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Cranberry products
Cranberries are not only an important source of nutrition and vitamins but
also promote health and wellness. Cranberries are packed full of antioxidants
and other natural compounds, and are an excellent food choice for health-conscious
consumers. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs) that prevent bacteria
from adhering to the urinary tract wall. The anti-adhesion properties of cranberries
may also prevent other bacteria growth associated with gum disease and stomach
ulcers.
Though it was once believed that cranberries helped to prevent and cure urinary
tract infections due to their role in acidification of the urine, such a claim
was never proven, and recent evidence shows that natural properties, PACs, in
the cranberry inhibit bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall. While
a diet high in fruits and vegetables (including cranberries) is clearly associated
with a low risk of chronic disease, only cranberries seem to have this bacteria-blocking
ability. New studies show that cranberry may also inhibit bacteria from adhering
elsewhere in the body as well, including the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers
and gum disease.
Dental plaque is made up of oral bacteria, resistant to saliva and brushing,
that have adhered to the tooth and gum surfaces, and is a major cause of gum
disease. One of the natural components present in cranberry inhibits this bacteria
adhesion and reverses the effects of gum disease.
Stomach ulcers affect approximately 25 million Americans each year. Increasing
evidence suggests that ulcers are due to an infection of bacteria in the stomach,
also linked to stomach cancer, acid reflux, and gastritis. Cranberry prevents
this bacteria from adhering to the stomach, and may be beneficial in preventing
ulcers.
Cranberry is also an excellent source of antioxidants, natural compounds manufactured
by a healthy body, and found in fruits and vegetables, that may protect the
body against cancer, heart disease, and other diseases. When the body is under
stress, its ability to produce antioxidants may be affected, and cranberries
serve as a great supplement, containing more antioxidants than 19 other commonly
eaten fruits.
Cranberries contain significant amounts of flavanoids, polyphenol compounds
associated with foods such as red wine, that inhibit blood clotting, promote
vasodilation (increased blood vessel diameter to improve blood flow and reduce
blood pressure), and protect oxidation of cholesterol in the blood stream, preventing
the accumulation of LDL (bad cholesterol) in the arteries. When blood flow is
severely restricted due to LDL in the arteries, the devastating results may
include angina, a blood clot, or a heart attack.
Due to their antioxidant properties, cranberries protect brain cells from free
radical damage, and may prevent the subsequent motor and cognitive function
losses, including age-related afflictions, like loss of coordination and memory.
One serving of cranberry is considered to be ½ cup (55 grams) of cranberries,
6 ounces (180 ml) of pure cranberry juice, or 18 ounces (540 ml) of cranberry
juice cocktail (commercial cranberry drinks, which are only about 35% pure juice).
Supplemental cranberry is usually available in the form of dried cranberry juice
concentrate, in either capsule or tablet form, generally taken in doses of 300
mg or 400 mg, twice a day.
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