Cranberry, medically known as Vaccinium macrocarpon, is one of the top 50 herbs used for its therapeutic benefits, according to Heather Boom, Ph.D., who further explains that is mostly known for preventing urinary tract infections. However, recent studies show that cranberry supplements may also help keep your heart healthy, fight stomach infections and possibly have anti-cancer activity. Talk to your doctor if you consider supplementation with cranberry juice for any medical condition, and keep in mind that cranberry supplements do not replace any conventional drugs you are currently taking.
Digestive Conditions
Cranberry juice or capsules may help fight Helicobacter pylori by reducing the ability of this bacteria to survive in the stomach and cause stomach ulcers, according to Mayo Clinic, although more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Cranberry juice has natural antivirals properties that should be further researched for the potential of using it for treating and preventing food borne viral diseases, suggests X. Su and his colleagues, based on a study published in June 2010 issue of "Food Microbiology. "
Cardiovascular Diseases
Healthy blood levels of low-density lipoprotein help prevent cardiovascular problems, according to Guillaume Ruel from Laval University, Quebec, who also evaluated the benefits of cranberry juice for improving LDL in a study published in July 2005 issue of "Metabolism." Twenty-one adults who consumed 7 mL per kilogram body weight of cranberry juice daily, for two weeks were involved in the study. The authors found that participants had reduced LDL levels and suggested that his study supports the potential benefit of antioxidant rich foods, such as cranberry juice in maintaining overall health and preventing heart conditions, however more research is needed to confirm his clinical observations.
Anti-Cancer
Cranberry juice may fight cancer. In vitro studies found that extracts and active ingredients of cranberry fruit can inhibit the growth and the spread of cancerous cells, particularly in tumors of the breast, colon, prostate and lungs, and also had anti-inflammatory effects, says Catherine C Neto, researcher from University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, U.S.A, in a study published in "Molecular Nutrition and Food Research" in June 2008. Further studies are necessary to evaluate these findings.
Considerations
Recommended consumption of cranberry juice is between 150 to 600 mls daily. National Center for Complementary and Alternative medicine suggests cranberry juice is safe in recommended doses, and possible side effects from excessive consumption of this juice include stomach upset and diarrhea. Cranberry juice may interfere with certain medications, such as aspirin and other blood thinning drugs. Cranberry supplements are not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat any medical condition.
References
- MayoClinic: Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon)
- Food Microbiology: The effect of cranberry juice and cranberry proanthocyanidins on the infectivity of human enteric viral surrogates.
- Metabolism: Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in men after short-term cranberry juice consumption.
- Molecular Nutrition and Food Research: Anticancer activities of cranberry phytochemicals: an update.
- "50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs"; Heather Boom et al; 2004
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