The Healthy Berry that Shouldn’t Come in a Can

You might only think of cranberries as a Thanksgiving side dish, but these tart berries can be more than just a once-a year-treat.Did you know adding cranberries to your diet:

• is a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber?
• increases your intake of healthy antioxidants?
• helps prevent urinary tract infections?
• promotes healthy cholesterol levels, improved gastrointestinal health and helps prevent kidney stones?

Eating fresh cranberries (not canned or dried) gives you the most antioxidants. Look for cranberries that are deep red and firm.Here is a recipe from the website http://wellnessmama.com/3392/sugarless-cranberry-sauce/ for a healthy, sugarless cranberry sauce.Sugarless Cranberry SauceIngredients

• 2 bags of fresh cranberries (they are usually 12 ounce bags)
• ¾ cup pineapple juice or orange juice
• ½ cup of applesauce (no sugar added)
• ½ cup of water
• juice and zest of one orange
• 3-4 Tablespoons of honey or to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Put cranberries, pineapple/orange juice, applesauce and water in a sauce pan and and bring to a boil.
2. Keep on medium heat, stirring constantly until the cranberries start to explode (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Reduce to a simmer and pour the juice and zest over the cranberry mixture.
4. Simmer 10-15 minutes and remove from heat.
5. Cool completely and store in fridge at least four hours but preferably overnight before serving.
6. NOTE: This is not as sweet as store versions! Taste at the end of cooking.