Cranberries

Cranberries are abundant sources of anthocyanidin flavanoid peonidin, cyaniding and petunidin. They have the capacity to kill or inhibit human cancer cells in vitro, but the absorption, digestibility and excretion remains a doubt. Cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a list of problems, like diarrhea, wounds, urinary disorders, stomach ailments, diabetes and liver problems. It is also used in uti (urinary tract infections) prevention or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to peptic ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque.
Cranberry reduces bacteria levels in the urinary bladders of older women significantly better.

Cranberry prevents bacteria, such as E. coli, from causing infection due to the bacteria sticking on to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract. Cranberry, also known as mossberry or fenberry. The name cranberry, refers to the fact that, the flower before expansion or blossoming, the calyx, stem and petals resembles the head, beak and neck of a crane.
Cranberry sauce is a mouth watering dish or sauce, made form cranberries. This is common in the Christmas season. The berry is also used in baking scones, muffins and cakes but unlike many other berries, is normally considered too sharp to be eaten unaccompanied. Fresh cranberries can be frozen at home in a refrigerator, and the shelf life is nine months; they can be used directly in cooking various recipes without thawing.

Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity. Processing of cranberries yields products like sauce, juices and sweetened dried cranberries. Cranberry contains a chemical substance, that results in dental plaque prevention and reverses the process by inhibiting the pathogens, Streptococcus mutans. It is a high molecular weight, non-dializable material. Cranberry juice has the efficacy against urolithiasis formation.The berries are used to manufacture beverages and dietary supplements in the form of tablets, teas, extracts and capsules.

Eating cranberry related products prove to be safe, though drinking excessive amounts of cranberry juice results in gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea. Abstinence from drug abuse is essential against any infection. Take the guidance of your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplement you are using, including cranberry. In addition to antioxidants, tannins are also seen. These tannins have anti-clotting properties, thereby preventing dental plaque and urinary tract infection.
Cranberry is not a substitute for antibiotics, but a supplement in acute urinary tract infection. A 400 mg capsule of concentrated cranberry juice extract can be taken twice per day. Cranberry concentrate fails to exhibit any side effects and has no known contraindications to use during pregnancy and nursing.

Submitted on January 16, 2014