, is cranberry tea good for you? Yes, cranberry tea is a healthy addition to your diet. Consume it early in the morning and in generous amounts throughout the day, and you may see healthy advantages soon. Complement the cranberry tea with a pie, for a tasty tea-time adventure. With many proven health benefits, cranberry tea is a good way to go.
FAQs
1. Is Cranberry Tea Vegan?
Yes, cranberry tea is vegan.
2. May Pregnant Women Consume Cranberry Tea?
Yes, pregnant women can consume cranberry tea as there haven’t been any reports to prove otherwise.
