Long before the health benefits of natural foods became widely researched, cranberries made the news for their healing powers. In the late 1950s, studies published in respected medical journals touted the remarkable anti-bacterial action of cranberries and by the early 1960s, medical practitioners began recommending cranberry juice as a treatment for urinary tract infections. They are back in the limelight again as researchers, dietitians and nutritionists discover more about the health benefits of cranberries.
What are the Health Benefits of Cranberries?
One of the key reasons why cranberries are receiving so much renewed attention is because they are seen to be a possible alternative to our over-consumption of antibiotics. Their ability to effectively treat urinary tract infections was well known, yet too many people chose to use antibiotics instead, believing them to be faster and more effective.
One of the problems associated with over-reliance on antibiotics is that newer, stronger anti-biotic resistant strains of bacteria appear. For reasons as yet unknown, this does not appear to be a problem with natural remedies, including cranberries.
Since cranberries have natural anti-bacterial properties, many researchers believe they can be of use in fighting a number of diseases. Studies have shown that they can be of assistance in fighting the e. coli bacteria, for instance. Ulcers, long thought to be caused by stress, have been found to have a bacterial source as well. The helicobacter pylori bacteria attacks the stomach lining that is responsible for keeping stomach acids from damaging the walls of the stomach. While effective antibiotics have been discovered, many researchers believe that regular ingestion of cranberry juice can help prevent an over abundance of helicobacter pylori and hence help prevent ulcers.
Another remarkable discovery has been that cranberries may actually be able to help prevent and treat periodontal gum disease. As yet they are not sure why, but cranberries seem to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth and gums. Since plaque formation on the walls of arteries is the leading cause of atherosclerosis, coronary thrombosis and stroke, researchers suspect that cranberries may be able to help prevent cardiovascular disease and strokes as well.
In recent years, the possible anti-cancer properties of cranberries have been widely reported and researched. Prostate cancer has been the most widely reported, but some studies suggest the cranberry extracts may inhibit the growth and spread of a host of tumours, including lung, colon and breast cancers.
Other Cranberry Health Secrets
In addition to many health promoting properties that seem to be unique to or outstanding in cranberries, they also share many characteristics in common with other plants in the berry family:
- Anthocyanins anti-inflammatories found in the South American maqui berry and to a lesser extent in concord grapes and other purple pigmented fruits and flowers. They are also found in abundance in cranberries. Anthocyanins may be of benefit in preventing and treating most diseases where inflammation occurs.
- Cranberries are extremely high in anti-oxidants.
- Cranberries have high concentrations of a number of important vitamins and minerals.
The tart taste of unsweetened cranberries is probably the main reason why they are not a widely eaten food. However, research suggests that they may be equally potent when taken as a supplement or eaten as a dried fruit snack. With so many many health benefits to offer, it is certainly worth including cranberries in your diet.
Originally published on Nov 09, 2011
