The health benefits of the cranberry can be found in the fruit itself, as well as in the extracts and supplements made from it. Cranberries are mainly recommended, in some form, for adults who have frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), a major cause of cystitis (painful inflammation of the urinary bladder). This is good for us to know, because about 25 percent of women have at least one UTI at some point in their life.

E. coli bacteria are the most common cause of such an infection, and when cranberries are consumed, they seem to keep the bacteria from clinging to the lining of the bladder and creating a problem. Cranberries are considered to be more effective if they are used along with other forms of treatment for this condition, usually antibiotics.

Anyone who does not have a chronic illness can still use moderate amounts of cranberry juice to prevent the development of UTIs, and 10 ounces of this liquid (or an equivalent) taken daily is often recommended as acceptable dose for this purpose.

Some studies have also found that cranberries can relieve blood disorders and help prevent stomach ulcers, cancer, high cholesterol, heart problems, arteriosclerosis, and gum disease. For this reason, they are considered to be one of America’s best 25 nutritional supplements. In part, this is because cranberries are high in flavonoids and antioxidants, both of which are essential to our good health.

Dosage

A dose of cranberries can vary greatly from one extract or supplement to another, and while consuming them in some form may have its benefits, we should also be keep in mind that many cranberry drinks sold in grocery stores contain a large amount of sugar. This tells us we need to be careful when deciding exactly which products to use.

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Don’t you hate it when you realize Mom was right about something?

Remember how she always told you to eat your greens? You probably responded by pushing them around your plate until she gave up. If you wanted dessert, you might even have gone so far as to touch the broccoli or asparagus to your lips, but that was it. Well, even back then your mom knew her stuff. Green foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, water, and antioxidants. Experts stress that the key to getting all the benefits that greens offer is to include different shades of green in your diet. Don’t think that because you’re eating a side salad with every meal that you’re getting enough greens in your system. Remember, the more variety, the greater the benefits. Read the rest of this entry »

Whether you’re aware of it or not, you probably are already familiar with the aroma of the herb thyme. If you’ve ever attended Thanksgiving dinner, you know the smell. It’s part of a popular culinary herbal trio often used to spice up the turkey, which also includes rosemary and sage. Rarely growing over a foot high and yielding numerous gray-green stems with tiny oval leaves, this little evergreen’s official botanical name is Thymus vulgaris. You may also find it called common thyme, garden thyme, or French thyme. Receiving its name from the Greeks, it originally meant “to fumigate,” while also symbolizing courage and a source of invigoration. Even then, they knew it possessed medicinal qualities beyond its potent yet pleasant aroma. Read the rest of this entry »

Garlic has been used both as a medicinal herb and a food source for thousands of years, and studies have shown a significant relationship between garlic and the prevention of infection and disease. It’s one of the few foods that has a high natural sulfur content, and it also contains amino acids that are not easily obtained from other sources. Read the rest of this entry »

Overcoming nicotine addiction may not be easy, but there are many natural ways to stop smoking and work toward better health. Nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms can make it very difficult to quit on your own, and changing your lifestyle is the first step to kicking the habit. Read the rest of this entry »

If you’re concerned about vision loss and improving your ocular health, you can improve your chances of keeping your eyes in good condition by eating healthfully and following a supplement regimen. Vision can deteriorate over time, and this may be a result of genetics, environmental toxins, a poor diet, or even side effects of prescription drugs. Some people experience eye problems as a result of sinus infections and seasonal allergies. Taking supplements to support the health of your eyes can be a valuable way to help preserve your vision and ease eye-related conditions. Read the rest of this entry »

There must be something to the fact that elderberry has been used medicinally for centuries. It’s a common ingredient in natural remedies, and the fruit contains vitamins A, B, and C, flavonoids, carotenoids, amino acids, and tannins. It has antibiotic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, and is most commonly used to ease cold and flu symptoms and shorten patients’ recovery time from while decreasing their respiratory distress. Read the rest of this entry »

Though most people would agree that getting the nutrients our bodies need is best done by eating healthful meals and taking those vitamin, mineral, and other nutritional supplements appropriate for our particular needs, sometimes eating a meal just isn’t feasible. Maybe your schedule is so packed that you don’t have time to prepare food. Perhaps you’re traveling someplace during mealtime and can’t stop, or you need additional nutrition to get you through the day. Read the rest of this entry »

L-carnitine is one of the most essential nutrients to us. It’s necessary for healthy cell activity, repair, and growth. This amino acid derivative is found in almost all cells, and helps regulate fatty acids and the oxidation of cells. L-carnitine serves two main functions in the body: transporting fatty acids to cells to produce bioenergy; and removing the buildup of short- and medium-chain fatty acids that can be a result of poor cell metabolism. Read the rest of this entry »

Keeping your heart healthy is literally a matter of life and death. Diet and exercise are important. So is avoiding harmful lifestyle choices like smoking or excessive drinking. But one of the most important things you can do to keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of stroke is to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Nature’s Way Sytrinol Cholesterol Control and Sytrinol Cholesterol Control with Fish Oil are two natural products that can help you do just that. Read the rest of this entry »