Cranberry

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Cranberry Berries

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs. Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Cranberry Bush

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion. But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened . Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions. Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE? Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace? WHY?? There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance: The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Cranberry

The medicinal herb Cranberry as an alternative herbal remedy for urinary disorders, diabetes - Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. These red berries are used in foods and in herbal products. American cranberry bush often develops fall colors of yellow, orange, red, and purple. In spring, it bears wide, flat flower clusters. These lacy flowers have an outer ring of large white florets with many smaller white florets in the center. The clusters of rounded fruit that follow turn from green to yellow-orange to brilliant red in the fall and often hang on the plant through the winter.Common Names--cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin Name--Vaccinium macrocarpon Picture of Cranberry berries Picture of Cranberry Bush

What Cranberry Is Used For

Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.

Recently, cranberry products have been used in the hope of preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque. Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity. Herbal remedy for urinary disorders.

How Cranberry Is Used

The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, teas, and capsules or tablets.

What the Science Says about Cranberry

• Some studies testing cranberry products for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections have shown promise. These studies have generally been small in size, and some were not randomized or controlled; therefore, the results are not conclusive.
• Cranberry products have not been adequately tested to see if they can be used to help treat an existing urinary tract infection.
• Research shows that components found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. However, the mechanism of action of cranberry is not fully understood.
• NCCAM, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research are funding studies to understand whether and how cranberry might work to:
  • Prevent urinary tract infection
  • Prevent the formation of dental plaque

Side Effects and Cautions about Cranberry

• Eating cranberry products in food amounts appears to be safe, but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
• People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cranberry products should not be used to treat infection.
• It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including cranberry. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

News About Cranberry

Amazing health benefits of cranberry juice!

• Source:http://zeenews.india.com/news/health/healthy-eating/amazing-health-benefits-of-cranberry-juice_1623468.html

By Vasavi Garg (Zee Media Bureau)

Cranberries are a versatile fruit and their benefits make them useful in food as well as in medicinal products. The Latin name for cranberry plant is Vaccinium macrocarpon. It is one of the native fruits of North America.

Cranberries have a tremendous amount of antioxidant capacity as compared to other fruits and vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and apples.

The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease. It is also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.

• Nutritional value of cranberry juice:

Cranberry juice has a remarkable amount of antioxidants when compared to other fruits and vegetables.

One cup of cranberries possesses 8983 antioxidant capacity.

It contains anthocyanin flavonoids, sianidin, peonidin, quercetin, tannins and 87.13g of water per 100 g.

It is a good source of salicylic acid and Vitamin C.

It nourishes the body with carbohydrates, proteins and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, sodium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and vitamins like niacin, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, E and K.

• Health benefits of cranberry juice-

Prevents and relieves urinary tract infections (UTI)

Having pain or discomfort when passing urine? You may have a urinary tract infection.

Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins which has been shown to help stop bacteria from binding itself to the bladder walls. This means that the bacteria cannot multiply further in the bladder and flushes them out of the body. Cranberry juice also makes urine more acidic, creating an unsuitable environment for bacteria to thrive.

Drink up, but do be careful how much you consume - cranberry juice is known to have high sugar content.

Cardiovascular health

Fill up those glasses, ladies. The flavanoids in cranberries can help lower the risk of heart problems and help boost your heart health.

Cranberries have also shown to help boost cholesterol. A study conducted by the American Chemical Society found that drinking three glasses of cranberry juice a day significantly raised levels of 'good cholesterol' by up to 121 percent.

Prevents tooth decay

When we think of cranberry juice and our teeth, we think about the acidity, which we know can have an effect our enamel. But don't be so quick to judge, cranberry juice can actually have a surprisingly positive effect on oral health too.

To get the most out of it's benefits we recommend drinking it in its most natural form.

Aids weight loss

Often we think as soon as we ditch the diet coke and start drinking fruit juices we're making healthier choices. But the sugar content in store-bought juice can often ruin your diet.

A glass of cranberry juice in the morning is a healthy option to start your day. It's a perfect way to start your day with an antioxidant boost and fewer calories and it gives you time to wash away the extra acidity left on your teeth so you can enjoy it's benefits to the fullest.

Prevents cancer

When it comes to cancer prevention taking advantage of cranberries' superpowers isn't a bad idea.

A study at Cornell University found that cranberry extract killed off cancer cells within hours when tested on human breast cancer cells.

Aids digestion

Cranberries are rich in fibre, helping the digestive system function smoothly leading to a healthy and happy stomach. But to make sure that you can enjoy these benefits you're going to have to eat the berries whole or as part of a smoothie.

Rich in vitamin C

Rich in antioxidants, cranberry juice contains high amount of vitamin C which is vital for immunity, mood and collagen production apart from neutralising free radicals.

Healthy pregnancy

Because of the high levels of vitamin C cranberry juice is recommended for various conditions. The University Of Maryland suggests that taking vitamin C along with vitamin E may help prevent pre-eclampsia, a condition associated with high blood pressure and increased protein in a pregnant woman's urine which can cause premature birth.

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7 health reasons why you should eat more cranberries

• Source:http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/7-health-reasons-why-you-should-eat-more-cranberries-11364025294786

By Kate Whiting

They’re a great match for our Christmas turkey, but that’s not the only reason to love cranberries, as our nutrition experts reveal.

No Christmas dinner would be complete without the cranberry sauce, but these little red berries have a lot more to offer than just sitting on our plates in a condiment.

Not only are they super-versatile – ever tried baking dried ones into scones? – they’re bursting with health benefits too:

Bladder health

“Cranberries have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat urinary tract infections, and there’s lots of research being done now to explain why these tart little berries are so bladder friendly,” says nutritionist Dr Marilyn Glenville.

“The first study to scientifically confirm this health benefit was undertaken in 1994, where women given 300ml of cranberry juice a day were found to suffer less than half the incidence of urinary tract infections as the placebo-ingesting control group.

“It was originally believed that cranberry juice reduced the symptoms of cystitis by making the urine more acidic – obviously not a desirable effect, as it is the acidic urine that causes the burning sensation.

“We now know that cranberries work in a completely different way. It seems that certain substances in cranberries can stop bacteria such as E. coli from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. For bacteria to infect your urinary tract, they must first stick to the mucosal (mucous membrane lining) walls of the tract. If they are unable to do so, they cannot multiply and are flushed from the body when you urinate.”

However, Dr Glenville warns: “Using cranberry juice which is sweetened with sugar is not going to be helpful, so you should either use an unsweetened cranberry juice (with no artificial sweeteners either) or better still, take it in a concentred dried form as a supplement.”

Immune health

They’ll help us keep coughs and colds at bay this winter, according to Nature’s Best nutritionist Keri Filtness: “Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can contribute to the normal function of the immune system.”

Dental health

The same properties that stop bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract – thought to be antioxidant proanthocyanidins – have been shown to “inhibit the HSV-2 herpes virus, the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of peptic ulcers and the growth of oral bacteria, which cause dental plaque and periodontal disease,” says Dr Glenville.

Heart health

According to Dr Glenville, “studies have also found that cranberries, which contain high levels of other antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is caused by ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol silting up arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to angina, thrombosis and heart attacks.”

Allergy busting

Filtness says: “These berries also contain a compound called quercetin which is thought to reduce inflammation and may help with allergies.” Memory and mental health

“Research to come out of the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts University in the US suggests that diets rich in foods with high levels of antioxidants and other phytonutrients, such as cranberries, could protect against chronic age-related afflictions such as loss of memory and mental acuity,” says Dr Glenville.

Skin health

“The antioxidant proanthocyanidins, which give cranberries their distinctive bright red colour, are thought to support the production and reduce the breakdown of collagen which may have an effect on skin elasticity and strength,” says Filtness.

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6 health benefits of cranberries, plus how to get more of them in your diet year-round

• Source:http://www.nola.com/healthy-eating/2015/11/six_health_benefits_of_cranber.html

By Molly Kimball (NOLA.com , The Times-Picayune)

Cranberries get a ton of press around the holidays, but for the rest of the year, we don't hear much about them. That is a shame, really, because cranberries are one of the top antioxidant-rich foods, packing in more antioxidants ounce-for-ounce than other "superfoods" like spinach, blueberries, or even green tea.

Part of the issue is that we don't really know what to do with them if they aren't canned, jellied, or dried. Fresh cranberries are super-tart, and can seem more cumbersome to add to our diets than other fruits like blueberries or blackberries.

However, in addition having more phytonutrients than these more familiar berries, cranberries are also even lower in calories and sugar, with a mere 46 calories, 12 grams of carb, and 2 grams of sugar per cup.

Here are six reasons to incorporate cranberries year-round, plus six easy ways to get more in your diet.

Inflammation. Cranberries have been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can potentially benefit conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, stomach and digestive disorders, and our cardiovascular system, particularly the lining of our vessel walls.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Cranberries have been used for years to prevent UTIs. It appears that their high levels of antioxidants called proanthocyanidins help reduce the adhesion of certain bacteria to urinary tract walls, which in turn can help to reduce the incidence of UTIs.

Ulcers. Certain types of stomach ulcers are related to a particular type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, and it's possible that cranberries may help prevent this bacteria from attaching to the lining of the stomach, similar to how they can help prevent bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract.

Dental health. The same phytonutrients in cranberries that help prevent UTIs may also benefit our dental health, by preventing bacteria from sticking to our teeth. An added bonus: The anti-inflammatory effects of these phytonutrients can also help to reduce inflammation in and around our gums, which helps to reduce our risk of periodontal disease.

Cardiovascular Disease. Cranberry's benefit on cardiovascular health is likely due to a combination of factors, including cranberry's antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential improvement of HDL and LDL cholesterol. The polyphenols may help prevent the build-up of plaque on vessel walls, and the antioxidant components of cranberries are also linked to a reduction in blood pressure.

Protect against cancer. Researchers continue to identify more and more ways that cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor growth, and have shown positive effects against certain types of cancer, including prostate, lung, breast, and colon cancer.

Whole cranberries versus cranberry supplements? It's important to note that taking isolated nutrients from cranberries in supplement form does not appear to have the same health benefits as the whole berry. There seems to be a synergistic effect of all of the nutrients working together, and – as is the case with many foods – eating the whole berry is better than supplementing with an isolated nutrient or extract.

The skinny on dried cranberries: Unless you're making your own (which can be pretty time-consuming), steer clear of dried cranberries. Nearly all brands are made with added sugar or fruit juices, and the "reduced sugar" varieties are generally artificially sweetened with Splenda, and still fairly high in added sugar.

And while "Greek yogurt dried cranberries" may sound like the epitome of nutritious snacking, they're anything but. They're essentially sugar-laden cranberries coated with a "yogurt" coating of sugar, oil, and yogurt powder, with minimal real yogurt.

Fresh, whole cranberries are by far the most healthful option – and fortunately, you can freeze fresh cranberries to use throughout the year. Here are six ways to enjoy fresh cranberries, beyond sugary sauces and sweet treats.

Smoothies. Toss a handful of cranberries (fresh, or frozen whole, with no sugar added) into your favorite smoothie for a low-calorie boost of antioxidants. My favorite blend: Unsweetened almond milk, plain 2 percent Greek yogurt, and a blend of fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, and cranberries.

Low-sugar compote. This is basically whole-berry cranberry sauce made with a zero-calorie sweetener instead of sugar (my preference is a natural plant-based sweetener like Swerve or Truvia). Simply boil one cup water with the sweetener equivalent of one cup of sugar. Add 12 ounces of fresh cranberries, and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into a bowl and serve at room temperature, or cover and refrigerate. Serve this low-sugar cranberry compote with grilled chicken or fish, or add it to hot cereal, yogurt, or cottage cheese.

Popsicles. Blend fresh cranberries (or the above low-sugar compote) with plain 2 percent Greek yogurt, along with any other fresh fruit, herb, or spice of choice (lime, ginger, or mint work particularly well with cranberries), and freeze into popsicle molds.

Salsa. Fresh cranberries can be blended and added to any salsa recipe, adding a sweet tartness. Check out our Hatch Chili Cranberry Salsa recipe, below.

"Ice" cubes. Freeze fresh whole cranberries to use as ice cubes in cocktails or even just sparkling water or iced tea.

Roasted cranberries. They're a delicious addition to salads or whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. And they're a cinch to make: Simply toss two cups cranberries with two teaspoons of olive oil, a tablespoon of chopped fresh mint, and one tablespoon of raw sugar or natural sugar replacer. Roast at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes until they're soft and slightly caramelized.

This tart-and-spicy salsa pairs well with blue corn chips, or can be served with sliced raw veggies such as zucchini or other squash for low-calorie snacking. Save any leftovers to serve slightly warmed, atop grilled chicken or fish.

Hatch Chile Cranberry Salsa

Makes about 12 quarter-cup servings

2 cups fresh cranberries

2 Hatch chile peppers, roasted, seeded, minced

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 onion, minced

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 tablespoons raw sugar (or Swerve or Truvia)

3/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup roasted, salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

Place cranberries in processor and blend until finely chopped. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add chiles, cilantro, onions, and green onions. In a small bowl, stir together the sweetener and lime until sugar dissolves completely. Stir lime juice and pepitas into cranberry mixture and serve.

Refrigerate any leftovers in a covered, airtight container.

Per serving: 24 calories, 0.5 grams fat, 0 saturated fat, 15 mg sodium, 4 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 1 gram sugar, 0.5 grams protein.

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Ask Well: Do Cranberries Offer Health Benefits?

• Source:http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/11/25/ask-well-do-cranberries-offer-any-health-benefits/?_r=0

By Roni Caryn Rabin

Q: Does cranberry juice have health benefits?

A: Cranberry juice is a popular folk remedy for staving off urinary tract infections and the berries contain chemical compounds with potentially powerful antibacterial properties. But clinical trials that have tested cranberry products have yielded mixed results, possibly because studies tested juices and supplements with varying amounts of active ingredients. Many trials also had high dropout rates.

The most recent Cochrane review on cranberries, from 2012, analyzed two dozen trials involving 4,473 participants and concluded that cranberries are no more effective for preventing U.T.I.s than placebos. But the review also suggested that cranberry products may reduce symptomatic infections among women with recurrent U.T.I.s.

Dr. William E. Cayley, a family medicine professor at the University of Wisconsin who wrote a synopsis of the Cochrane evidence in American Family Physician, said cranberry products should not be recommended to prevent U.T.I.s, but, “If someone says they want to try drinking it, I’m not going to tell them, ‘Don’t do it.’”

Cranberries contain chemical compounds called proanthocyanidins that can prevent E. coli bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls, “preventing the first step in the infection process,” said Amy Howell, an associate research scientist at the Marucci Center for Blueberry and Cranberry Research and Extension at Rutgers University. Dr. Howell explained that if bacteria cannot stick to a cell, they cannot multiply and produce toxins.

Proanthocyanidins are active in other sites in the body as well, and studies suggest cranberries may help reduce tooth decay, may suppress H. pylori infections, a cause of ulcers, and may lower the risk of atherosclerosis by inhibiting platelet aggregation and reducing cholesterol.

Most cranberry juices you will find in grocery stores contain added sweeteners or are mixed with sweeter juices. To get enough of the active cranberry ingredients, choose a drink with at least 25 percent pure cranberry juice, Dr. Howell said, and drink eight to 10 ounces a day.

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Harvesting cranberries for their healing properties

• Source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/11/25/harvesting-cranberries-for-their-healing-properties.html

By Chris Kilham

Carver, Massachusetts contains the greatest concentration of cranberry production in one place in the entire world. The town, just a few miles from Cape Cod, is home to major cranberry producers, whose fruits find their way into juices, sauces, and nutritional supplements. In early October during the harvest season, Carver is swarmed with huge trucks hauling cranberries to processing centers.

On a crisp, clear day, I found myself up to my waist in a cranberry bog, discussing the merits of cranberries with “Cranberry Dan” Souza, who grew up on Cape Cod and has worked in the cranberry industry for more than a decade. Dan’s enthusiasm for cranberries is exceeded only by his knowledge. He has borrowed waders for us to wear from his former employer Decas, one of the major cranberry companies. In the waterproof gear, we looked like trout fishermen in a sea of red berries.

“Cranberries are super rich in antioxidants,” Dan told me. He explained that the berries, which originated from North America and were a favored food of native people, are high in proanthocyanidins (PACS), a class of antioxidants that not only slow the aging process of cells in the body, but help to repair and rejuvenate tissue as well.

“Most people know one of the main health benefits of cranberries, and that’s for preventing UTIs,” he explained. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that colonize in the urinary tract. “Cranberries make it hard for the bacteria to adhere to tissue walls in the urinary tract, so they’re expelled from the body through the urine.”

While Dan went through the health benefits of cranberries, a team of men was busy installing a gigantic vacuum cleaner in the pond near where we were standing. The machine is used to hose up all of the berries in the pond – maybe as much as 50 tons in all – within a scant half an hour. We had already seen this process, having observed men in another cranberry bog rake berries toward the vacuum cleaner, which shoots the berries into a conveyor that hurls them into a truck at high speed and high volume.

It turns out that cranberries are also of benefit for men with prostate trouble, who experience frequent night urination and incomplete voiding of urine. “With the right cranberry extract, a man can get up fewer times in the night and urinate more completely,” Dan said. “In effect, the cranberry helps to eliminate more urine.”

The scene in Carver was impressive and pretty. One huge bog after another was flooded when the berries were ripe. Tractors entered the bogs and stirred up the cranberries, detaching them from their vines. The berries floated to the surface of the flooded bogs, covering the blue water with a surface of brilliant red, like a sea of rubies. Men moved in with the giant industrial vacuum cleaners. Huge trucks came and went. The place was busy, and the harvesting was loud.

The cranberry harvest was both beautiful and amazing to watch. The men in the bogs worked with practiced efficiency, and they appeared to be enjoying themselves. I asked one cranberry harvester named James how long he had been at this. “My whole life. I never wanted to do anything else, and I still love it. For me, it’s the best job in the world.”

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9 Cranberry Benefits: Powerhouse of Antioxidants, Heart Healthy and More

• Source:http://food.ndtv.com/health/9-cranberry-benefits-powerhouse-of-antioxidants-heart-healthy-and-more-1278346

By Aashna Ahuja (NDTV)

During the course of the day, we’re all faced with many choices – some daunting, some second nature. Cream or sugar? Carrot sticks or chocolate? And in the quest for better health, there are also many choices that fitness freaks are forced to make. Workout or sweet slumber? Eat a protein bar or a handful of cranberries? … Wait, cranberries!? Yes, these tart berries go beyond Thanksgiving (and Cosmopolitans). It turns out that this fruit is indeed a superfood, offering a lot more than it lets on.

The plant is actually a dwarf, creeping shrub, or vine, which runs up to 10 to 20 cm in height and bears small, evergreen leaves. The berry itself is tiny and very acidic in taste with a pH ranging from 2.3 to 2.5. Cranberries (Scientific Name: Vaccinium Macrocarpon) are loaded with vitamin C and fiber, rich in phyto-nutrients which are essential for all-round wellness, and also contain various chemical substances that may offer protection from tooth cavities, urinary tract infection, and inflammatory diseases.

9 Cranberry Benefits

1. Powerhouse of Antioxidants

Did you know that cranberries succeed almost all fruits and vegetables in disease-fighting antioxidants, including strawberries, raspberries, spinach, broccoli and cherries? One cup of cranberries in fact has a total of 8,983 antioxidant capacity.

2. Prevents UTIs

Cranberry is perhaps best known for its role in preventing UTIs. The high level of proanthocyanidins in cranberries helps lower the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary-tract walls, in turn fighting off infections. According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, cranberry helps prevent UTIs. However, cranberry juice is far less effective since it takes an extremely large concentration of cranberry to prevent bacterial adhesion.

3. Boosts Brain Power

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds present in cranberries may improve memory and coordination according to Tufts University. So if you wish to stay brilliant, you might want to snack on dried cranberries daily.

4. Prevents Cancer

“Research has shown that cranberries are beneficial in slowing tumor progression and have shown positive effects against prostate, liver, breast, ovarian and colon cancers”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukdha Hospital.

5. Helps with Weight Loss

“Cranberry juice has an emulsifying effect on the fats deposited in the body which in turn help with weight loss. Since it is loaded with fiber, it also helps one stay full for longer”, says Delhi-based Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat.

6. Combats Tooth Decay

According to researchers at the Center of Oral Biology and Eastman Department of Dentistry at The University of Rochester Medical Center, the proanthocyanidins present in cranberries may benefit oral health by preventing gum disease and bacteria from binding to the teeth.

7. Nourishes Skin

According to www.health.com, cranberries help nourish the skin and make it more supple. You can blend quarter cup of honey with two tablespoons of dried cranberries and quarter tablespoon of essential oil and apply it to your skin for 10 minutes for improved results.

8. Boosts Immunity

Since cranberries are rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, they promote a healthy immune system and reduce the odds of you getting sick.

9. Heart Healthy

According to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, people who drink a glass of unsweetened cranberry juice a day have increased levels of HDL cholesterol i.e. good cholesterol by about 10%. The polyphenols present in cranberries may also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by preventing platelet build-up and reducing blood pressure.

Who knew karonda (cranberries in Hindi) could help benefit your body so much? Now if you don’t wish to add it to a trail mix, you can reap the benefits by sneaking cranberries into oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, muffins or sprinkling a handful of cranberries on your salad or even your go-to morning cereal. The superfood also pairs beautifully with pork and chicken dishes.

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Cranberry Extract For Urinary Tract Infections In Infants Confirmed To Be Safe And Effective Treatment

• Source:http://www.medicaldaily.com/cranberry-extract-urinary-tract-infections-infants-confirmed-be-safe-and-370144

By Jaleesa Baulkman

Cranberry extract, which has already shown effectiveness in preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults, can also fight the infection in breastfed infants under a year old, according to a recent study. Although cranberries are commonly used to treat UTIs in adults, many were still unclear about the optimal dosage, and its potential usefulness in young children. But new research published in Annals of Pediatrics suggests using cranberries to prevent UTIs in young children in lieu of antibiotics prevents the risk of increasing antibiotic resistance.

UTIs, which account for more than about 8.1 million visits to health care providers each year, are the second most common type of infection in the body, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. It occurs when bacteria enter and infect the urinary tract. These infections can affect several parts of the urinary tract, but the most common type is a bladder infection.

“Current evidence supports the use of long-term low-dose antibiotic treatment to control recurrent urinary tract infections,” researchers wrote. “However, one of the main problems in prescribing long-term low-dose antibiotics is the increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and the effects of such treatment on the selection of multidrug-resistant bacteria in the flora.”

Researchers collected and analyzed data from 192 children between the ages of 1 month and 13 years. Eighty-five of the participants were under a year old and 107 children were older than 1. Of the infants younger than 1, 53 received trimethoprim, an antibiotic, and 32 received glucose syrup with 3 percent cranberry extract. Of those older than a year old, 64 received the antibiotic and 43 received the cranberry treatment. In all, 117 were administered a bacteriostatic antibiotic and 75 children received the cranberry extract.

They found that the cumulative rate of UTIs in infants who received trimethoprim was 28 percent, while this rate was 35 percent in infants who received cranberry. The overall cumulative rate of the infection in children older than 1-year-old was 35 percent in those who received trimethoprim and 26 percent in those who received cranberry.

The findings not only suggests the use of cranberries is safe in infants and children, it also suggests the efficacy of the fruit is not inferior to that of the antibiotic trimethoprim for the treatment of UTIs in children. “Its efficacy in infants less than 1 year of age can be considered inferior to that of trimethoprim at the doses we administered,” researchers said. However, they found that cranberry is not inferior to trimethoprim when the dose of proanthocyanidins was more than 18 milligrams.

Researchers hope to find if cranberries’ anti-inflammatory properties can improve kidney disease or infection.

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Cranberries For Children May Help Ward Off Urinary Troubles

• Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/jason-tetro/cranberries-fighting-utis_b_9059228.html

By Jason Tetro

For many Canadians, no turkey dinner is complete without the addition of cranberry sauce. The tartness from the red berries offers a perfect complement to the rich meal. But beyond these special moments, cranberries have long been thought to be an excellent way to improve health, particularly in the urinary tract.

The effects of cranberries on overall health have been studied for over a century. Back in 1914, the berries were found to be a rich source of a chemical called benzoic acid. The name may seem familiar as it's used as a preservative in many foods. When the body ingests the chemical, it is transformed into hippuric acid, which helps to keep pathogenic species, such as Escherichia coli, from growing in areas where it doesn't belong, such as the urinary tract. But while the presence of benzoic acid was thought to be useful, in terms of quantities - the number of cranberries needed to improve health - there were no answers.

In 1923, the amount of hippuric acid formed after eating cranberries was finally determined. But to get to useful levels, a person had to eat quite a bit, as much as 350 grams. When lower amounts were ingested either as berries or juice, there was little to no impact. Interest in the benefit waned such that eventually, the use of cranberries to kill pathogens was considered little more than a tale.

That view changed in the 1980s when the focus on the antimicrobial effects of the juice shifted from antimicrobial activity to prevention of colonization. Instead of outright killing, cranberry juice was found to prevent bacteria from attaching to the inside urinary tract. But this activity wasn't due to hippuric acid, it was another chemical, proanthocyanidin. It's found in many different types of plants but in cranberries, the molecule seems to be perfectly designed to protect the lining of the urinary tract.

With this information in place, the door was opened for clinical trials. As the 21st century began, studies examining the effects of cranberry juice in humans led to the same protective effect seen in the lab. Not surprisingly, this helped to rejuvenate the original belief that cranberries could indeed improve health, just in a different manner. As studies were published, daily consumption could help to fight off infections and even keep them from happening in the first place.

With the positive results continuing to come in, the scope of trials extended to include a variety of different segments of the population. As expected, positive results came from studies with the elderly, those suffering from recurring infection, and pregnancy. The only negative outcome was an apparent interaction in those prescribed warfarin; they should not drink cranberry juice while taking blood thinners.

With almost every demographic covered, the only group remaining to be tested were children under one year of age. In light of their well-known issues with urinary tract infections, they had the most to gain from a well-developed study. But until recently, little had been done to determine the effect of cranberry supplementation. That recently changed when a group of Spanish researchers revealed a cranberry extract may help to prevent infections in these young individuals.

The team examined 192 children, 85 of which were under one year of age. All had suffered from at least three episodes in their short lives. The population was divided into two separate treatment groups; one received an antibiotic known to help fight urinary infections while the other received suspension of 3% cranberry extract in a glucose syrup. Each child received a single dose daily with regular follow ups every 2 months until the study ended. This was done to determine whether cranberries would be useful over the long term.

When the results came back, the results were just as expected. Children taking the cranberry had a lower rate of infection compared to the antibiotic although when compared statistically, infants did not fare as well as children over one year of age. Even so, the data clearly supported the daily use of cranberry to help a child fight off infection was safe at any age. Moreover, in comparison to an antibiotic, to which resistance can develop, bacteria cannot stop the activity of proanthocyanidin.

Although the study focused on young children with a history of urinary tract infections, the authors suggested the use of cranberries as a preventative measure may keep all children healthy. By taking in a small amount of extract per day, a child may be able avoid infection in the first year of life and beyond. This will not only help as she grows older, but will help to relieve parents who hope to minimize any pain and discomfort in their young ones.

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7 reasons why cranberries are good for you all year round

• Source:http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/7-reasons-why-cranberries-are-good-for-you-all-year-round-34319228.html

By Kate Whiting

Don't forget about cranberries once the Christmas condiments are cleared away. Here's seven reasons to keep them on the menu.

With their deep red hue and vibrant sheen, cranberries certainly look the festive part - and taste particularly delicious in sauce form slathered on turkey - but there's no reason why these juicy fruits should be forgotten about the rest of the year.

In fact, they are bursting with potential health benefits, not to mention being super-versatile too (ever tried baking dried ones into scones?).

Here, experts outline seven reasons to cram in more cranberries ...

1. Bladder health

"Cranberries have been used for centuries by Native Americans to treat urinary tract infections, and there's lots of research being done now to explain why these tart little berries are so bladder friendly," says nutritionist Marilyn Glenville (www.marilynglenville.com).

"The first study to scientifically confirm this health benefit was undertaken in 1994, where women given 300ml of cranberry juice a day were found to suffer less than half the incidence of urinary tract infections as the placebo-ingesting control group. It was originally believed that cranberry juice reduced the symptoms of cystitis by making the urine more acidic - obviously not a desirable effect, as it is the acidic urine that causes the burning sensation. advertisement

"We now know that cranberries work in a completely different way. It seems that certain substances in cranberries can stop bacteria, such as E. coli, from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. For bacteria to infect your urinary tract, they must first stick to the mucosal (mucous membrane lining) walls of the tract. If they are unable to do so, they cannot multiply and are flushed from the body when you urinate."

2. Immune health

They could help us keep coughs and colds at bay, too, according to Nature's Best nutritionist Keri Filtness (www.naturesbest.co.uk), as they contain nutrients that support immune function. "Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which can contribute to the normal function of the immune system," says Filtness.

3. Dental health

The same properties that stop bacteria from sticking to the wall of the urinary tract - thought to be antioxidant proanthocyanidins - have been shown to "inhibit the HSV-2 herpes virus, and the Helicobacter pylori bacteria that are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of peptic ulcers and the growth of oral bacteria," says Glenville.

4. Heart health

According to Glenville, "studies have also found that cranberries, which contain high levels of other antioxidant flavonoids and polyphenols, can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is caused by 'bad' LDL cholesterol silting up arteries, reducing blood flow and leading to angina, thrombosis and heart attacks".

5. Allergy busting

Filtness says: "These berries also contain a compound called quercetin, which is thought to reduce inflammation and may help with allergies."

6. Memory and mental health

"Research to come out of the Human Nutrition Research Centre on Aging at Tufts University in the US, suggests that diets rich in foods with high levels of antioxidants and other phytonutrients, such as cranberries, could protect against chronic age-related afflictions," notes Glenville.

7. Skin health

"The antioxidant proanthocyanidins, which give cranberries their distinctive, bright red colour, are thought to support the production, and reduce the breakdown, of collagen, which may have an effect on skin elasticity and strength," says Filtness.

Pictures of Cranberries

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  Cranberry Mass Harvest

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