The cranberry plant is native to North America and is a member of the Ericaceae family---the same family as blueberries---according to the Cranberry Institute. A low-growing, woody perennial plant, it produces fat-free berries rich in minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. These nutrients provide several benefits that make drinking cranberry juice a healthy dietary option. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults drink 3 or more fluid oz. of pure cranberry juice each day, or about 10 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail. Whenever possible, choose organic, unsweetened brands. Speak to your doctor about drinking cranberry juice if you're on medications or taking other supplements or herbs.
Urinary Tract Infections
The ability of cranberries to treat urinary tract infections, or UTIs, in women is well-known. This condition affects about 11 million American women each year, states the Cranberry Institute. As they report, cranberries contain proanthocyanidins--antioxidants that help prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. As a result, bacteria cannot reproduce and cause full-blown infections.Peptic Ulcer Prevention
A study on the efficacy of cranberry juice on H. pylori bacteria conducted by Peking University and the Beijing Institute for Cancer Research found that 500 mL of cranberry juice daily reversed positive H. pylori results in subjects aged 11 to 48 after 90 days. Researchers believe the ability of cranberry to prevent bacteria adherence works effectively on peptic ulcers, which generally originate as stomach or upper intestinal infections and often lead to gastric cancer.
Cardiovascular Health
Moderate levels of vitamin C in cranberry juice offer a major boost in antioxidants that protect the heart and arteries from cellular damage. Vitamin C also aids the production of collagen, a protein necessary for creating healthy blood vessels. According to research conducted at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, the polyphenols found in cranberries prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing the oxidation of cholesterol lipoprotein, or LDL, also known as bad cholesterol. and blood pressure and inhibiting blood clots in blood vessels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, cranberries antioxidants help relax blood vessels and fight plaque buildup in the arteries. The Cranberry Institute states that cranberries also improve platelet function, which helps boost heart health.
Breast Cancer
Cranberries have known anti-carcinogenic properties. The most common cancer affecting American women is breast cancer, which is also a main cause of cancer-related death. In a 2006 study published in the journal "Cancer Letters," researchers found that a cranberry phytochemical extract at 10 to 50 mg/mL was able to stop the proliferation of human breast cancer cells.Oral Health
Another benefit of drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is that it can help fight cavities by preventing the bacteria S. mutans from sticking to tooth enamel.Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/237775-what-are-the-benefits-of-unsweetened-cranberry-juice/#ixzz1D7Tj5yUX
cranberry image by Marek Kosmal from Fotolia.com
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