Cranberries May Prevent Heart Disease
Cranberries May Prevent Heart Disease
The cranberry is a shrub fruit found in the Eastern US and in Asia.
Cranberry plants grow to a height of one foot, and have been cultivated
widely in the U.S. since the 1800s. The fruit is commonly consumed as
food and used for cooking. It is the main component of cranberry sauce,
which is served during holiday dinners. Cranberry juice is also widely
consumed. Cranberry contains several substances including tannins,
vitamin C, and flavenoids. These substances are responsible for
cranberry’s antioxidant activity. Currently, cranberries are used to prevent
bladder infections due to their ability to prevent bacteria from adhering
to the wall of the urinary bladder.
New research has shown that phenols found in cranberries may aid in
preventing heart disease. Phenols have been shown to reduce LDL (bad
cholesterol) oxidized in the body, reduce the stickiness of blood platelets,
and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Most of the research has
been performed in animals; however, research in humans is underway.
The optimal amount of cranberry needed to reduce the risk of heart disease
in humans has not been determined.