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Cranberries are truly an all-natural wonder drug that can be purchased straight from your local grocery store. What's the secret? It is quite simple cranberries contain chemicals called phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are responsible for the color in cranberries; they are also responsible for all of the health benefits of cranberries, as well as other colored berries. The phytochemicals that are present in cranberries are Catechins, Triterpenoids, Quinic Acid, Hippuric Acid and Anthocyanins.

The phytochemicals in cranberries have been reported to contain pro-health benefits, though many of the health benefits remain anecdotal. Some of the reported health benefits from the consumption of cranberries include: a reduction in urinary track infections, increased dental health, reduction in stomach ulcers and cancer prevention.

Cranberries ability to prevent the development of urinary tract infections is thought to result from the presence of hippuric acid. Hippuric acid is thought to line the bladder, thereby preventing bacteria (ecoli) from adhering to cells. Other studies have identified acidity or a low pH as the protective quality in cranberries. "The cranberry juice phytochemicals bind to the bacteria, and then they're just excreted," says Jeffrey Blumberg, director of the antioxidants research laboratory at the USDA human nutrition research center on aging at Tufts University (2).

The ability of cranberries to prevent the onset of dental disease is thought to be due to the presence of phytochemicals that prevent the adherence of bacteria to the teeth and gums. The prevention to the offending bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis is thought to reduce the incidents of tooth decay, gingivitis and inflammation of the gums.

A significant number of stomach ulcers are thought to be caused by the presence of the Helicobacter pylori bacteria. The bacterium sticks to the stomach wall disrupting the protective mucus layer. As the stomach looses its protective coating, the chance of developing ulcers and stomach cancer are believed to increase. Beijing Institute for Cancer Research suggests that cranberry juice destroys the Helicobacter pylori bacteria; they demonstrated a statistical significant benefit from the daily consumption of cranberries (1).

The antioxidant properties of phytochemicals in cranberries benefit not only the cardiovascular system but also help to fight against the onset of cancer. Antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative damage; they also prevent cardiovascular disease by preventing the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The oxidation of LDL has been linked to atherosclerosis.

References:
1. http://www.phytochemicals.info /
2. http://www.newsweek.com/id/107 229?tid=relatedcl

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