You may think of cranberries as a fruit option only between Thanksgiving and Christmas when popular dishes like cranberry sauce and cranberry baked goods prevail. But there are plenty of reasons to eat the fresh, ruby red fruit all year long.

Cranberries have long been known to help reduce the likelihood of urinary tract infections. They also contain important vitamins such as C, E, K, manganese, fiber, and loads of antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to limit the damage caused by free radicals in your body, and help reduce signs of aging as well as helping to fight cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Cranberries may also reduce bad cholesterol, help fight gum disease, and boost your immune system.

Get the picture yet? Eat more cranberries!

You can add fresh or dried cranberries to any number of salads, salsas, smoothies, or dishes, but eating them fresh delivers the most health benefits.

This cranberry, orange, almond smoothie is one big way to include more cranberries in your diet. It uses fresh cranberries along with unsweetened 100% cranberry juice for a double-packed punch. It’s super tart, and tasty, and along with a little refreshing citrus, it’s just what you need to wake up in the morning.


Cranberry, orange, almond smoothie_2

Cranberry, orange, almond smoothie

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1 banana
  • 1 orange, peeled
  • zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup whole, raw almonds
  • 1/2 cup cranberry juice* (100% juice unsweetened)
  • 1/2 cup almond milk (or any other type of milk that suits your dietary needs)
  • 2 tbsp honey or your favorite low-calorie sweetener
  • 1 cup ice cubes

*Always go for the 100% cranberry juice. Other cranberry juices can be a blend that usually contain extra added sugar, and as little as 1% cranberry juice.

Directions

  1. Add all ingredients to blender.
  2. Blend on high for about 1 minute.

Cranberry, orange, almond smoothie_2


Also check out my spicy cranberry, pomegranate brie crostini bites for another delicious appetizer.


Make smoothies at home with this personal blender from EverybodyShops.com.

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Author

Meghan is a full-time writer exploring the fun facts behind food. She lives a healthy lifestyle but lives for breakfast, dessert and anything with marinara. Sheโ€™s thrown away just as many meals as sheโ€™s proud of.