Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon L.), courtesy of The Cranberry Institute
[Follow the Wikipedia links]
Why might cranberries be considered "the leading edge" of berry research?
Let's consider four factors
1. Nutrient content. High in vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential mineral, manganese, as well as a well-balanced profile of other essential micronutrients
(click for the in-depth nutrient list from World's Healthiest Foods)
2. Antioxidant strength. Cranberries are ranked among the highest of common berries for ORAC -- the laboratory measurement of antioxidant food value. See the latest rankings for several common berries here!
3. Intensity of the research effort. Cranberries have been the topic of more than 400 medical research studies since the 1930s with some 60 journal publications during 2007.
4. Identification of anti-disease effects. Different than for any other berry, cranberry juice has been approved by the French government as a preventive treatment against female urinary tract infections. Click for the announcement.
This is the only clinical trial result approved to allow a health claim for any berry. It is based on the ability of cranberry phenolics to inhibit adhesion ("anti-adhesion" properties) of bacteria to cell walls and organ linings in the female urinary tract.
To ease harvest, cranberries are floated in a managed bog.
Courtesy, University of Massachusetts
The anti-adhesion effect underlying the health claim for cranberry juice is being studied in a variety of other ways to expand scientific understanding and likely broaden the health claim coverage.
Examples
Craisins (dried sweetened cranberries) -- look for them in your grocery's bulk bin.
Use often like you would with raisins!
Stay tuned for Part 2 next week where we examine other health research being published about cranberries! |
