Christ is in our midst!
Blessed first week of Great Lent to my fellow Orthodox Christian brothers and sisters! May God give you the strength for this beautiful inward time we have just embarked on.
I had a bag of cranberries sitting in my freezer. I was planning to make cranberry and pink grapefruit sauce but I had decided to make something that had less sugar. I haven’t been able to digest sugar very well lately due to the Lyme disease I have been blessed with as my struggle.
I know that when women hear of cranberries we often think of them helping our urinary health. It is like a wive sold tale. “Drink cranberry juice but buy the one that does not have sugar in it”, is something we often hear as women when we share our suffering moments of pain with other women. However, it is also good for men as well.
This recipe can be easily made during fasting times of the year. Simply, use a vegan yogurt alternative on those days. My favorites to use are Skyr Oatmilk or Forager since they both have a creamy texture to it. As for sweetness, you can always adjust it to your personal preference. I found that two teaspoons were sufficient for me but for my husband it was a little sour to him.
Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberries offer a range of potential health benefits, thanks to their high nutrient and antioxidant content. These benefits may include:
- Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries are well-known for their potential to support urinary tract health, as they may help prevent urinary tract infections.
- High in Antioxidants: The fruit is rich in antioxidants, which can combat free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body.
- Heart Health: Some studies suggest that cranberries may support heart health by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
- Digestive Health: The fiber and compounds in cranberries may contribute to digestive health and help prevent certain digestive issues.
- Nutrient Dense: Cranberries are low in calories but high in essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and fiber.
Always remember, individual responses to cranberries may vary, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding any specific health concerns or dietary modifications.
Ingredients
1 cup of cranberries
Half cup of yogurt of choice, one that is plain
Half a cup to 1 cup of water
2 tsp of sweetener of choice (if you are choosing honey, choose one that is local to your area is best)
Directions
Add all the ingredients to a blender until smooth. If you have a personal preference to thinner smoothies, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you have reached your desired consistency.
Nutritional Benefits
Cranberries, Whole
Carbs: 95% Protein: 3% Fat: 2%
Cranberries are recommended if one is diagnosed with a bladder infection and can help with calcium absorption, according to Paul Pitchford, author of “Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition”.
Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of protein. Depending on the yogurt you buy, whether it is made from cow, goat, sheep, oat, nuts, or soy, the amount of protein will vary. Greek yogurts tend to be higher in protein. An additional benefit is the probiotics that they contain. This makes it very good for our gut system. A happy gut is a happy mind.
Sources
The Vegetarian Flavor Bible by Karen Page
“Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition” by Paul Pitchford
A Spiritual Steward 
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