by April J.

Created on: May 13, 2008   Last Updated: November 11, 2009

Cranberries have many more potential uses than their simple but well-known role as side dish for that turkey dinner once a year during the holidays. They also pack a powerful health punch, and for this reason should be considered as a great addition to the diet of any health-conscious person.

Why cranberries? The Cranberry Institute (1) lists a number of studies hailing the benefits of these red berries (a color which, by the way, is caused by anthocynanins, a strong antioxidant (2)). One potential benefit may prove to be cancer prevention if the results found in humans mirror those found at the University of Illinois in 1996 using an animal model. Here, it was found that the growth of breast cancer cells was slowed when the diet included cranberries (using an animal model with human breast cancer cells). Another study, at Tufts University and put on by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, found that fruits high in antioxidants helped fight symptoms of aging in rats, such as memory loss and loss of coordination (1). Cranberries are high on the list of fruits containing large amounts of antioxidants. Yet another study published in "Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition" in 2002 revealed that cranberries were able to decrease numbers of streptococcus colonies present in the mouth (these bacteria are a major cause of cavities) (1). Cranberries may also inhibit the bacteria that leads to ulcers (1).

As with many remedies, while research is now beginning to sing the praises of the humble cranberry, its use for healing purposes is not new. It is believed to have been used by Native Americans, and to have been used by New England sailors to prevent scurvy (which it would have accomplished due to its very high Vitamin C content) (2). Since the turn of the century it has been used to treat urinary tract infections, although the first documented suggestion by a doctor for this use was in 1923 (2). At that time, doctors believed that it acted by acidifying the urine, however it is now believed (due to a study at Harvard in 1994) that it acts by keeping bacteria from being able to adhere to the bladder's wall.

Cranberries are low in fat and sodium, and have no cholesterol (in fact they are actually believed to fight "bad" cholesterol) (2). They have been hailed by researchers at Rutger's University as one of the "top foods" out there, and further research plans to look at their effects on heart disease, yeast infections, cancer, stroke, and viral infections. (3).

So the next time you see that bowl of cranberries sitting innocently in a bowl during Christmas dinner (perhaps even shaped like the can they came out of), remember that you are looking at a nutritional powerhouse, and consider making these berries part of your diet all year long.

References:
1)http://www.cranberryinstitute.org/emerging.htm
2)http://www.cranberries.org/cranberries/health.html
3)http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15814415/

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