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This holiday staple offers more than festive flare. 

If you’re only eating cranberries once a year, you’re missing out on a wide array of nutrients and creative dishes. Cranberries have adorned Thanksgiving and holiday tables for hundreds of years. But this naturally tart red berry has many culinary uses. Plus, cranberries are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants and have been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and may even enhance performance.

Not to mention that cranberries come in several forms—fresh, dried, and juiced—so you have multiple ways to add them to your diet. 

Here, everything to know about cranberries’ benefits, including just how easy they are to add to your plate.

What nutrients will you get from cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are a good source of vitamin K and an excellent source of fiber and vitamin C. Beyond the nutrition label, they also have polyphenols or plant compounds that have been studied for their beneficial role in many health conditions. 

According to the USDA, one cup of fresh, whole cranberries has: 

46 calories

0.5 g protein

<1 g total fat

12 g carbohydrates

4 g fiber

4 g sugar

14 mg vitamin C

8 mg calcium

80 mg potassium

What are the health benefits of cranberries?

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend two servings of fruit per day, thanks to the plethora of nutrients they offer. Cranberries, in particular, have been studied for their health properties, including these benefits: 

1. They can lower your risk of chronic disease

“Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, so they help defend your body against oxidative stress,” says Samantha Cassetty, MS, RD, plant-focused nutrition and wellness expert and co-author of Sugar Shock. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals (cell-damaging compounds) outnumber antioxidants in the body. 

Research links excessive oxidative stress to chronic conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cognitive decline, and cancer. Recent research has found that eating cranberries boosts the antioxidant effect in the body and may fend off these conditions. “When you consume antioxidant-rich foods like cranberries, it helps to correct the imbalance [of free radicals],” adds Cassetty. The same research also points out the anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries—another important component of disease prevention. 

2. They benefit your heart

“Cranberries provide numerous cardiovascular benefits,” says Lauren Harris-Pincus, MS, RDN, founder of NutritionStarringYOU.com and author of The Everything Easy Pre-Diabetes Cookbook . An abundance of research suggests that berries, in general, reduce (bad) LDL cholesterol, triglyceries and blood pressure, while increasing (good) HDL cholesterol. 

“Additionally, cranberries may help improve the flexibility of your arteries,” says Cassetty. “When arteries become stiff, it can lead to high blood pressure.” The research suggests that cranberries can improve several risk factors for heart disease.

3. They prevent urinary tract infections

You’ve probably heard that cranberry juice can treat a urinary tract infection (UTI). While that’s not necessarily the case, cranberries have been studied for their role in urinary tract health. “Cranberries naturally contain the flavonoid, proanthocyanidin (PAC),” says Harris-Pincus. And it’s this flavonoid that likely blocks the buildup of bacteria and helps to prevent urinary tract infections. 

A meta-analysis involving 23 studies and more than 3,900 participants backs up the claim that cranberries can help prevent UTIs in susceptible populations. The study found that those who drank cranberry juice had the biggest reduction in risk of UTIs, compared to those who took a capsule or tablet. In other words, having cranberries in your diet may stop UTIs before they start. 

4. They may contribute to a healthy gut microbiome

“A growing body of [new] research suggests that the use of cranberries as part of a healthy diet can help maintain a beneficial population of gut microbiota,” says Harris-Pincus. Small studies in humans and animals show that eating cranberries may alter the gut microbiome in a positive way. 

“Your microbiome regulates immune function, inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar levels and mood, so it pays off when you have a healthy microbiome,” says Cassetty. Yet, more research is definitely needed before making general recommendations about cranberries and the microbiome. 

5. They can support endurance performance

Fueling before a run is crucial for maximizing performance, and dried cranberries may be the perfect prerun snack. Packed with easy-to-digest carbohydrates (they have added sugar to improve palatability), they offer up energy for your muscles to maintain long miles. 

In addition, the inflammation-fighting compounds in cranberries may help athletes recover faster. 

The research on cranberries in the athletic population is lacking, but one study in rowers did find that supplementing with cranberry extract increased postexercise levels of antioxidants in the blood. This is important because strenuous physical activity can raise oxidative stress, and antioxidants can bring it down, as mentioned earlier. 

How to add cranberries to your meals

“Cranberries are amazing because of their culinary versatility,” says Harris-Pincus. “Fresh, frozen, and dried cranberries are tasty assets to both sweet and savory dishes,” she adds. Here are some simple ways to add cranberries to your diet, from Cassetty and Harris-Pincus:

Bake cranberries into quickbreads, muffins, pancakes, and crumbles, because the sugar in the baked good will balance the tartness of the berries.

Use dried cranberries in nutritious dishes, like salads, roasted veggies, and grain-based bowls.

Add dried cranberries to a homemade trail mix made with popcorn and nuts. 

Include fresh cranberries in baked oatmeal with a dash of maple syrup.

Create a cranberry compote in the microwave with fresh berries, water, your choice of sweetener and citrus. Enjoy it on waffles, pancakes, crepes, oatmeal, or as a sandwich spread.

Drop a few cranberries in a glass of champagne for a healthy garnish.

Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of cranberry juice to your favorite vinaigrette recipe for a tart pink dressing.

Replace the raisins with dried cranberries in your favorite childhood snack, peanut butter over celery, and make “red ants on a log.”

Combine cranberries with sweet potatoes and drizzle with maple syrup and olive oil. Roast for 30 minutes for a sweet and sour side dish. 

The bottom line on the benefits of cranberries

Cranberries are affordable, versatile, and underutilized. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they are also good for your health. Whether you like them fresh, dried, or juiced, cranberries are worth adding to your meals. Incorporate them during heavy training seasons to get an added antioxidant boost. 

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.