Cranberries are considered as one of the super foods. They are rich in nutrients and provide many important health benefits.
Dried cranberries are grown in the cooler parts of some countries situated in the northern hemisphere. They are listed amongst the major crops in the United States, and are also one of the highest-selling food products in the global market, probably due to their numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits
Even in their dried form, cranberries offer several benefits, most of which you would find are similar to other cranberry types. Some of the benefits are given below.
- Dried cranberries are rich in nutrients. It is believed that their consumption may help to strengthen the immune system.
- Their consumption may also prove beneficial in improving the cardiovascular health.
- Their most common benefit is that consuming them in sufficient amounts helps in the treatment of urinary tract problems.
- The calcium content in dried cranberries helps in fighting against tooth decay, and thus contributes to very effective dental care.
- They also contain ample amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These help to decrease the effect of free radicals in our body, which in turn prevents the development of cancer cells.
- As it contains a high amount of dietary fiber, it helps in improving the digestive health.
- Since it is a good source of minerals and calcium, it helps to strengthen the bones and the teeth.
Nutritional Value
As with other foods, most of the benefits of dried cranberries are derived from the nutritional value. Cranberries are a good source of dietary fiber, proteins, carbohydrates, etc.
Dried Cranberries
Nutrition
Quantity
Content
Calorie content
1 cup
125 cals
Protein content
100 g
0.06 g
Carbohydrate content
100 g
83 g
Dietary fiber content
100 g
6 g
Fat content
100 g
2.8 g
Phosphorus content
1 cup
9 mg
Magnesium content
1 cup
6 mg
Manganese content
1 cup
0.315 mg
Potassium content
1 cup
48 mg
Other minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium and copper are also present in small quantities. Moreover, vitamins such as vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A are also found in them. The standard measurement of one serving of dried sweetened cranberries as prescribed by the United States Department of Agriculture is about 40 to 42 grams, which fills around ⅓ cup.
Dried cranberries are used in many recipes of most of the cuisines around the world. Therefore, apart from eating them in their original or dried form, you can also have them incorporated into any of your recipes and reap the several dried cranberries benefits. However, don't consume them in excess in the pursuit of gaining the benefits.
