Cranberries have been used as a source of food and as a medicinal remedy for centuries, dating back to the Native Americans who used these red berries to treat diseases in the bladder and kidneys. Cranberries are still known today as a preventive treatment for urinary tract infections, commonly known as UTIs. However, these berries also may help with other health conditions, such as digestive issues, blood disorders, ulcers, oral hygiene and appetite loss.
Description
Cranberries, or Vaccinium macrocarpon, come from an evergreen bush that grows in bogs or wetlands across most of North America. This fruit is red to purple in color and has a tart, tangy and often sour taste. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants -- especially proanthocyanidins and flavonols -- vitamin C, manganese and fiber.
Urinary Tract Infections
Pure cranberry juice, capsules and tablets may help prevent UTIs. Cranberries have the power to stop the infection-causing bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, from attaching to the walls of the urinary tract. Several studies have proven that cranberries help prevent urinary tract infections, but the verdict is still out on whether these berries can actually cure it once an infection has developed.
In one study published in the June 2001 issue of "BMJ," scientists showed that participants who suffered from UTIs reduced their chances of a recurrence if they drank pure cranberry juice daily. In fact, over a year's time, participants reduced their chances of having another UTI by over 20 percent. In another study published in the April 2007 issue of "Phytomedicine," clinicians concluded that if a participant used a cranberry preparation with a high phenolic content, it may prevent recurrent UTIs in women. In one of the latest studies done in 2010, published in the April issue of the "International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology," researchers proved that cranberries can prevent UTIs if taken consistently.
Other Medicinal Uses
Although cranberries are touted as a UTI preventative treatment, these berries also can help treat stomach ulcers, lower high cholesterol, prevent plaque buildup, protect against heart disease, improve oral hygiene by preventing bacteria from sticking to the gums and teeth, and possibly inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In fact, in a study published in the January 2011 issue of "Nutrition and Cancer," researchers found that cranberries, due primarily to their large amounts of polyphenic compounds, can kill human prostate adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. More studies need to be done, but it appears that cranberries could possibly prevent prostate cancer.
Side Effects
Cranberry, in all its forms, is considered safe. There have been no reports of severe interactions between using cranberry and other medications. One caveat is that cranberries do contain the chemical oxalate which could increase the risk for kidney stones. Therefore, if you have kidney stones, you should not use any cranberry supplement without consulting a physician first.
References
- AAFP; Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections; Darren M. Lynch; December 2004
- "Phytomedicine"; Can a Concentrated Cranberry Extract Prevent Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women? A Pilot Study; D.T. Bailey, et al.; April 2007
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- "International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology"; Inhibitory Activity of Cranberry Extract on the Bacterial Adhesiveness in the Urine of Women: An Ex-vivo Study; G. Tempera, et al.; April 2010
- "BMJ"; Randomised Trial of Cranberry-lingonberry Juice and Lactobacillus GG Drink for the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections in Women; T. Kontiokari, et al.; June 2001
- "Nutrition and Cancer"; North American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Stimulates Apoptotic Pathways in DU145 Human Prostate Cancer Cells in vitro; M.A. MacLean, et al.; January 2011
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