Cranberries contain flavonoids, compounds that have powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants neutralize the body’s free radicals and help slow down aged-related diseases.
What is a free radical?
A free radical is a molecule that is missing an electron. The molecule will do everything to replace its missing electron and will “steal” an electron from another molecule, which in turn will “steal” an electron from another molecule and so forth…This process can repeat for a long time and is known as “free radical chain reaction”. This chain reaction can disturb cellular functions at every level and once a cell is damaged, it cannot stop attacks.
The body naturally defends itself against free radicals but most of the time they prove to be too much and the body cannot fully protect itself. Free radicals are partly to blame for accelerated aging of the cells and degenerative diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis, brain degeneration, inflammatory diseases, cataracts and many more acute pathologies.
It is also proven beyond any reasonable doubts that environmental agents are a source of free radicals. Lead, cadmium, pesticides, ionizing radiations, alcohol, and tobacco smoke can all produce free radicals. The damages caused by free radicals are factors in cell & tissue degeneration & premature aging.
Antioxidants to the rescue
There are many ways to slow down aging and minimize damages caused by free radicals. One way is called antioxidants. “Antioxidants prevent damages caused by free radicals by giving them the extra electron they need” says Doctor Nicholas Perricone, Yale University dermatologist, “Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and stop them from leaching electrons off other cells.” Thus, the best defense against aging is a good supply of antioxidants. These vital nutrients are present in large quantities in cranberries so the quest for eternal youth can begin at Fruit d’Or!
Cranberries also have many more health-wise positive impacts. Did you know that native peoples of America used cranberries to treat illnesses such as scurvy and urinary infections? After researching cranberry fruits properties, scientists found out that the cranberry has non-sticking capabilities which confers it anti-bacterial properties.
Urinary infections
Many researchers have come to the conclusion that cranberry fruits prevent urinary infections. In fact, it has been found that some of the cranberry’s compounds stop bacteria such as Escherichia Coli from clinging to the bladder walls. The main cause in 90% of urinary infections (characterized by abnormally high levels of bacteria inside the bladder) can be traced to the E.Coli bacteria. Over 60% of women contract the disease at least once in their lifetime.
*Please note that cranberry juice DOES NOT replace drugs prescribed for urinary infections.
The cranberry as a dental assistant
Cranberries contain molecules that play a role in the prevention & treatment of gingivitis, dental caries and periodontal diseases. This claim is supported by Doctor Daniel Grenier, teaching master for the Laval University Dentistry Faculty. Dr. Grenier’s studies have shed light on the capabilities some of the cranberry compounds (i.e. proanthocyanids) to prevent bacteria from sticking to each other and form a biofilm (protective layer for micro-organisms responsible for gingivitis, dental caries and periodontal diseases).
Stomach ulcers & gastric reflux
According to Chinese researchers, two glasses of cranberry juice a day help stop Helicobacter Pylori (H.Pylon) infections which are responsible for gastric reflux and stomach ulcers & cancers. Researchers also think that the oligo-proantocyianids found in the cranberry could prevent H.Pylon from sticking to the stomach & duodenum mucosa. This capability of the cranberry is already being put to use in the prevention of cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder & urinary tracts caused by E.Coli.
Cholesterol
According to a recent Québec research, overweight men suffering from high levels of bad cholesterol can raise their good cholesterol levels by drinking one or two cups (250-500ml.) of cranberry juice a day.
Cardiovascular protection
Cranberries have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system; their phyto-nutrients reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise good cholesterol (HDL). In a study published in Life Sciences journal, researchers have discovered that cranberries help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death.
* Warning: Health Canada has published a notice that cranberry juice unfavorably interacts with the blood thinning drug Coumadin. It is thus NOT recommended to drink cranberry juice while using Coumadin.
Strokes & Kidney stones
According to new studies, cranberries can limit damages caused by strokes and can also prevent kidney stones. A team of researchers has discovered that, if given immediately after the stroke, cranberry extracts lowered by 50% brain cell death. Another team found that cranberry juice lowered urine PH and could thus help in preventing & dissolving kidneys stones.
Cancer
Cranberries contain molecules that are well-known for their cancer fighting properties (anthocyanids, proanthocyanids, phenol). Many clinical studies have shown that a vegetable & fruit-rich diet that includes cranberries lowers cancer risks.
The best antioxidant there is!
Cranberry is the fruit that contains the most antioxidants; in a study published by the Cranberry Institute, cranberries were shown to have more antioxidants that blueberries, apples, red grapes or wine.
According to researches lead by scientists Vinson & al.
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Source: www.cranberryinstitute.org
Snack ideas
Brighten up your day with Fruit d’Or cranberries. They are delicious with cereals, yogurt, oatmeal, muffins or cookies. Sauce them up and serve them with meat, rice or couscous. They can also replace raisins in your recipes.
Eating Fruit d’Or cranberries is caring for yourself!
Références
Cranberry Institute;
www.cranberryinstitute.org
Association française de sécurité sanitaire des aliments
www.afssa.fr
Passeport Santé
www.passeportsante.net
