Imagine
a little red berry that fights cancer, age-related diseases
like loss of memory, heart disease, ulcers, and even
cavities. Sound to good to be true? Allow us to
introduce our friend, the Cranberry!
In 1996
laboratory studies conducted by University of Illinois
scientists and published in Planta Medica demonstrated the
potential anti-cancer properties of cranberries. More
recently researchers at the University of Western Ontario
demonstrated, in animal models, that human breast cancer
cells showed significantly lower incidence of tumor
development when the experimental group's diet was
supplemented with cranberries.
USDA
scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
at Tufts University have been finding promising results
associated with diets high in antioxidants and other
phytonutrients. Preliminary studies suggest that diets
containing fruits and vegetables with high ORAC values may
provide protection against chronic age-related afflictions
like loss of coordination and loss of memory. ORAC stands
for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity which is a measure of
the antioxidant activity for a particular food. Cranberries
score very high on the ORAC scale at 1750 ORAC units per 3.5
oz. serving.
A study
published in the Journal of the American Dental Association
reported that a unique cranberry juice component, a
high-molecular-weight nondialysable material (NDM), has the
ability to reverse and inhibit the coaggregation of certain
oral bacteria responsible for dental plaque and periodontal
disease in vitro. Critical Reviews in Food Science and
Nutrition reported on a preliminary clinical trial using a
mouthwash containing cranberry NDM. Saliva samples of the
experimental group showed a two order of magnitude reduction
in Streptococcus Mutans compared with the placebo group.
This is exciting news because a large percentage of cavities
can be attributed to Streptococcus Mutans.
Flavonoids
have been shown to function as potent antioxidants both in
vitro and in vivo and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis
(clogged arteries). Cranberries contain significant amounts
of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that have been
demonstrated to inhibit LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation.
Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may
offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis.
Peptic ulcers are increasingly
being attributed to infection by Helicobacter pylori
bacteria, as opposed to stress and/or stomach acidity. A
high-molecular-weight nondialysable constituent of cranberry
juice has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori to
human gastric mucus in vitro. These preliminary results
suggest that cranberry may be beneficial in the prevention
of peptic ulcers through the inhibition of H. pylori
adhesion to gastric mucus and stomach tissue.
You can find cranberries in
Wholefood Farmacy foods such as,
Phi Plus, Fruitalicious,
and Fruitalicious Plus. Cranberries are also an awesome
addition to a smoothie made from any of our fruit based
Farinas such as BeautiPhi, ClariPhi, ElectriPhi, FructiPhi &
GloriPhi. Here’s an idea to try – in blender, add 2 tbsp
of your choice of Farina, a little ice water, a couple of
ice cubes and a handful of cranberries. Blend on high for
about 30 seconds and enjoy!
The Wholefood Farmacy Team
