Good old Cranberries

Research has shown that cranberries have multiple benefits on human health, the benefits range from increased HDL and reduced LDL, and in lab tests it can kill H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers. In addition, a compound in cranberries prevents plaque formation on teeth, and extracts of chemicals in cranberries also appear to prevent breast cancer cells from multiplying in a test tube. It is possible that it protects body cells against free radicals and oxidation, conditions related to high levels of 'bad' cholesterol in the blood, ulcers, stroke and a wide range of cancers, including stomach cancer breast cancer. It also prevents or treats urinary infections.

Research has so far found that cranberry juice can be used by women as a natural medicine and antibiotic to prevent or treat urinary infections, like cystitis. The juice contains “antibiotic” compounds called proanthocyanidins that annihilate the Escherichia coli bacteria which cause urinary tract infections and it prevents these bacteria from adhering to the mucosal cells which line the urinary tract.

Eating naturally bears fruit in fighting disease

Cranberries combat bacteria and walnuts protect arteries: your food has hidden benefits


The Government’s recommended dose of vegetables and fruits is five helpings a day. This not only sounds disgustingly boring, but often is. But it needn’t be. The average British cook’s mind turns to cabbages, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli and the ubiquitous but useless lettuce. Not dishes that are likely to persuade children to keep away from the school railings to collect food parcels. Tomatoes, dates, dried apricots, figs, bananas, broad beans, peas and carrots add a bit of colour and taste.
One of the ponds at Kew Gardens is now covered with a carpet of bright red cranberries from Massachusetts. They are waiting to be harvested and made into sauce to accompany partridge, pheasant or a turkey, following the advice of the indigenous American Indians who taught their new neighbours to serve cranberry with the game that they ate at the first Thanksgiving dinner.



Cranberry juice is not only rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants but also has antimicrobial powers that inhibit the growth of bacteria on the bladder wall by reducing their adherence to it. It also lessens the number of mouth and gut infections.

Cranberry juice to prevent bladder infections should contain at least 25 per cent cranberry and be taken every eight hours. Blueberries and pomegranate juice are just as delicious, antioxidant-rich and health giving.

Men who eat walnuts as they sip their evening drink may not know that walnuts, like Viagra, reach parts that other foods and medicines don’t. Walnuts contain the amino acid arginine and arginine, like Viagra, causes the release of nitric oxide in the arterial walls.



Source - Times

Eating naturally bears fruit in fighting disease

Cranberries combat bacteria and walnuts protect arteries: your food has hidden benefits


The Government’s recommended dose of vegetables and fruits is five helpings a day. This not only sounds disgustingly boring, but often is. But it needn’t be. The average British cook’s mind turns to cabbages, Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli and the ubiquitous but useless lettuce. Not dishes that are likely to persuade children to keep away from the school railings to collect food parcels. Tomatoes, dates, dried apricots, figs, bananas, broad beans, peas and carrots add a bit of colour and taste.
One of the ponds at Kew Gardens is now covered with a carpet of bright red cranberries from Massachusetts. They are waiting to be harvested and made into sauce to accompany partridge, pheasant or a turkey, following the advice of the indigenous American Indians who taught their new neighbours to serve cranberry with the game that they ate at the first Thanksgiving dinner.



Cranberry juice is not only rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants but also has antimicrobial powers that inhibit the growth of bacteria on the bladder wall by reducing their adherence to it. It also lessens the number of mouth and gut infections.

Cranberry juice to prevent bladder infections should contain at least 25 per cent cranberry and be taken every eight hours. Blueberries and pomegranate juice are just as delicious, antioxidant-rich and health giving.



Source - Times

Cranberries 'block tooth decay'

Cranberries may help prevent tooth decay and cavities, research suggests.

Scientists have found a compound in the fruit can stop bacteria from clinging to the teeth, blocking the formation of damaging plaque deposits.

However, researcher Dr Hyuan Koo warned many cranberry-containing products were loaded with sugar and consuming large amounts could lead to tooth decay.

The study, by the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, will be published in Caries Research.

Cranberries can fight tooth decay

Get ready to pamper your taste buds and protect your teeth against decay at the same time as a new research has revealed that cranberries are an important weapon in fighting tooth decay.

The British Dental Health Foundation (BDHF) has said that cranberries can prevent a host of oral health problems, including gum disease and tooth decay.

Following up on a research carried out by the University of Rochester in New York, the BDHF discovered that cranberry juice stopped harmful bacteria sticking to the teeth. Cranberry juice also ensures that plaque never gets a chance to form.

"Cranberry juice is naturally very acidic. Every time you drink something acidic the enamel on your teeth is softened temporarily.If given time to recover, then your saliva will neutralise this acidity in your mouth and restore it to its natural balance,"Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, was quoted by the Daily Mail, as saying.

However, the researchers have cautioned that the intake of cranberries should be limited to only the meal times as its excess can have some harmful effects.

"However, if this attack happens too often the mouth does not have the chance to repair itself and tiny particles of enamel can be brushed away. This is called erosion. Erosion can cause pain and sensitivity in the teeth, and once the enamel has worn away can also leave your teeth open to decay too - so try to keep cranberry juice to mealtimes only," he added.

Source Asian News International

Cranberries 'block gut viruses'

Cranberry juice may help to combat viruses that cause gut disorders, research suggests.

Drinking the juice is already recommended as a way to cut the risk of urinary tract infections.

Scientists found adding cranberry juice to intestinal viruses in laboratory conditions blocked their ability to infect intestinal cells.

The research, by St Francis College in New York, was presented to the American Society for Microbiology.

Food and drug 'cocktails' warning

Doctors are being told to check patients' diets before prescribing drugs to avoid dangerous cocktails.

Safety advisors estimate around 200 drugs become toxic, or less effective, when combined with certain foods.

For example, the anti-clotting drug warfarin reacts with cranberry juice and the oral contraceptive may not work if you mix it with St John's wort.

An independent committee will advise the Food Standards Agency and government's medicines regulatory body.

Source - BBC News

Cranberry Juice in Blood Clot Warning

Patients taking the anti-clotting drug warfarin have been warned to limit or avoid cranberry juice consumption. The Committee on Safety of Medicines is concerned that mixing the two increases the risk of haemorrhage.

It has received five reports which suggest that cranberry juice acts to increase the potency of the drug.

One man died after his blood clotting levels changed dramatically six weeks after starting to drink the juice.

Source BBC News

Got cranberry?

Although the tangy, little, maroon-coloured fruits can be found in bogs all over Massachusetts, a recent survey shows that health-conscience consumers are more likely to have a half-gallon of Florida orange juice in their refrigerator than cranberry juice.

What consumers may not know is that cranberries provide some major health benefits:-Studies have shown cranberries promote good urinary tract health, cardiovascular health and are a good source of vitamin C. Cranberries may also prevent ulcers, breast cancer and gum disease.

Source The Herald News