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.