FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

5 Things: Reasons to Be Thankful For Cranberries

FitSugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 09:30:00 -0800

Cranberry sauce might just be a lowly condiment on the Thanksgiving table, but this tart berry is a nutritional super star. Here are five things to chew on about cranberries.

Cranberry juice interferes with the bacteria E. coli that is responsible for the most serious types of UTIs (urinary tract infections). The berry and its juice contain tannins, which fight the infections on the front lines by creating barriers that prevent E. coli from getting close to the urinary-tract lining. If the bacteria cannot implant itself, it cannot cause infection.
Cranberries also contain proanthocyanidine. If you can't tell by its crazy name that it is an antioxidant and it prevents formation of plaque on the teeth.
Cranberry juice, because of its high-acid content, can help break down and prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Studies indicate that only 30 percent of super-tart cranberry juice of a 100 percent juice mixture is necessary to receive the beneficial vitamins and nutrients, as well as other health benefits imparted by cranberry juice.
Captains of early sailing ships provided cranberries to their sailors to combat scurvy since the berries are high in vitamin C. One cup of raw cranberries contains about one fourth of the current RDI (Reference Daily Intake) for an adult. Many processed foods made with cranberries, like juices and drinks, have extra vitamin C added to the product, resulting in the full daily requirement of vitamin C.

So, I want to know if you eat the cranberry sauce or not? Let me know in the comments section below.

Source

Sunspire Organic Dark Chocolate Covered Goodness

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 15:45:00 -0700

Dark chocolate is my weakness. I'm the first to admit it. It's delicious on its own, but even better if it's combined with other tasty morsels like nuts or fruit.

I discovered these Sunspire Organic Dark Chocolate Cranberries and they're so delicious. They're made by the same company that makes those chocolate chips I love to use when I bake.

This treat is like Raisinets, but made with dried cranberries instead. Plus the chocolate is dark and organic (much healthier). It's the perfect combination, and eating just a few definitely satisfies my craving for something sweet.

Want to see the nutritional info of these delicious gems? Then

Top 5 Foods for Women

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 13:30:00 -0700

I just came across this list of 5 superfoods all women should include in their diet - I bet most of you already do.

Cranberries - These help fight off nasty Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). About 10 oz of juice a day (the unsweetened kind) is all you need to kick that infection out the door.

Not only that, but cranberries are high in antioxidants, so they can help fend off colds, stomach bugs, and certain types of cancer. Drinking cranberry juice can also prevent plaque from forming on your teeth. You can add unsweetened cranberry juice to smoothies or dried cranberries to salads and baked goods.

Walnuts - These are rich in Omega-3s, which help increase the good cholesterol (HDL) levels in your body. These are the "healthy" fats.

They may even help with depression and reduce your risk of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Top your salad with 1/4 cup or try them in pesto. I like to add them to my oatmeal.

Beans - These little legumes are great sources of protein, and they may also prevent heart disease. Rich in two heart-friendly phytochemicals, beans are packed with magnesium, potassium, folate, and fiber. Choose hummus over dip (it's made with garbanzo beans), and add beans to salads, burritos or soups to get your fill.

Want to see the other two? Then

Endangered Species Chocolate

FitSugar — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 17:04:17 -0800

Endangered Species Chocolate isn't only sweet treats with cute animals on the packaging. Nope. They donate 10 percent of their net profits to support organizations involved in the conservation of species, habitat and humanity. This chocolate company believes all life is precious and deserves respect, kindness, and care. This Reverence for Life ethic is at the heart of their business practices.

They use cocoa that is 100 percent ethically traded. Grown in forests in Nigeria, the farmers determine a fair price for their cocoa crops. By buying Endangered Species chocolate, you support sustainable forest farmland and the species that flourish there.

Now let's get to the chocolate. They make 3 oz bars, named after different endangered animals. My favorites are the sea turtle bar, made with dark chocolate and dried blueberries, and the wolf bar, made with dark chocolate, dried cranberries, and almonds.

They also have amazing milk chocolate like the dolphin bar made with dried cherries. If you're a white chocolate fan, they make the polar bear bar made with macadamia nuts. For something different, try the Eco Rounds, yum!

Their chocolate is really reasonably priced too. Look for it in your local health food store. You'll feel good knowing you're treating yourself while helping to support the world and its creatures.

The Skinny On: Cranberry, More Than Just Sauce

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 13:00:00 -0800

When I think of cranberries, four things come to mind:

A refreshing Thanksgiving side dish
The song Linger ("Do you have to, do you have to, do you have to let it linger?")
Yummy Cosmopolitans
Horrible bladder infections

Maybe you just like the taste of cranberry sauce but cranberries are more than just a pretty fruit. For starters, they are very high in antioxidants and vitamin c.

What's more? MSNBC reports that drinking cranberry juice can block bladder infections, can prevent a plaque formation on teeth (mouthwashes with the compound are already in development) and in some people, regular cranberry juice consumption can kill the bacteria which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers.
Furthermore:

The National Institutes of Health is funding research on the cranberry’s effects on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions, and other researchers are investigating its potential against cancer, stroke and viral infections.

Fit's Tip: Good, fresh cranberries are only available for a brief time, from late September to December, but you can get cranberry juice and supplements year round.