Cranberries: the small wonder

Cranberry is called the berry of all seasons. Though it is native to North America; still through preservation techniques, it is available all over the world as fruit, juices and capsules. The berries are small, hard oval in shape and a little sour to taste. While enjoyed raw by some, most cranberries are turned into juice. To combat the naturally tart flavour, producers sweeten it or blend it with other fruit juices.

Cranberries score among the highest of all fruits in antioxidant activity. This wonder fruit apart from helping us in preventing premature aging and lifestyle disorders has lots of other benefits. Cranberry juice may inhibit the formation of plaque and subsequent tooth decay. Studies have shown that drinking cranberry juice can help prevent urinary tract infections.

 Urinary tract infections

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an infection that can happen anywhere along the urinary tract. Females commonly experience this complaint. The recommendation for preventing recurrent urinary tract infections has long included the use of cranberry (refer to the links mentioned at the end). It works by preventing Escherichia coli or E. coli, the most common cause of urinary tract infections from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, making it difficult for an infection to take hold. It will not, however, kill the bacteria once they have settled and start multiplying in the body. People also take it to prevent kidney stones.

Diets including cranberries may help support memory function, coordination and a healthy immune system.

A Healthy Snack! Cranberries are high in vitamin C and fibre, along with being cholesterol-free, fat-free and low in sodium. This makes them an excellent snack for Weight Watchers and health-conscious people.

Most people can safely consume cranberries or cranberry juice in moderation. However, it's essential to talk to your doctor before incorporating them into your diet if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking medications, as cranberries can interact with some drugs.

Additionally, while generally well-tolerated, cranberry juice might cause stomach upset or diarrhoea in some individuals. It's also important to be aware of the high sugar content in many commercially available cranberry juices and choose unsweetened or minimally sweetened options, especially if you have diabetes or other health concerns.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16329274

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Cranberry-juice-fights-urinary-infection/articleshow/6175855.cms

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2631561/

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