History and Origin
Cranberry is one of three North American native fruits. At the first time it was just harvested from northeast America areas but after that it was cultivated in the other parts of North America as Wisconsin and northwest Pacific Ocean and Chile. American natives were the only ones that used this fruit in 1550 AD. Natives blended squeezed Cranberry with venison that it was named Pemicana. They called this fruit (wonder berry). The immigrants and travelers learned how to use Cranberry from natives in 1620 AD. Dutch and German immigrants called this fruit (crane-berry). This naming was due to resemblance of Cranberry blossoms color with head and neck of crane or this bird`s interest to eat that. Finally, this short word changed to Cranberry.
The photo of Vaccinium macrocarpon fruits
Cranberry Health Benefits
1. Improving Urinary Tract Function
In the past, it was thought that Cranberry would reduce the risk of urinary tract infection by more acidifying the urine and protect urinary tract against bacteria as Escherichia coli. But now, researchers have a different theory: that cranberries make it harder for infection-causing bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls. There are two different theories about this. Based on the first theory: nutrients in cranberry change the bacteria in such a way that the bacteria can not stick to the wall of the urinary tract. Based on the second theory cranberry makes slippery cover on the wall of the urinary tract and makes it hard for bacteria (E. coli) to stick to the wall. The results of daily consumption considering about 50 ml of cranberry juice for 6 months in the women with urinary infection caused by E. coli show that the disease returns to them 2% less than women who did not drink cranberry juice.
2. Improving Cardiovascular System Function
Researches showed antioxidants in cranberry inhibit LDL oxidation and reduce risk of cardiovascular disorders. According to this study after consumption of 500 ml cranberry juice, plasma antioxidant capacity significantly increased.
Similar test results indicated plasma antioxidant capacity increases in volunteer men and women after daily consumption 660 ml cranberry juice for ten weeks.
Based on the other study in laboratory conditions that its results were published in Food Science and Nutrition journal in 2002, cranberry flavonoids (contains 3 groups of Anthocyanins, Flavonols and Proanthocyanidins) inhibit LDL oxidation, inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion, inhibit enzymes involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism that affect the immune response to oxidized LDL that finally causes reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Promoting Oral and Dental Health
According to studies, the use of cranberry and cranberry products reduces bacterial infections in the mouth, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease and prevents dental plaque formation. Based on studies in laboratory condition, the use of 2.5 mg/ml cranberry extract prevents co-aggregation in 58% of the 84 oral bacterial pairs tested and, in that way, may prevent the risk of oral and dental diseases. Cranberry prevents growth and multiplication of gum periodontal pathogens as Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola and also from dental biofilm formation (aggregation bacteria on tooth surface) and sticking bacteria to oral and tooth cells surface. A clinical primary study showed that consumption mouthwash contains cranberry extract 2 times in a day for 6 weeks significantly reduced the number of Streptococcus bacteria. Based on another study, Flavonol and Proanthocyanidin of cranberry prevent teeth biofilm and tooth decay caused by Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis bacteria. Cranberry reduces inflammation caused by oral pathogens and reduces also destruction tooth texture.
4. Improving Digestive System Function
Based on laboratory studies, cranberry prevents sticking Pylori bacteria to intestinal mucosa cells and reduces risk of the disease or level of antibiotics consumption for treatment. A study in the Institute for Cancer Research in Beijing shows cranberry is effective on prevention of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to stomach texture. In a double blind random controlled study, 189 adults with Helicobacter pylori used 500 ml cranberry juice daily. After 90 days the results were amazing and the test of helicobacter presence was negative in 14% of participants that used cranberry juice, while this trend in placebo group was only 5%.
What Are Cranberry Side Effects?
1. when taken by mouth: Cranberry is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts have been used safely in people. However, drinking too much cranberry juice can cause some side effects such as mild stomach upset and diarrhea. Drinking more than 1 liter per day for a long period of time might increase the chance of getting kidney stones.
2. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking cranberry for therapeutic reasons if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
3. Children: Cranberry juice is LIKELY SAFE for children when taken by mouth as a food or drink.
4. Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin.
5. Inflammation of the stomach lining (Atrophic gastritis): Cranberry juice might increase how much vitamin B12 the body absorbs for people with atrophic gastritis.
6. Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
7. Low stomach acid: Cranberry juice might increase how much vitamin B12 the body absorbs for people with low levels of stomach acid.
8. Kidney stones: Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts contain a large amount of a chemical called oxalate. In fact, there is some evidence that some cranberry extract tablets can boost the level of oxalate in the urine by as much as 43%. Since kidney stones are made primarily from oxalate combined with calcium, healthcare providers worry that cranberry might increase the risk of kidney stones. To be on the safe side, avoid taking cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice if you have a history of kidney stones.
Generally, every person may be allergic to certain herbs and spices. This sensitivity must be first diagnosed by the person and secondarily by the physician. However, these allergic reactions do not cause chronic or acute side effects, and after identifying the allergenic plant and removing it from the diet, allergy-related complications will be eliminated. No company or product can be aware of the allergic reactions of different bodies in advance. The body's incompatibility with one or more specific herbs rarely occurs, but consumers may encounter it anyway.
Cranberry Daily Dosage
For preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs):
Adults: 30-300 mL of cranberry juice daily has also been used.
Children: 2 mL/kg of cranberry juice taken daily for one year has been used.
Bioactive Compounds
- Anthocyanin
- Flavonol
- Catechin
- Proanthocyanidin
- Cyanidin
- Resveratrol
- Salicylic acid
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)
- Pectin
- Fructose.
Best Time to Consume
2 hours before or after meals.
Possible Drug Interactions
1. Warfarin: Warfarin (Coumadin) is used to slow blood clotting. Cranberry might increase how long warfarin (Coumadin) is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
2. Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates): Taking cranberry along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking cranberry, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline, diazepam (Valium), zileuton, celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac (Voltaren), fluvastatin (Lescol), glipizide (Glucotrol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), irbesartan (Avapro), losartan (Cozaar), phenytoin (Dilantin), piroxicam (Feldene), tamoxifen (Nolvadex), tolbutamide (Tolinase), torsemide (Demadex), warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Traditional Use
Traditionally, Cranberry used to prevent the access to kidney stone, kidney infections cure, blood pressure disorders, health of cardiovascular, health of brain and increasing body immune system. American native used to Cranberry for treatment wound salve and pull out its poison. American Whale hunters and seafarers to prevent disease of Scorbut or vitamin C deficiency had this fruit themselves.
Some Questions about Cranberry
Is it good to drink cranberry juice every day?
The cranberry fruit contains many potent antioxidants and phenolic compounds, vitamins, and minerals. Therefore, adding it to your diet provides health benefits, including lowering heart disease risk and preventing kidney infections. Cranberry juice, cranberry fruit and cranberry extracts have been used safely. So, no health hazards are known in association with the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.
What is the healthiest way to eat cranberries?
Cranberries are eaten more in dried form (powder and extract) than fresh fruit. It is used in juices, shakes, cereal bars, cheeses, chocolates, and many other food products. The powder and extract of cranberry are also used in nutraceutical supplements.
Are cranberries good for your stomach?
According to a study, drinking cranberry juice daily have negative impacts on Helicobacter pylori. It is a type of bacteria that infects the stomach and affects over two-thirds of the world's population.
What is cranberry juice/fruit good for?
4 surprising benefits of cranberries include:
- Improving Urinary Tract Function
- Improving Cardiovascular System Function
- Promoting Oral and Dental Health
- Improving Digestive System Function
Does cranberry juice clear your kidneys?
According to clinical studies, cranberry supplementation has been shown to have health benefits for humans, such as reducing urinary tract infections. Also, it has traditionally been used to treat chronic kidney disease.
Why is cranberry infusion beneficial for detoxifying and cleansing the body?
1. Increasing Antioxidant Activity: Cranberries contain phenolic compounds, which have antioxidant properties. These compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, contributing to aging and the development of various diseases.
2. Improved Urinary System Function: The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering blood and removing waste and toxins through urine. Cranberries can help improve urinary system function by preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Kidney Stone Prevention: Kidney stones can obstruct the urinary tract, reducing the kidneys' efficiency in removing toxins. Cranberries help prevent the formation of kidney stones and assist in dissolving calcium kidney stones. This advantage is likely due to the high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids.
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention: UTIs have the potential to introduce toxins and cause inflammation in the body. By preventing these infections, the body can more effectively remove toxins. Cranberries not only increase urine volume but also help treat UTIs.
