With cranberry season underway, the Cranberry Institute has released an update to The Berry Best Guidebook, a digital resource compiling scientific research on the health effects of cranberries. The updated edition incorporates recently published studies covering additional areas of potential benefit.
Research on urinary tract, stomach, gut, and cardiovascular health remains the most established, but new studies point to emerging areas such as exercise performance, muscle function, anti-aging and cellular health, rheumatoid arthritis, endocrine health, liver disease management, digestive support, and possible roles in lung and oral cancer.
© The Cranberry Institute
Cranberries and infection prevention
Amy Howell, PhD, Associate Research Scientist (retired) from Rutgers University, said: "Cranberries contain a type of tannin polyphenol called proanthocyanidin (PAC), which helps prevent pathogenic bacterial adhesion in multiple areas in the body, including the urinary tract, stomach, and oral cavity. Bacteria sticking to surfaces in the body is the first step in the infection process, so preventing this adhesion step with daily cranberry intake can keep the infection from proceeding further. Preventing infections lowers the need for antibiotic treatments, potentially slowing the pace of antibiotic resistance development, a current worldwide crisis."
Polyphenol composition
Cranberries contain polyphenols, including PACs, anthocyanins, and flavonoids, with a high content of A-type PACs that prevent bacterial adhesion. These compounds can be consumed through juice, fresh or frozen berries, sauce, or dried forms.
Research areas
The updated guidebook now provides sections on: stomach health and H. pylori suppression; gut microbiome; urinary tract health; nerve cell and cognition support; oral health; cardiometabolic and cardiovascular health; diabetes and blood sugar management; exercise and muscle function; anti-aging; rheumatoid arthritis; endocrine health; liver disease management; digestive support; cancer research (reproductive, bladder, esophageal, lung, and oral); immunity and viral responses; dietary supplement considerations; and potential interactions with medications.
Gut microbiome and inflammation
Emerging studies suggest cranberry polyphenols may support the gut barrier and urinary tract lining. A healthy gut barrier may prevent harmful substances from entering the bloodstream and triggering inflammation, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and chronic kidney disease.
Cranberries and constipation
Constipation, which accounts for an estimated 2.5 million healthcare visits annually in the U.S., is also under review in connection with cranberry intake. Analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2005–2010 found that cranberries were among foods linked to higher gut microbiota diversity, which is associated with lower rates of constipation.
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