Cranberry Supplement Philippines: What You Need to Know
Cranberries are best known as a tart red fruit often enjoyed in juices, sauces, and baked goods. But beyond the kitchen, they are also recognized for their nutrient content and antioxidant properties. With growing interest in natural wellness, many people are now turning to a cranberry supplement in the Philippines as a practical way to include this fruit in their daily routine.
What are Cranberries?
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are small, tart red berries native to North America and closely related to blueberries and bilberries. They grow on low-lying vines in freshwater bogs, and are primarily cultivated in the northern United States and southern Canada. Harvested in the fall, typically from September to November, cranberries are famously gathered by flooding bogs so the berries float to the surface for easy harvesting.
Because of their sharp, sour taste, cranberries are rarely eaten raw. Instead, they are commonly enjoyed as juice, dried fruit, sauces, or in baked goods.
Nutritionally, cranberries are valued for their high antioxidant content, particularly compounds like proanthocyanidins, which have been studied for their potential role in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) and supporting heart health.
Cranberry Nutritional Information
Cranberries are naturally low in calories and sugar but rich in vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. A 100-gram serving of raw cranberries provides:
- Calories: ~46
- Carbohydrates: ~12 grams
- Fiber: ~4.6 grams
- Vitamin C: 16% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin E: 6% of the DV
- Vitamin K: 6% of the DV
- Manganese: 9% of the DV
(Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FoodData Central USDA, 2019)
Cranberries are also known for their high levels of bioactive plant compounds, including flavonols, anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins, which contribute to their antioxidant capacity.
Potential Health Benefits of Cranberries
When consumed as part of a balanced diet, cranberries may help support overall well-being in several ways:
Antioxidant Protection
Cranberries are rich in polyphenols that help protect cells from oxidative stress and support cellular health (Caillet et al, 2011, Food Research International)
Urinary Tract Health
Research shows that proanthocyanidins in cranberries may help reduce bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract, supporting urinary tract wellness (Howell et al., 2010, World Journal of Urology).
Heart Health Support
Studies suggest cranberry polyphenols may help support cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels (Khurana et al., 2013, Nutrients).
General Well-Being
Regular inclusion of cranberry products in the diet contributes to overall antioxidant intake, which supports immune and metabolic functions (Nantz et al., 2013, Nutr. Jr.).
It is important to emphasize that cranberries and cranberry supplements should not be viewed as treatments or cures for illnesses, but instead used as supportive additions to a healthy and holistic lifestyle.
How to Add Cranberries to Your Diet
Cranberries can be consumed as fresh fruit, dried snacks, or juice. In places where fresh cranberries are less available, such as the Philippines, cranberry supplements offer an accessible way to benefit from their properties as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Healthmax Care Mangosteen Plus 8 Berries offers a simple way to include cranberries in your daily routine. By combining cranberries with other antioxidant-rich fruits such as mangosteen, acerola, bilberries, grapeseed, and raspberry, this supplement provides a variety of antioxidants and nutrients to support overall well-being.
