Cranberry the Color of Heath Brochure

PERIODONTAL DISEASE THE CRANBERRY INSTITUTE In 1998, research published in the Journal of The Cranberry Institute (CI) is a not-for-profit CRANBERRY the American Dental Association revealed that organization founded in 1951 to support and in vitro (lab) testing of compounds isolated further the success of the cranberry industry THE COLOR from cranberry reversed adhesion of bacteria through research and communication. CI is responsible for periodontal disease by as much funded by Supporting Members that handle, OF HEALTH as 58 percent. This indicated that selected process, and sell cranberries and cranberry compounds found in cranberry may have products. the potential to alter bacterial populations under the gum line, thus possibly resulting The Cranberry Institute is the source of in alternative control of periodontal disease. information about studies on the health benefits of cranberries and cranberry products. Unrelated anti-bacterial research was The Cranberry Institute provides funding published in the April 2000 Journal of the to independent research institutions for American Medical Association. It showed continued investigation of the beneficial effects that cranberry extracts reduced the growth of cranberry consumption. The Cranberry of disease-causing bacteria such as Institute promotes this information to health Staphylococcus, Salmonella and E. coli professionals and our staff participates in in laboratory tests. conferences and other forums where there is an exchange of current research findings. Now, cranberry products are being developed that take advantage of these recently discovered anti-bacterial properties. Research continues to accumulate, both domestically and internationally, showing that cranberry contains a wide variety of powerful phytochemicals that promote wellness, can prevent certain acute infections, and may help prevent some age-related chronic diseases. Cranberry supports oral health. Cranberry Institute 3203-B Cranberry Highway East Wareham, MA 02538 CRANBERRY www.cranberryinstitute.org INSTITUTE clinical results showing an approximate CRANBERRY: nine percent reduction in infection. An THE FUNCTIONAL interesting consequence of the reduction of FOOD POWERHOUSE these infections is the attendant reduction in antibiotic usage, which will help reduce the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, a problem of global significance. In fact, the totality of evidence in this area of URINARY TRACT HEALTH bacterial anti-adhesion is so compelling that North American women have been drinking the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has cranberry juice cocktail for years as a recently developed a program comprised of traditional remedy for urinary tract infections nine separate research projects to further (UTIs). This practice, in fact, goes back to investigate and confirm the functionality of pre-colonial times when indigenous peoples cranberry in this critical area. used cranberry preparations to treat urinary Benefits of cranberries come in many forms. problems and other illnesses and injuries. EMERGING RESEARCH SHOWS THE EXCITING POTENTIAL OF showed significantly lower incidence of tumor Early 20th century researchers thought that CRANBERRY cranberries may have acidified the urine as development when fed cranberry components. the mechanism for UTI control and prevention. Cranberry also contains a number of However, other fruits relatively high in acidity compounds that may play a role in helping Several additional studies have been conducted did not have a similar effect, so the search prevent cardiovascular diseases and certain showing a variety of anti-cancer effects on for a mechanism continued. In a study at cancers. These are called flavonoids and various types of this very complex disease. Harvard in 1994, women who drank 10 ounces include anthocyanins, which give cranberries of cranberry juice cocktail daily were found to their deep red color. CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH be about half as likely to have bacteria in their AND ANTIOXIDANTS urine. These positive effects appeared after ANTI-CANCER INDICATIONS only four to eight weeks into the study. In 1997, in vitro research showed that raw In a 1996 laboratory study by University of cranberry extract had potent antioxidant Since then, a variety of studies have shown Illinois researchers published in the academic effects on low density lipoproteins (LDL). In that cranberry contains unique compounds journal Planta Medica, cranberry extract 1998, research demonstrated that over-the- that inhibit bacteria from adhering to the exhibited potential anticarcinogenic activity. counter bottled cranberry juices also contain bladder wall and causing infection. Research potent antioxidants that increased interior has shown that these compounds, called In 2000, researchers at the University of blood vessel diameter in animals, which proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins, are Western Ontario demonstrated that mice improved blood flow. responsible for this mechanism and are unique injected with human breast cancer cells to cranberry. Additional clinical trials have A confirmatory study showed a positive effect confirmed the healthful effect of cranberry on pigs and suggested that cranberry juice consumption, with prevention of UTIs by as would have a similar effect on blood flow in much as 40 percent in certain populations. humans. In addition, cranberry compounds Women who drank 10 ounces reduced brain tissue damage in a stroke model This same bacteria blocking property has “ system. New pilot clinical work with slightly also been found to operate against the of cranberry juice cocktail daily overweight men has shown cranberry juice bacteria that cause stomach ulcers (a leading to be responsible for a small but significant cause of stomach cancer), by interfering were about half as likely to increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol. with the adhesion of H. pylori, with recent have bacteria in their urine.”.

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