Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Ericaceae (Heath)
Also in this family:
Arctic Bearberry, Bearberry, Bell Heather, Bilberry, Blue Heath, Blueberry, Bog Bilberry, Bog Rosemary, Bog-laurel, Common Heather, Common Wintergreen, Cornish Heath, Corsican Heath, Cowberry, Cross-leaved Heath, Crowberry, Darley Dale Heath, Dorset Heath, Intermediate Wintergreen, Irish Heath, Labrador Tea, Large Cranberry, Mackay's Heath, Mountain-laurel, One-flowered Wintergreen, Portuguese Heath, Prickly Heath, Rhododendron, Round-leaved Wintergreen, Serrated Wintergreen, Shallon, Sheep-laurel, Small Cranberry, St Dabeoc's Heath, Strawberry Tree, Trailing Azalea, Tree Heath, Yellow Azalea, Yellow Birdsnest
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, heathland, marshes, wetland.
Bright pink flowers with 8 yellow stamens. Flowers are drooping on long, minutely hairy, reddish stalks. The petals are bent backwards making the flowers look a similar shape to tomato or bittersweet flowers. Pollinated by bees.
Fruit:
Roundish or pear-shaped red berry, 6mm across. The berry is sometimes covered in white or brown spots. The berry often persists throughout winter.
Leaves:
A low growing, perennial, evergreen shrub with dark, leathery, minute, green leaves and inrolled margins. Paler on the undersides. The leaves are hairless and toothless and alternate along their stems.
Other Names:
European Cranberry, Small Cranberry.
Summary
Vaccinium oxycoccos, also known as cranberry, is a small, evergreen shrub in the heath family (Ericaceae). It is native to northern parts of North America and Europe, and is typically found in wet, acidic environments such as bogs and marshes. Cranberry is known for its small, red, edible berries that are high in antioxidants and are often used in cooking and baking. The plant also has small, pink or white flowers that bloom in the spring, and its leaves are dark green and oval-shaped. Cranberry has a number of medicinal properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and respiratory problems.
Blog
Cranberry: A Superfood with Endless Health Benefits
Cranberries, scientifically known as Vaccinium oxycoccos, are small, red, tart berries that grow on low-growing shrubs in bogs and wetlands. They are native to North America and have been used for centuries for their numerous health benefits. From being a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins to supporting urinary tract and heart health, cranberries are often considered as a superfood. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the health benefits of cranberries and why you should include them in your diet.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, specifically proanthocyanidins, that help protect the body against cellular damage caused by free radicals. Antioxidants are essential for maintaining good health and preventing various diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
- Supports Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries are well known for their ability to support urinary tract health. The proanthocyanidins present in cranberries help prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk of UTIs. This makes cranberries an excellent natural remedy for UTI symptoms and prevention.
- Promotes Heart Health: Cranberries are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients that help keep your heart healthy. Regular consumption of cranberries has been linked to lower levels of LDL cholesterol, a leading risk factor for heart disease. In addition, cranberries contain compounds that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to heart disease.
- Aids in Digestive Health: Cranberries are high in fiber, which is essential for maintaining good digestive health. The fiber in cranberries helps regulate bowel movements, promote regularity, and reduce the risk of constipation. Additionally, the antioxidants in cranberries may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the gut, promoting healthy digestion.
- Supports Brain Health: Cranberries contain compounds that may help improve brain function and prevent cognitive decline. Studies have shown that the antioxidants in cranberries may help protect against age-related memory loss and improve overall brain health.
- Supports Skin Health: Cranberries are rich in vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin C helps to boost collagen production, which is responsible for keeping skin firm and elastic. Additionally, the antioxidants in cranberries can help protect the skin against environmental stressors, such as sun exposure and pollutants, that can damage skin cells.
- Boosts Immune System: Cranberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is known to boost the immune system. Vitamin C helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are the body's first line of defense against infections and illnesses. In addition, the antioxidants in cranberries can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system.
- Lowers Risk of Chronic Diseases: Cranberries have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, which may help lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. Studies have also shown that the phytochemicals in cranberries may help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Supports Weight Management: Cranberries are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a great food for those looking to manage their weight. The fiber in cranberries helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the need for snacking and overeating. Additionally, cranberries are a good source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help boost metabolism, promoting weight loss.
- Versatile and Delicious: Cranberries are not only nutritious but also delicious. They can be enjoyed on their own as a snack, added to smoothies, used as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt, or baked into muffins and bread. Cranberries can also be used in a variety of recipes, including sauces, jams, and marinades. With their tart and tangy flavor, cranberries are a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.
- Supports Oral Health: Cranberries have been shown to have antibacterial properties that can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth and gums, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and oral infections. Regular consumption of cranberries may help maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
- Good for Pregnant Women: Cranberries are a great food for pregnant women as they are a good source of folate, which is essential for proper fetal development. Folate is crucial for the formation of the neural tube and helps to prevent birth defects in the brain and spinal cord. Additionally, the antioxidants in cranberries can help reduce inflammation in the body, promoting overall health and wellness during pregnancy.
- Environmentally Sustainable: Cranberry farming is environmentally sustainable and has a low impact on the environment. Cranberry bogs are carefully managed ecosystems that require minimal use of pesticides and fertilizers. In addition, cranberry farms serve as habitats for many species of wildlife, providing a valuable source of food and shelter.
- Long Shelf Life: Cranberries have a long shelf life, making them a convenient food to have on hand. Dried cranberries can be stored for several months, and cranberry juice can last for up to a year if stored properly. This makes cranberries a great food to have on hand for when you need a quick and healthy snack or want to add some variety to your meals.
In conclusion, cranberries are a nutritious and versatile food that offer a wide range of health benefits. Whether you are looking to improve your heart health, support your immune system, or simply enjoy a delicious and healthy snack, cranberries are an excellent choice. So, next time you are looking to add some variety to your diet, consider incorporating cranberries into your meals and reap the endless health benefits of this amazing superfood.
Wild Flower Web