Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is a low, creeping shrub with small evergreen leaves and produces a deep red fruit. Cranberries are native to North America and Canada. In these countries, cranberries are famous for its nutritional and medicinal value. Cranberry fruit is processed into jam, juice, sauce, and dried similar to raisins. More importantly, both traditional medicine and modern science believe that cranberry is the herb of choice in the prevention of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
Cranberries can be used in four ways namely: fresh, dried, as cranberry juice, or as cranberry supplements. Of the four, using fresh or dried cranberries is the most recommended. Fresh cranberries can be added in breads or muffins. Dried berries which are less tart and also fiber-rich can be eaten anytime of the day as snack. Pure cranberry juice can be too sour and is usually taken with water to even out the taste. People with diabetes should be careful when taking cranberry juice as some varieties are added with sugar. Lastly, cranberry supplements are recommended for people who can’t take the sour taste of cranberries. Cranberry supplements are also a good way to get optimum cranberry benefits as they contain standardised cranberry extract.
Cranberries are rich in phytochemicals called proanthocyanidins, which possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. These active compounds work by exhibiting anti-adherence action to bacteria that causes UTIs. Proanthocyanidins encapsulates infectious bacteria and prevents them from attaching to bladder walls. They also aid in flushing these bacteria away from the urinary system through the urine. However, recent studies suggest that the health benefits of cranberries are not only limited to fighting urinary tract infections.
Cranberry Benefits
- Most importantly, cranberry promotes healthy functioning of the urinary system. Eating fresh cranberry or drinking cranberry juice provides more proanthocyanidins in the bladder to protect the entire urinary system from E. coli invasion. E. coli is the most common causative agent of Urinary Tract infections.
- The antibacterial effect of cranberry is also helpful against the H. pylori bacteria. H. pylori have been known to cause peptic ulcers and even stomach cancer.
- Cranberry is a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a very important vitamin that modulates the immune system and protects the body against free-radicals.
- Cranberries can be used to control asthma attack. Crushed and boiled cranberries can be used by asthma patients to relieve the signs and symptoms of asthma. According to experts, cranberries also contain active ingredients similar to prescription medications against asthma.
- Cranberries promote a healthy heart. Clinical studies have shown that cranberry extract prevents the oxidation of Low Density Lipoproteins or the bad cholesterol. By doing this, cranberry reduces blood cholesterol levels which lower the risk of developing any cardiovascular disease.
- Cranberries help in preventing tooth decay. Experts suggest using cranberry juice as mouthwash can eliminate streptococcus mutans, the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
- By containing powerful antioxidants, cranberries protect the body against degenerative diseases. Degenerative or age-related diseases are caused by increased accumulation of free radicals in the body. Common degenerative diseases include macular degeneration, cancer, and heart diseases.
Cranberry Side Effects
Cranberries are safe for use either in its fresh, dried, juice, or supplement form. However, people with diabetes should only take sugar-free cranberry juice or cranberry supplements to prevent increased blood sugar levels. People with history of kidney stones should also limit drinking cranberry juice to 1 litre daily to prevent recurrence.
