Monday, November 3, 2008

Cranberries benefits

There has been recent work at my alma mater WPI by Terri Camesano showing cranberries have several beneficial roles in disrupting E coli bacteria (which are harmful in the human digestive system).

a group of tannins (called proanthocyanidins) found primarily in cranberries affect E. coli in three devastating ways, all of which prevent the bacteria from adhering to cells in the body, a necessary first step in all infections:

* They change the shape of the bacteria from rods to spheres.
* They alter their cell membranes.
* They make it difficult for bacteria to make contact with cells, or from latching on to them should they get close enough.


So drink your juice and eat your cranberries this Thanksgiving!

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Benefits of Cranberries

1. Improve the body's circulatory system.
2. A daily glass of cranberry juice will treat diseases like cystitis.
3. Provide relief for asthma patients.
4. Condensed tannins in cranberries can inhibit the oxidation of bad cholesterol and as a result protects body against atheroscelrosis.
5. Tannins are also considered an important contributor to a healthy heart.
6. Acts as bactericide and affects the acidity of the urine. In effect, it disrupts the development of kidney stone formation.


-------------------------
hesslei...........

promoter

CT Olson said...

thanks for that hesslei. Yes the cranberry is quite the little fruit - one of the great crops grown here in my home state. I believe it is indigenous to the area and has been a local favorite since I can remember. Now all these benefits are being discovered - so long as you don't over sweeten it of course!