Cranberries are a group of evergreen shrubs or vines in the Oxycoccus subgenus of the Vaccinium genus. In Britain and America the name cranberry reffers to different species of the Oxycoccus plant.

Cranberries are rich in phyto-nutrients, naturally derived compounds, particularly proanthocyanidin antioxidants, which are essential for all-round wellness. The berries contain numerous health benefiting chemical substances that may offer protection from tooth cavities, urinary tract infections and inflammatory diseases.

Cranberries are a very renowned crop in America and Canada. Most cranberries are processed into products such as juice, sauces, jams and sweetened dried cranberries. Cranberry sauce is a traditional accompaniment to turkey at Christmas dinner in the United Kingdom and Thanksgiving dinner in the United States and Canada.

The Native Americans were the first to consume cranberries as food. They used cranberries in a variety of foods, especially for pemmican, wound medicine and dye. In the 1820s the cranberry crop was introduced to Europe and the Nordic countries and Russia wild harvested the plant.

Cranberries contain moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as other micronutrients. They are a source of phytochemicals, particularly polyphenols which are used for possible effects on the cardiovascular system, immune system and cnacer, like isolated prostate cancer cells. Components present in cranberries are under study for potential effect they may have on formation of of plaque by pathogens that cause tooth decay. They are also being studied for possible effects on kidney stone formation.

Medicinal Applications:

Cranberries hold significant amounts of phenolic flavonoid phytochemicals named pro-anthocyanidins. Due to these compounds, the consumption of cranberries has potential health benefits against cancer, aging and neurological diseases, inflammation, diabetes and bacterial infection.

Compounds in cranberries may offer protection against cardiovascular disease by counteracting against cholesterol plaque formarion in the heart and blood vessels. Additionally, these compounds help the human body lower LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

Cranberries can protect against gram-negative bacterial infections such as E.Coli in the urinary tract by inhibting bacterial-attachment to the bladder and urethral mucosa.

Consumption of cranberries turns urine acidic. Together with inhibition of bacterial adhesion actions, cranberry juice can help prevent the formation of alkaline stones inside the urinary tract.

Further, the berries prevent plaque formation on the tooth enamel by interfering with the ability of Streptococcus mutans to stick to tooth surface. For that reason, cranberries can be consumed to prevent the development of cavities.

In addition, the berries are also a good source of vitamins like vitamin C, vitamin A, B1, B2. B3, B5 and E, folate and phenolics like B-Carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin and minerals like potassium and manganese.

They contain one of the highest antioxidant rate among edible berries.

The acidic nature of the berry and its ability to prohibit the attachment of foreign materials inside the body makes the cranberry a perfect fruit for preventing kidney stones or dissolving existing ones.

The antioxidant nature of cranberries helps discard toxins from the blood stream.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.