It’s the holiday season, and if you are spending time with family and friends, you’ll definitely have numerous occasions to nosh on delectable desserts and appetizers. However, it’s important to remember that even though the serving sizes can be small, the calorie counts can still be huge. To help, start craving cranberries! They have numerous health benefits and are loaded with antioxidants and essential nutrients. In addition, cranberries:

• Fight heart disease – Cranberries help lower the bad cholesterol levels that can clog the arterial walls. They also help to prevent plaque from forming on the arterial walls, which can lead to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). As a result, your chances of stroke are reduced. If you have suffered from a stroke, cranberries can help you recover.
• Help kidney and bladder problems – Cranberries contain citric acid and other nutrients that can prevent kidney stones, as well as other kidney and bladder problems.
• Promote weight loss – Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which help to flush out the system. This, in turn, helps improve your metabolism and digestive system so that you can begin to lose weight more quickly.
• Contain anti-aging properties – The antioxidants help the body get rid of all the free radicals that can contribute to the aging process. They will not only help your skin look younger, but your internal organs will also be able to function longer without problems.
• Strengthen the immune system – The antioxidants flush out the harmful toxins that suppress the immune system. Once these are removed, your immune system will be stronger – helping you to ward off sickness or disease.

You’re certain to see cranberries in some form or fashion this holiday season, so eat them heartily! You can eat them by themselves or use them in recipes. The recipe below is loaded with cranberries and apples, yet only uses a small amount of sugar. Try it out, and feel free to share your favorite ways to use cranberries by posting a comment below!

Apple Cranberry Crisp

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 min.
Bake: 30 min. to 35 min. at 375°F

Ingredients:
5 cups thinly sliced peeled apples
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine apples and cranberries. In a small bowl, stir together granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon. Sprinkle over fruit mixture; toss to coat.
In a separate small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice. Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until crumbly. Then sprinkle evenly over fruit mixture.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until apples are tender. Serve warm.