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 pposed 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 your favorite Wholefood Farmacy
foods such as, Cranberry Phi , 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!
As always, we are at your service,
The Wholefood Farmacy Team
