Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), a glossy, scarlet red, very tart berry. It has been used as both a food and a medicine for centuries. It is native to North America and was used by Native Americans to treat bladder and kidney diseases. Cranberries were also used by the Indians decoratively, as a source of red dye, and medicinally, as a poultice for wounds since not only do their astringent tannins contract tissues and help stop bleeding, but we now also know that compounds in cranberries have antibiotic effects.
Early settlers from England learned to use the berry both raw and cooked for many ailments, including appetite loss, stomach problems, blood disorders, and scurvy, caused by not getting enough vitamin C. Now, recent studies suggest that this native American berry may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health, lower LDL and raise HDL (good) cholesterol, aid in recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.
Cranberry is used for
neurogenic bladder (a bladder disease), as well as to deodorize urine
in people with urinary incontinence (difficulty controlling
urination). Some people use cranberry to increase urine flow, kill
germs, speed skin healing, and reduce fever.
Some people use
cranberry for type 2 diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS),
scurvy, inflammation of the lining around the lung (pleurisy), and
cancer.
Fresh cranberries, which contain the highest levels of beneficial nutrients, are at their peak from October through December, just in time to add their festive hue, tart tangy flavor and numerous health protective effects to your holiday meals. When cranberries’ short fresh season is past, rely on unsweetened cranberry juice made from whole berries, cranberry capsules and dried or frozen cranberries to help make every day throughout the year a holiday from disease.
Cranberries are among the top foods with proven health benefits. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals.
The National Institutes of Health is funding research on the cranberry’s effects on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions, and other researchers are investigating its potential against cancer, stroke and viral infections.
Now onto some of the benefits of cranberries...
Urinary tract infections -- Several studies indicate that cranberry helps prevent urinary tract infections of the bladder and urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder) caused by bacteria, particularly for women who have frequent UTIs. Specifically, the proanthocyanidins found in cranberry appear to block the adhesive strands on the E. coli bacteria from sticking to a surface whereby inhibiting their ability to stick to the cell walls of the uterus and bladder. In one study of older women, cranberry juice reduced the amount of bacteria in the bladder compared to placebo. Another study showed that younger women with a history of frequent UTIs who took cranberry capsules had fewer UTIs compared to those who took placebo.
Ulcers -- Two studies that cranberry may also prevent the bacteria Helicobacter pylori from attaching to stomach walls. H. pylori can cause stomach ulcers, so cranberries may play a role in the preventing stomach ulcers. In much the same way as cranberries may help prevent bacterial attachment to the lining of the urinary tract, they may also help prevent attachment of bacteria to the stomach lining. There is already some preliminary evidence that cranberry may help protect us from stomach ulcer in this way. We expect to see future studies confirming this fascinating type of health benefit.
Cancer -- Cranberries may prevent tumors from growing rapidly or starting in the first place. Extracts of chemicals in cranberries prevent breast cancer cells from multiplying in a test tube; whether that would work in women is unknown. Some test tube and animal studies suggest cranberry may help stop cancer cells from growing.
Heart disease -- Cranberry extract has been shown to inhibit low density lipoprotein oxidation. Since this process is believed to be part of what can cause heart disease, prevention of oxidation through cranberry supplementation can potentially reduce the risk of heart disease.
Asthma attacks -- To overcome an asthma attack, cranberries can be used. Crush the berries; boil it in distilled water and skin. This is effective relief from an attack since the berries contain active ingredients similar to drugs prescribed by your doctors to control asthma.
Alzheimer’s disease -- In laboratory tests, cranberry seems to protect somewhat against Alzheimer’s disease. Studies in people are needed.
Inflammation -- In the laboratory, cranberry has anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation is involved in many chronic and life threatening diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis and most types of cancer.
High cholesterol -- One preliminary study found that drinking cranberry juice raised HDL “good” cholesterol levels and reduces the oxidation of “bad cholesterol.” This helps promote a healthy heart.
Viruses -- Cranberry seems to fight some viruses in test tubes. Studies in people are needed.
Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health -- Cranberries improves cardiovascular health and blood vessel function in people with atherosclerosis.
Reduction of dental plaque -- It is believed that cranberry juice can inhibit the aggregation of bacteria that cause dental plaque.
Tooth decay -- Cranberries may also help prevent tooth decay by discouraging bacteria and preventing them from clinging to the teeth and gums.
Kidney stones -- Some medical professionals and specialists believe that quinic acid abundant in cranberry may help to prevent the development of urate, struvite and brushite stones.
Antiaging properties -- An exciting new research has shown that cranberries could help protect the brain from neurological damage.
People used to think that cranberry worked for urinary tract infections by making the urine acidic and, therefore, unlikely to support the growth of bacteria. But researchers don’t believe this explanation any more. They now think that some of the chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract where they can multiply. Cranberry, however, does not seem to have the ability to release bacteria which are already stuck to these cells. This may explain why cranberry is possibly effective in preventing urinary tract infections, but possibly ineffective in treating them.
Cranberry, as well as many other fruits and vegetables, contains significant amounts of salicylic acid, which is an important ingredient in aspirin. Drinking cranberry juice regularly increases the amount of salicylic acid in the body. Salicylic acid can reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and can have antitumor effects.
Contrary to popular opinion, we believe that the latest research shows mixed results for cranberry with respect to kidney stone formation. This area of the health research can be confusing. Kidney stones can be formed from several different mineral-including combinations. The most common type of kidney stones formed in the United States involves a combination of calcium-plus-oxalic acid and are called calcium-oxalate stones. Among U.S. adults who develop kidney stones, about 75% develop calcium-oxalate stones. The other 25% develop a variety of different stones, including calcium-phosphate stones (called brushite stones), magnesium-sulfate containing stones (called struvite stones), and uric acid-containing stones (called urate stones). Since cranberries have the ability to increase the concentration of both calcium and oxalate in the urine, they can increase the likelihood of calcium-oxalate stone formation in susceptible individuals. Urinary uric acid, however, is typically decreased by intake of cranberry, and so risk of urate stones in susceptible individuals can be decreased by intake of cranberry. With other types of kidney stones, mixed effects of cranberry intake have been demonstrated. From our perspective, the bottom line at this point in the research process seems clear: individuals with kidney stone problems of any kind, or known susceptibility to kidney stone formation, should talk with their healthcare provider if considering inclusion of cranberry in their diet. Since 3 out of 4 U.S. adults experiencing kidney stone problems develop calcium-oxalate stones, there's a good chance for cranberry to be a problematic addition to the diet in the case of U.S. adults with a history of kidney stone formation.
Individuals at risk of calcium oxalate kidney stone formation will most likely want to avoid cranberries for the above reasons, and if considering inclusion of cranberries in their diet, should consult beforehand with a qualified healthcare provider. For some other, less common types of kidney stones - including struvite stones (containing magnesium sulfate) and brushite stones (one form of stones containing calcium phosphate), intake of cranberry juice may actually help lower a person’s risk. As you can see, the relationship between cranberry juice and kidney stones can sometimes be confusing, and for this reason, if you are in doubt about this aspect of your health, we recommend a consult with your healthcare provider before making a decision about cranberries in your diet.
Cranberry is LIKELY SAFE for most people. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts have been used safely in research. Cranberry juice is LIKELY SAFE for children. But 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.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy and
breast-feeding: Cranberries and cranberry juice are safe to
consume during pregnancy and breast-feeding; but cautious when using
dietary supplements. It is not known if these are safe to use during
pregnancy and breast-feeding.
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.
Diabetes:
Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you
have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with
artificial sweeteners.
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 this kind of kidney stones. If you have a
history of kidney stones, avoid taking cranberry extract products or
drinking a lot of cranberry juice.
Be cautious with this combination.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
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. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Be watchful with this combination.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
Some medications are
changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might decrease how
quickly the liver breaks down some medications. 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 (Elavil),
diazepam (Valium), zileuton (Zyflo), 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.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs): Cranberry juice 1-10 oz per day has been used. However, the ideal dose has not yet been determined.
For preventing UTIs in children: 15ml/kg daily as 30% cranberry concentrate has been used.
For use as a urinary deodorizer for incontinent patients: 3-6 oz per day of cranberry juice.
For type 2 diabetes: Six capsules (equivalent to 240 mL cranberry juice cocktail) daily for 12 weeks. Encapsulated formulations are often taken in doses of 300-400 mg twice daily.
Approximately 1500 grams of fresh fruit produces 1 liter of juice. Cranberry juice cocktail is approximately 26% to 33% pure cranberry juice, sweetened with fructose or artificial sweetener.
Here are some reviews taken from a famous Internet website which further highlights some of the health benefits of taking Cranberry supplements regularly:
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5.0 out of 5 stars The BEST Cranberry Pills, October 29, 2011
By
Mr Roberts "Mr. Roberts" (Iowa City, IA USA)
I have gotten kidney stones in the past and found that taking a couple Cranberry pills every day greatly reduces them! I have tried numerous brands of Cranberry pills and these are by far the best and have kept my UT at its healthiest. I wont waste money on any other brands again.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my life!, August 23, 2010
By
Janice C. Marton "Janice" (Atlanta, GA)
No - Really - these pills changed my life. I would get extremely painful UTIs at least once every couple of months. That meant doctor's visits and urine cultures, and antibiotics. Nobody wants to take that many antibiotics!! I tried these rather than go on prophylaxis and they work! I don't know how, but they do. I take one in the morning and one in the afternoon and stay at hydrated as possible, and I have been UTI free! Definitely worth the money.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Miracle Working Pills.., August 7, 2011
By
ArmyWife76
Frankly, I use to suffer from chronic UTIs. However, when I started taking this pill everyday I stopped having them all together. I take these pills preventatively. I am a firm believer that these were the cure.
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Here are some reviews taken from WebMD's medical site User Reviews & Ratings:
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Reason for taking: Urinary tract infections (UTIs...
2/10/2011 3:07:36 PM
Reviewer: 35-44 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 4
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 4
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 4
Comment:
I felt an UTI starting on Tuesday. I bought several 64oz bottles of Cranberry Juice and Cranberry/Blueberry juice blends. The urgency and frequency of my urination has decreased along with the burning sensation.
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Reason for taking: UTI
11/17/2010 11:46:00 AM
Reviewer: bobkat, 45-54 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 4
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
Only a good antibiotic will treat a UTI for me. I've been taking the cranberry supplements only as a future preventive treatment with hope it will prevent another UTI. I have a long history of UTI's which as a man is rare but no tests have proven as to why. That is why I'm trying the supplement at this time.
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Reason for taking: Bladder infection
10/16/2010 2:09:32 PM
Reviewer: mbkcash, 45-54 Female on Treatment for 10 years or more
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 5
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
I always keep a bottle of cranberry juice on hand for those occasional signs I am getting a bladder infection. The minute I feel something coming on, just drinking a couple of glasses of cranberry juice and it is gone!
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Reason for taking: Urinary tract infections (UTIs...
2/25/2010 12:21:51 PM
Reviewer: 19-24 Female on Treatment for 6 months to less than 1 year (Consumer)
Effectiveness: Current Rating: 5
Ease of Use: Current Rating: 4
Satisfaction: Current Rating: 5
Comment:
Was a sufferer of very frequent UTI's, now take a cranberry pill in the am and a multivitamin with extra vitamin c in the pm and haven't had another infection. I believe the combination of cranberry and vitamin c is the key as they work together.
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