Benefits of cranberries

Cranberries,a healthy choice

Cranberrieswere present in their wild state long before the arrival of the firstEuropean colonists in North America. They were a notable part of theAmerican-Indian diet and were used to treat various health problemsas well as being used as a preservative to conserve meat and fish.During the colonization period cranberries were used by the Europeansmainly to combat scurvy.

Neutralizingfree radicals

Richin flavonoids, cranberries outshine over a dozen other fruits due totheir antioxidant capacity. They are renown by scientists for theamount of phenolic compounds they possess, thereby classifying thecranberry among fruits which permit the neutralization of freeradicals (instable molecules) in the body hence preventing certaintypes of cardiovascular and cancerous diseases.

Flavonoidsfound in cranberries

• Anthocyanines
• Flavones, especially catechins
• Flavones
• Tannins or flavones, notably proanthocyanidins and quercetins

Everyday, the cells in our bodies use many billions of molecules of oxygento burn calories and produce energy. A small part of this oxygenhowever escapes combustion and succeeds in generating free radicalsby oxidization. When these oxidized molecules are not neutralized oreliminated from the body by a natural antioxidant mechanism, theyaccumulate and destroy the cell membrane and DNA protein in a similarway to rust on an automobile. The cells then suffer oxidative stresswhich is the origin to the aging process in the human body,cardiovascular diseases, cancer and other health issues. It istherefore of utmost importance to nourish one's self withantioxidants in order to fight free radicals!

Assuring dental health

Thebasic dental cavity is the more common infectious disease on theplanet, touching 90% of the population world-wide. Laboratory studiesshow that cranberry juice extracts can prevent the adhesion andgrowth of bacteria-causing dental plaque. Furthermore, clinicalstudies report that cranberry mouth-wash reduced the presence ofharmful bacteria in saliva.

By hindering the adhesion andgrowth of bacteria, reducing the destruction of gum tissue anddiminishing swelling, the properties in this tiny red berry arebecoming interesting for the treatment of periodontal disease, a gumdisease that affects nearly 75% of the population.

Fightinginfection

Aregular intake of cranberry products may reduce the risk of recurringinfections by up to 40% and in turn, reduce the need for antibiotictreatment.

In fact, cranberries contain a unique type of anatural substance called proanthocyanidin which, in a similar way toantibiotics, prevents the adherence of infection-causing bacteria tothe urethra, the intestines or the gums. A recent study showed thatthe anti-adhesion effects from a glass of cranberry juice begin totake effect just two hours after consumption and may last for up toten hours. The harmful bacteria cannot develop and continue to causeinfection. Apple juice, grape juice, green tea and chocolate, allwhich contain another type of proanthocyanidin, show little or noanti-adhesion activity

Combatingurinary infections

Cranberriescontain amazing infection-fighting properties, especially forfighting urinary tract infections in women. This is becausecranberries contain a certain flavonoid that prevents bacteria fromsticking to the lining of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections(UTI) are among the most common bacterial infections. 25% of womensuffer from recurring UTI. TheE. colibacterium,which causes 80 to 90 % of these infections, is becoming one of themost resistant to antibiotics. The latest research shows that theantibiotic compounds found in cranberries are effective against 80%of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Preventingintestinal diseases

TheH.pyloribacterium is responsible for 80 à 90 % of stomach and intestinalulcers. Two-thirds of the population world-wide is affected by thesebacteria, most during their early childhood. According to certainstudies, cranberry juice prevents this organism from developing inthe body and shows a 9% reduction in the rate of infection.

Nutritiousproperties

Anexcellent source of Vitamin C, cranberries are also excellent forbone health. This fruit is entirely void of sodium and contains verylittle sugar or protein. The daily consumption of 115 ml of freshcranberries satisfies the daily need of Vitamin C for an adult.(Binet, M.et al.1997-Technicalinformation journal on the ecological production of cranberries).

The anti-adhesiveproperties of cranberries have positive effects on:

• The urinary tract
• Ulcers
• Gums
• Dental plaque

The antioxidantproperties of cranberries favor mostnotably:

• Cardiovascular health
• An increase in good cholesterol

Advantages

• Cranberries, also known as «atokas» or «red huckleberries» are considered a functional food.

Accordingto the definition given by Health Canada, «Afunctionalfoodis similar in appearance to, or may be a conventional food, isconsumed as part of a usual diet, and is demonstrated to havephysiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic diseasebeyond basic nutritional functions.».

• Cranberries may be eaten in many forms : fresh, dry, in sauce, in jam, in juice or in capsules

Nutritiousvalue

Source:Desaulniers M, Dubost M. Foodcomposition table.Department of Nutrition, Montreal, Canada, 2003.

Many scientificstudies document the health benefits of cranberries. For moreinformation, please consult the following websites:

The CranberryInstitute is a not-for-profit organization which focuses on thescientific study of cranberries and their therapeutic properties:

http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/healthresearch.htm

HealthCanadaresearch institute: http://www.irsc-cihr.gc.ca/f/35996.html

WisconsinState Cranberry Growers Association

http://www.wiscran.org/health_benefits_0003/Health_News_0077.html