Cranberry Health Benefits

Cranberries are not just a pretty fruit but a nutrient powerhouse.  As a functional food cranberries are packed with antioxidants and health promoting properties.

It is widely known that cranberries help prevent urinary tract infection.  This is accomplished by preventing bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.  More recently it has been discovered that the same properties help reduce bacterial adhesion to teeth, thus reducing the formation of dental plaque.  Recent studies have also revealed that compounds in cranberries stop certain disease-causing bacteria from sticking to the stomach lining, thus helping to prevent ulcers.

Fruits and vegetables are excellent foods for good health.  They contain disease-fighting antioxidant phenols.  In a study of 20 commonly eaten fruits cranberries contained significantly more phenols than any other fruit measured (see chart below).

Researchers believe phenol compounds called flavonoids, associated with foods such as red wine, help reduce cardiovascular disease.  Studies indicate flavonoids work by inhibiting blood clothing, increasing interior blood vessel diameter and protecting oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.  This all leads to improved cardiovascular health!  Flavonoids plus other compounds may also play a role in preventing certain types of cancers.  Research to date indicates this and more studies are underway.

“Cranberries Rank High in Antioxidants”

 Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Cranberries are not the only food for good cardiovascular health, recent studies indicate that chocolate also keeps the heart healthy.  Researchers report that chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, has high levels of antioxidant flavonoids which may help reduce the risk of developing heart disease and certain cancers.  Also noted is that the concern over the fat content of chocolate in regards to cholesterol may be overemphasized since the major form of fat in chocolate, stearic acid, is cholesterol-neutral when consumed in moderation.

© 2002 Cape Cod Provisions. All rights reserved.   

Revised: October 18, 2007