An Ode To Cranberry Sauce: Why It’s a Thanksgiving Staple

The table is all set for Thanksgiving dinner: in front of you lies a turkey, a pan of stuffing, some mashed potatoes, a sauce boat full of gravy and a pumpkin pie stowed away in the kitchen for later. Just then, your aunt cumbersomely walks in the dining room and places a bowl of cranberry sauce right in front of you. As soon as she looks away, you cringe in disgust as you push the bowl away from your plate and dig in to the rest of the grub.  

According to a survey from The Vacationer, this is how over 30% of Americans will experience their Thanksgiving dinner. “For the third year in a row, cranberry sauce takes first place as the most disliked Thanksgiving food, followed by sweet potatoes (29%) and  green bean casserole (28%)”, says the Vacationer. “This means 82 million Americans do not want cranberry sauce for their Thanksgiving dinner”. We at TREMG do not appreciate “dissing this dish”, so we’ve compiled a few benefits on behalf of including this purple gelatin substance on your plate this year:

Promotes Kidney Health: The substances and antioxidants found in cranberry sauce can also work to reduce urinary tract infections and kidney stones. According to registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens, cranberries contain “pro-anthocyanidin compounds that have natural antibacterial benefits and may help prevent E-Coli compounds from attaching to the surface of the bladder causing a UTI”. Furthermore, most cranberry sauce served on Thanksgiving is unsweetened which only boosts the natural process further. After a dinner full of protein and tryptophan, the kidneys will be under enough pressure so a little cranberry sauce will ease the urination process preventing further infection.

Promotes Skin Health: According to the National Health Service (NHS), cranberry sauce “contains carotenoids, including beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A for healthy skin, eyes and a strong immune system”. This has two additional benefits: it protects the skin from UV damage and it prevents aging in the skin and, in turn, prevents cognitive decline. So eat your heart out today: you’ll still look young!

Boosts Immune System: In addition to Vitamin A, cranberries also contain Vitamin C and E compounds as well as Iron. These compounds work together to make less prone to common colds and even the flu. Furthermore, according to Torrens, they also “improve cholesterol balance, lower blood pressure and reduce a compound called homocysteine, which is known to damage the lining of the blood vessels”.

It Adds A Layer of Tartness To The Dinner: Who said cranberry sauce is only beneficial for your health? Cranberry sauce itself has a very unique taste-it’s very refreshing while a tad bit sour. It can be eaten canned or homemade. Regardless, it gives a very autumn feel, especially seeing the gelatin plop on your plate. Trust us on this.

It Moistens The Dryness of Thanksgiving Foods: We’re looking specifically at the turkey for this one. While gravy helps moisten the texture of a heavily roasted bird, the juice from the cranberry sauce helps add additional flavor without completely overpowering the taste, perfect for that one family member who can’t cook the meal properly. This not only enhances the taste, but it makes it easier to swallow and digest for your Thanksgiving nap.

Whether enjoyed fresh or dried, consuming cranberries (even outside Thanksgiving) is a welcome nutritional contribution. Not only does it have a distinct taste, but the compounds work to defend against a myriad number of infections. So as the holiday approaches, grab a spoonful a cranberry sauce (a little goes a long way) and dig in before dashing towards that pumpkin pie in the  kitchen. Make your family proud!