There are many important health benefits from eating cranberries and with on-going research even more are being discovered. For more information on cranberry health related topics please go to: http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/health_research/Healthresearch_HR.html
Some of the health benefits are:
Cancer Fighting - Cranberries appear to help significantly lower the incidence of human breast cancer cells in tumor development in an animal model. A 2015 study has also found that cranberry proanthocyanidins may inhibit esophageal adenocarcinoma. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26378019
Prostate Health - Cranberries are now being researched for their positive effect on prostate health. http://www.livestrong.com/article/371086-cranberry-juice-prostate-health/ A study reported by the National Insitutes of Health says that Proanthocyanidins from the American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) inhibits activity in human prostate cancer cells via alterations in multiple cellular signalling pathways. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20626034
Heart Health - Cranberries are high in flavonoids that may reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis which reduces blood flow within the arteries. Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may offer a natural defense against arteriosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks, angina and blood clots.
Anti-aging - Using animal models it appears that cranberries have an ability to protect brain cells from free radical damage and the subsequent motor and cognitive function losses.
Dental-Gum Disease, Plaque and Dental Cavities - Cranberries anti-adhesion properties help reduce the number of oral bacteria that cause dental plaque and help reverse periodontal (gum) disease. A mouthwash containing cranberries appears to significantly decrease the number of Streptococcus mutans, which causes many dental cavities. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22082264
Bacterial Anti-Adhesion and Antibiotic Resistance - Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are present in many fruits, but only the PACs of cranberries and blueberries have been shown to inhibit the adhesion of infection causing E. coli bacteria in the urinary tract. This anti-adhesion property of cranberries appears to act in other areas of the body, including the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, and gum disease. It appears likely that other susceptible bacteria will be found. Research is also proving that the use of low-level antibiotics to prevent recurring bacterial infections can make people multi-antibiotic resistant. Cranberries can help prevent the initial bacterial infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance.
Ulcers - Most peptic ulcers are caused by a bacterial infection, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Left untreated, H. pylori can also lead to stomach cancer. Cranberry juice has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of these bacteria to the stomach lining. 25 million Americans suffer from peptic ulcers in their lifetime and with this bacteria also very common in developing countries, where food and water may be contaminated, making this a significant health problem. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19120894
Urinary Tract & Bladder Infections – Due to a natural anti-adhesion substance in cranberries, cranberries can help ward off urinary tract and bladder infections. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26023719
The American Urological Association (AUA)/Canadian Urological Association (CUA)/ Society of Urodynamics, and Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction (SUFU) have published their practitioner guidelines for Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline (2019) and have included cranberry as a prophylaxis for women with recurrent UTIs.
Antiviral Properties - Emerging research shows that drinking cranberry juice may also have an antiviral effect on intestinal viruses. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17140784
Antimicrobial Against Food Pathogens - New research shows that common food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria, and E. Coli can be significantly reduced in raw minced beef, and Salmonella and E. Coli in unpasteurized apple cider, with the addition of cranberry concentrate.
Lots of Beneficial Antioxidants - Antioxidants help protect our bodies by stabilizing free radicals we are exposed to everyday. Cranberries contain more antioxidant phenols than 19 commonly eaten fruits
Red Color – Anthocyanins are phytochemicals naturally occurring in fruits and vegetables having a deep red color. With their extra deep red color, our premium vine ripened cranberries are a great source of these healthy nutrients. They are also high in Vitamin C. http://healthybodydaily.com/dr-oz/dr-oz-cranberries-3-ways-cranberries-can-fight-disease
No Latex Used in our Packing Operations – We are aware that latex can be a serious health issue for some people. Although there are no regulations in place for restricting the use of latex gloves while handling food, Cape Blanco Cranberries uses only non-latex gloves when sorting our premium vine ripened berries.
For information on cranberry health research listed above, visit the Cranberry Institute. http://cranberryinstitute.org/health_research/Healthresearch_HR.html
