Go Ahead And Load Up On Cranberry Sauce This Holiday

Thanksgiving might be over, but don’t toss out the leftover cranberry sauce. A new study recently presented at the the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) indicated that weight loss and seasonal cranberry sauce might just be good for your health.

After examining insurance claims, researchers with the AUA found that a higher body mass index (BMI) might put individuals at a higher risk from suffering from a urinary tract infection. Those who choose to lose weight, and bring down their BMI, might be less likely to suffer from this condition.

This infection can develop into something quite aggressive if left untreated due to the bacteria that irritates the urinary tract. "If a patient has symptoms, he or she should seek care promptly to avoid potentially serious complications," advises Dr. Anthony Smith.

One way to keep the urinary tract healthy is to eat cranberries or drink cranberry juice. If you are concerned about your weight, look for sugar-free or low sugar options with as much fruit juice as possible. Make your own cranberry sauce to ensure it is full of healthy ingredients and when the turkey is gone, try mixing some with plain yogurt for a sweet, tart treat.