Cranberries: A rich antioxidant

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SAN DIEGO, Dec. 22 (UPI) -- For many, cranberries are a holiday food -- eaten only at Thanksgiving and Christmas -- but a U.S. nutritionist says it's a healing food any time of the year.

Vicky Newman -- director of Nutrition Services, Cancer Prevention & Control Program at University of California, San Diego, Moores Cancer Center -- and colleagues authored a cookbook, "Food for Thought: Healing Foods to Savor," which offers practical tips on how to purchase and prepare food with eye appeal that the authors say will protect health and nurture the spirit.

"Evidence of the health benefits of cranberries is mounting," Newman said in a statement. "Like other berries, cranberries are rich in antioxidant and anti-­inflammatory compounds reported to enhance immune function, improve urinary tract health, reduce cardiovascular and periodontal -- gum -- disease and potentially inhibit cancer growth."

One of Newman's favorite recipes for the holiday season is a Cranberry Salsa, served with goat cheese and whole-grain crackers.

"This pungent mixture of cranberries, jalapeno peppers, and ginger is an appetizer that will please the palate, while also providing plentiful amounts of health enhancing 'plant protectors,'" she said.