No idea what to put in your next smoothie? Try adding cranberries – this superfood packs a powerful punch! *Scroll down for the full recipes. How can cranberries improve your overall health and wellness? 1. They Boost Your Gastrointestinal Health Your gut can thank xyloglucans, which are sugars found in cranberries. These sugars are necessary for our intestinal health, as they are taken and used by bacteria found in the gut to help prevent infections and give us energy from foods we eat. 2. They’re Good For Your Heart In a study conducted at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, participants who were given two glasses of cranberry juice per day for 8 weeks had a lower risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease and related risk factors. 3. They Fight Against Dental Plaque Dental plaque is caused by poor hygiene. Uh, gross! But don’t fret if you’ve been lazy on brushing and flossing- cranberries stop the enzymes that work to build plaque on your teeth. 4. They Keep Your Mind Alert A study showed cranberries contain urcolic acid, which helps brain cells remain healthy and functioning. 5. They Have Anti-Cancer Properties Praise the antioxidant gods. According to NutritionFacts.org, cranberries help fight various forms of cancer, such as prostate, colon or brain cancer, by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells. *Smoothie 1: Cranberry Blast 1 cup frozen cranberries 1 cup frozen strawberries 4-5 ice cubes 1/2 cup So Delicious unsweetened coconut or almond milk 1/2 cup cranberry or pomegranate juice (no sugar added) *Smoothie 2: Berry Delight 1 large orange, peeled 1/3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) 1 peeled and sliced frozen banana Start a Conversation Cancel a Conversation Connect with Enter your WordPress.com blog URL http://.wordpress.com Proceed Your email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email.