Health Benefits of Dried Cranberries

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections
The cranberry is perhaps best known for its role in preventing UTIs, especially for those with recurrent infections. The high level of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries helps reduce the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract walls, in turn fighting off infections.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in February 2016 reported that while cranberry capsules have been shown to help urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is far less effective. The reason for this is that it takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion. This amount of concentration is not found in the juices we drink.

Cardiovascular Disease
Some evidence suggests that the polyphenols in cranberries may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Cancer
Research has shown that cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor progression and have shown positive effects against prostate, liver, breast, ovarian, and colon cancers.


Other benefits: 
Dried cranberries contain no cholesterol, saturated or trans fats. 
Consuming dried cranberries will supply very little amounts of an individual's daily requirement for vitamins and minerals. The most substantial daily amount supplied is the mineral is manganese at 5% daily recommended intake. 

Having 1/4 cup of dried cranberries will supply one serving of fruits and vegetables.The Canadian food guide recommends 7–10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to reduce stroke, heart disease, cancer risks.n Canada, Ocean Spray "Craisins" are given the Health Check symbol. This symbol is only given to food products that meet the registered dieticians' nutrient requirements. In Canada, Craisins are also considered to be a nut free product. However, the Trail Mix product includes nuts.


Cranberries with minimal processing contain the highest amount of antioxidants. However, antioxidants still remain in dried cranberries. Some antioxidants include phenolic acids, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanin. It is the anthocyanin that provides pigment to supply cranberries with their robust red color.