Cranberries at Thanksgiving Dinner

The vibrant red cranberry is synonymous with Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. But there's more to this little berry than just its cameo in the Thanksgiving dinner spread. Cranberries offer some impressive health benefits, and they are incredibly versatile to cook and bake with.

Cranberries are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants and important nutrients. One cup of raw cranberries contains 5 grams of fiber, 18% of your Daily Value of Vitamin C, 20% DV of Manganese, and other vitamins. They're very high in antioxidants, containing more antioxidants than other common fruits and vegetables. The phytonutrients in cranberries have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.

Research has shown that regularly consuming cranberries can provide the following health benefits:

• Prevents urinary tract infections: The antioxidants in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder and urinary tract walls, making them unable to cause infection. Drinking cranberry juice regularly can reduce recurrent UTIs in women by 20%.
• Improves heart health: The polyphenols in cranberries improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. They also reduce bad LDL cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup in arteries.
• Supports immune function: The vitamin C content in cranberries gives your immune system a boost and aids in the production of infection-fighting white blood cells.
• Prevents tooth decay: Cranberries contain polyphenols that limit acid production by oral bacteria, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The same compounds that prevent UTIs also prevent bacteria from clinging to teeth.
• Aids digestion: Cranberries are high in fiber, which adds bulk to stool and eases its passage through your digestive tract. This can relieve and prevent constipation. Fiber also promotes a healthy gut microbiome.
• Slows aging: The phytonutrients in cranberries possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that helps slow the aging process. They also may improve memory, coordination and brain function.
• Manages diabetes: Cranberries improve insulin response, lowering blood sugar levels. They also decrease inflammation linked to diabetes and obesity.

What would Thanksgiving dinner be without cranberries? The tart flavor of cranberries perfectly complements the rich turkey, gravy, stuffing and mashed potatoes. While cranberry sauce in a can is a holiday staple, making your own homemade cranberry sauce is simple and so much tastier!

Here are some tips for enjoying cranberries at your Thanksgiving feast:

• Make homemade cranberry sauce using fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar and orange zest. Let it simmer until thickened and spoon it over turkey and side dishes.
• Add dried cranberries to your stuffing or cornbread stuffing recipe for sweet-tart bursts of flavor.
• Whip up a cranberry chutney with cranberries, apples, onions, ginger and spices to serve alongside the turkey.
• Craft a cranberry-orange relish using chopped cranberries, oranges and toasted pecans for a zesty side.
• Set out a bowl of dried cranberries for healthy snacking before your meal.
• Mix fresh cranberries into a spinach salad topped with walnuts and a sweet vinaigrette.
• Stir cranberries into your gravy for extra flavor.
• For dessert, layer cranberries in an apple pie, bake them into muffins or blend them into a sorbet.

Cranberries offer such vibrant color, tart sweetness and impressive health benefits - it's no wonder they are a staple during the holidays. Whether you are crafting sides for your turkey dinner or just want to reap the wellness perks of cranberries, you can enjoy them all season long. Let cranberries spice up your diet and bring a burst of antioxidant goodness to all your dishes.