Happy Thanksgiving weekend !! A weekend full of pumpkin lattes, burnt orange leaves, the sweet smells of bonfires, topped with family gatherings. One of my favorite times of year; I am a sucker for pumpkin festivals and cranberry/apple everything! These are just a few of my favorite seasonal foods that are extremely abundant in the fall and offer an entire spectrum of health benefits. I wanted to focus today’s blog on the exceptional health benefits of cranberries. These tart little berries have the highest concentration of antioxidants of all their fruit counterparts!! Blueberries, strawberries and red grapes are not far behind. 
What does this mean to you??
SLOWING OF THE AGING PROCESS: Yes ! You heard me right…reduces those pesky wrinkles !! Free-radicals cause cell damage, this includes tissues – such as the epidermis (skin). By eating foods rich in antioxidants… you will prevent free radicals from causing damage (also known as oxidative stress) and keep your skin looking radiant and wrinkle free !!
PREVENTION OF CANCERS: By now…It’s no secret that free-radicals cause damage to cells. This eventually leads to cellular mutations, which replicate and potentially turning into Cancers. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants including cranberries can not only stop this cell damage from occurring but it can slow the progression of tumors (1).
PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI): 100% unsweetened Cranberry juice is a great treatment for UTI’s and when used on a regular has been used on a regular basis, is effective as a prevention.
As if that isn’t enough, cranberries are also loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E & K, minerals such as calcium, magnese, magnesium and copper. Not to mention they have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect as well as amazing immune supporters, both of which is important in protecting you from progressive diseases such as heart disease and for improving overall health.
With all that said, you are surely ready to indulge in these bountiful fruits. Here is a recipe I created to get you started: Healthy Cranberry, Oat & Flax muffins:) With only natural sugars,.this little healthy treat will satisfy your sweet tooth !!
Enjoy and have a happy Thanksgiving !!
Cranberry Flax & Oat Muffins
Ingredients
- 1 ripe Banana
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Organic egg
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/2 cup flax meal
- 1/4 cup Organic whole wheat four
- 1/2 cup Gluten free, organic oats
- 1/2 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 cup Fresh cranberries
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tsp All spice
Instructions
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1. Preheat oven to 350 and grease 6 muffin tins.
2. Mash banana into a medium sized bowl.
3. Beat in oil, egg, and coconut sugar.
4. In a separate bowl, stir together the dry ingredients (Oats, flaxmeal, whole wheat flour, baking soda).
5. Add dry ingredients into wet and stir. Do not over mix.
6. Toss in cranberries and give it one more stir.
7. Spoon into muffin tins. Bake for 15-20 min.
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