Cranberry Medicine: Natural Remedy for UTIs and Beyond
What are the health benefits of cranberry medicine. How does cranberry prevent urinary tract infections. What are the potential side effects of consuming cranberry products. Who should exercise caution when using cranberry supplements.
The Powerful Properties of Cranberry Medicine
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an evergreen shrub native to North American bogs, renowned for its dark red fruits rich in salicylic acid. This tart berry has been used medicinally for centuries, with modern research focusing on its potential to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and address other health concerns.
The key to cranberry’s effectiveness lies in its unique chemical composition. These compounds prevent bacteria from adhering to the cells lining the urinary tract, making it more difficult for infections to take hold. However, it’s important to note that while cranberry may help prevent UTIs, it is not effective in treating existing infections.
Understanding Cranberry’s Effectiveness in UTI Prevention
How exactly does cranberry medicine work to prevent UTIs? The berries contain proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the adhesion of E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls. This mechanism makes it harder for bacteria to colonize and cause infection.
Studies have shown promising results for adult females in particular. However, the effectiveness may vary for different populations:
- Children: Limited evidence of effectiveness
- Elderly adults: Inconclusive results
- Pregnant women: More research needed
- People with neurogenic bladder: Not effective
It’s crucial to understand that while cranberry products may help prevent UTIs, they should not be used as a treatment for active infections. Always consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a UTI.
Exploring Additional Health Benefits of Cranberry
While UTI prevention is the most well-known use of cranberry medicine, researchers are investigating its potential in addressing other health concerns. Some areas of interest include:
- Kidney stone prevention
- Prostate health
- Immune system support
- Cardiovascular health
- Oral hygiene
However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits. Current scientific evidence is limited, and cranberry should not be relied upon as a primary treatment for these conditions without medical supervision.
Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations
Is cranberry medicine safe for everyone to use? While cranberry is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts, there are some potential side effects and precautions to keep in mind:
- Mild stomach upset and diarrhea in some individuals
- Increased risk of kidney stones in susceptible individuals
- Possible interactions with certain medications
- Caution advised for those with aspirin allergies
It’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.
Special Considerations for Specific Groups
Certain populations should exercise extra caution when considering cranberry supplements:
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Stick to food amounts due to limited safety data
- Children: Insufficient information on safety and appropriate dosing
- Diabetics: Choose sugar-free products to avoid blood sugar spikes
- Those with a history of kidney stones: Avoid high doses due to oxalate content
Cranberry Medicine: Forms and Dosage Recommendations
Cranberry medicine comes in various forms, each with its own recommended dosage. Common preparations include:
- Dried powder: 250-1500 mg daily for up to 6 months
- Cranberry extract: 120-1600 mg daily for 12 weeks
- Cranberry juice drinks: 120-750 mL daily for up to 90 days
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. The optimal dosage may vary depending on the specific product and individual factors. Always follow the instructions on the product label or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Potential Interactions with Medications
Can cranberry medicine interact with other medications? Yes, cranberry products may interact with certain drugs, potentially affecting their efficacy or increasing the risk of side effects. Some notable interactions include:
Moderate Interactions
- Warfarin: May increase bleeding risk
- Atorvastatin: Possible increased effects and side effects
- Nifedipine: Potential for enhanced effects
Minor Interactions
- Liver-metabolized medications: Possible alterations in drug breakdown
- Diclofenac: Potential for increased effects
If you’re taking any medications, especially blood thinners or cholesterol-lowering drugs, it’s crucial to discuss cranberry supplementation with your healthcare provider before starting use.
Maximizing the Benefits of Cranberry Medicine
To get the most out of cranberry supplements, consider the following tips:
- Choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers
- Follow recommended dosages carefully
- Be consistent with your intake for optimal results
- Combine with other healthy lifestyle habits for overall urinary tract health
- Stay hydrated to support the flushing of bacteria from the urinary system
Remember that while cranberry medicine can be a valuable tool in preventing UTIs, it should be part of a comprehensive approach to urinary health, including proper hygiene practices and staying well-hydrated.
The Future of Cranberry Medicine Research
As interest in natural remedies continues to grow, what can we expect from future cranberry research? Scientists are exploring several promising avenues:
- Identifying optimal dosages for different populations
- Investigating potential synergistic effects with other natural compounds
- Exploring cranberry’s impact on gut health and the microbiome
- Developing new cranberry-based products with enhanced bioavailability
- Conducting larger, long-term studies to solidify existing evidence
These ongoing research efforts may uncover new applications for cranberry medicine and provide more definitive answers about its efficacy in various health conditions.
Incorporating Cranberry into Your Daily Routine
Beyond supplements, how can you add more cranberry to your diet? Consider these delicious and nutritious options:
- Fresh or frozen cranberries in smoothies or baked goods
- Unsweetened cranberry juice diluted with water or seltzer
- Dried cranberries as a snack or salad topping
- Homemade cranberry sauce as a condiment
- Cranberry tea for a warm, comforting beverage
By incorporating cranberry into your diet in various forms, you can enjoy its potential health benefits while adding flavor and variety to your meals.
Comparing Cranberry to Other Natural UTI Preventives
How does cranberry stack up against other natural remedies for UTI prevention? Let’s compare:
- D-mannose: Shows promise in some studies, may be as effective as cranberry
- Probiotics: Can help maintain a healthy urinary tract microbiome
- Vitamin C: May create a more acidic environment, less favorable to bacteria
- Garlic: Has antimicrobial properties, but limited evidence for UTI prevention
While these alternatives show potential, cranberry remains one of the most studied natural options for UTI prevention. However, a combination approach using multiple strategies may offer the best results for some individuals.
The Role of Lifestyle in UTI Prevention
While cranberry medicine can be beneficial, it’s important to remember that lifestyle factors play a crucial role in preventing UTIs. Some key habits to incorporate include:
- Staying well-hydrated throughout the day
- Urinating frequently and after sexual activity
- Practicing good hygiene, especially in the genital area
- Wearing breathable, cotton underwear
- Avoiding irritating feminine products
Combining these practices with cranberry supplementation may provide the most comprehensive approach to maintaining urinary tract health.
Debunking Myths About Cranberry Medicine
As with many natural remedies, there are misconceptions surrounding cranberry medicine. Let’s address some common myths:
- Myth: Cranberry can cure active UTIs
Fact: While it may help prevent UTIs, cranberry is not effective for treating existing infections - Myth: All cranberry products are equally effective
Fact: The concentration and quality of active compounds can vary significantly between products - Myth: Cranberry is only beneficial for women
Fact: While most studies focus on women, cranberry may also benefit men’s urinary health - Myth: More cranberry is always better
Fact: Excessive consumption can lead to side effects and may not provide additional benefits
Understanding these facts can help you make more informed decisions about using cranberry medicine as part of your health regimen.
The Environmental Impact of Cranberry Production
As consumers become more environmentally conscious, it’s worth considering the ecological aspects of cranberry cultivation. Cranberry bogs play a unique role in wetland ecosystems:
- Provide habitat for various wildlife species
- Help in water conservation and flood control
- Often involve sustainable farming practices
- Can contribute to carbon sequestration
However, conventional cranberry farming may involve the use of pesticides and fertilizers. When choosing cranberry products, look for those that are organically grown or produced using sustainable methods to minimize environmental impact.
Supporting Sustainable Cranberry Agriculture
How can consumers support sustainable cranberry production? Consider these actions:
- Choose organic or sustainably produced cranberry products
- Support local cranberry farmers when possible
- Look for brands that prioritize environmental stewardship
- Educate yourself about cranberry farming practices
- Advocate for policies that promote sustainable agriculture
By making informed choices, consumers can help drive demand for environmentally friendly cranberry products and support more sustainable farming practices.
Cranberry Medicine in Global Health Perspectives
While cranberry is native to North America, its use as a medicinal product has spread globally. Different cultures have integrated cranberry into their health practices in various ways:
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: Incorporating cranberry for its cooling properties
- European Herbalism: Using cranberry for urinary and digestive health
- Ayurvedic Medicine: Exploring cranberry’s potential in balancing doshas
- Native American Traditions: Long history of using cranberry for medicinal purposes
This global interest has led to increased research and availability of cranberry products worldwide, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditional and modern medicinal practices.
Cranberry’s Role in Preventive Healthcare
As healthcare systems worldwide shift towards preventive approaches, cranberry medicine aligns well with this trend. Its potential benefits include:
- Reducing the need for antibiotics in recurrent UTI cases
- Lowering healthcare costs associated with UTI treatment
- Promoting overall urinary tract health
- Potentially supporting cardiovascular and oral health
- Encouraging a more holistic approach to wellness
By incorporating cranberry into preventive health strategies, individuals and healthcare systems may be able to reduce the burden of certain common health issues.
The Economic Impact of Cranberry Medicine
The rising popularity of cranberry as a health supplement has had significant economic implications:
- Growth in the cranberry farming industry
- Expansion of cranberry product manufacturing
- Increased research funding for cranberry-related studies
- Development of new cranberry-based health products
- Job creation in agriculture, processing, and retail sectors
This economic activity not only benefits local communities in cranberry-growing regions but also contributes to the broader nutraceutical and health food industries.
Challenges in the Cranberry Medicine Market
Despite its popularity, the cranberry medicine market faces several challenges:
- Ensuring consistent quality and potency across products
- Navigating regulatory requirements in different countries
- Educating consumers about proper use and expectations
- Competing with pharmaceutical UTI treatments
- Addressing sustainability concerns in cranberry production
Overcoming these challenges will be crucial for the continued growth and credibility of cranberry medicine in the global health market.
Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Overview
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is an evergreen shrub that grows in bogs in North America. It produces dark red fruits that contain salicylic acid.
Chemicals in cranberries keep bacteria from sticking to the cells in the urinary tract. But they don’t seem to be able to remove bacteria that are already stuck to these cells. This might explain why cranberry helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but doesn’t help treat them.
People commonly use cranberry to prevent UTIs. Cranberry is also used for kidney stones, enlarged prostate, the common cold, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don’t confuse cranberry with cramp bark, lingonberry, or uva ursi. These are sometimes also called cranberry but they are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Effective for
- Infections of the kidney, bladder, or urethra (urinary tract infections or UTIs). Taking certain cranberry products by mouth seems to help prevent UTIs in adult females. But it doesn’t seem to help people with neurogenic bladder, a condition caused by a spinal cord injury. It’s also not clear if it helps in children, elderly adults, or pregnant adults. It’s important to note that while cranberry might help prevent UTIs in some people, it shouldn’t be used to treat UTIs.
There is interest in using cranberry for a number of other purposes, but there isn’t enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts are likely safe for most adults. Drinking too much cranberry juice might cause some side effects such as mild stomach upset and diarrhea in some people.
Special Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if cranberry is safe to use in larger amounts when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Children: Cranberry is commonly consumed in foods. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if cranberry is safe to use as medicine or what the side effects might be.
Aspirinallergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin.
Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar. If you have diabetes, stick with cranberry products that are sweetened with artificial sweeteners.
Kidney stones: Cranberry juice and cranberry extracts contain a large amount of a chemical called oxalate. Since oxalate is found in kidney stones, cranberry might increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have a history of kidney stones, stay on the safe side and avoid taking cranberry extract products or drinking a lot of cranberry juice.
Interactions ?
Warfarin is used to slow blood clotting. Cranberry might increase how long warfarin is in the body, and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. Your warfarin dose might need to be changed.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down atorvastatin. This might increase the effects and side effects of atorvastatin. Avoid drinking large amounts of cranberry juice if you are taking atorvastatin.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down nifedipine. Drinking cranberry juice while taking nifedipine might increase the effects and side effects of nifedipine.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Cranberry might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Cranberry might decrease how quickly the body breaks down diclofenac. Drinking cranberry juice while taking diclofenac might increase the effects and side effects of diclofenac.
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
Dosing
Cranberry is commonly consumed in the diet in juices, jellies, sauces, and other foods.
As medicine, cranberry dried powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 250-1500 mg by mouth daily for up to 6 months. Cranberry extract has most often been used in doses of 120-1600 mg by mouth daily for 12 weeks. And cranberry juice drinks are often used in doses of 120-750 mL daily for up to 90 days. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
View References
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version. © Therapeutic Research Faculty 2018.
Cranberry | NCCIH
Skip to main content© Steven Foster
Common Names: cranberry, American cranberry, bearberry
Latin Names: Vaccinium macrocarpon (also known as Oxycoccus macrocarpos), Vaccinium oxycoccos
Background
- Cranberry is an evergreen shrub that grows in wet habitats in the Northeastern and North Central parts of the United States.
- Historically, cranberry fruits or leaves were used for bladder, stomach, and liver disorders, as well as diabetes, wounds, and other conditions.
- Today, cranberry is most commonly promoted for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
How Much Do We Know?
- There have been many studies in people of cranberry for UTIs, but there’s little research on cranberry for other conditions.
What Have We Learned?
- In general, studies in people who are at increased risk for UTIs or those who have had recurrent UTIs show that cranberry products decrease the risk of UTIs by about one-third. However, there’s still some uncertainty about the effectiveness of cranberry because some of the research has not been of high quality. Also, studies in certain populations at increased risk of UTIs, such as elderly people in long-term care and pregnant women, have had inconsistent results, and studies in other high-risk populations, such as women undergoing gynecological surgeries or people with multiple sclerosis, have not found cranberry to be beneficial.
- In 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it would permit manufacturers to claim on product labels that there is “limited” evidence that daily consumption of specified amounts of cranberry dietary supplements may reduce the risk of recurrent UTI in healthy women who have had a UTI. A similar claim may be made for cranberry juice beverages, but the evidence must be described as “limited and inconsistent.”
- Cranberry hasn’t been shown to be effective as a treatment for an existing UTI.
- NCCIH-supported research is looking at the effects of polyphenols from cranberry and other fruits and vegetables on the gut microbiome, to see whether these effects may play a role in the association between consumption of these foods and reduced risk of chronic diseases.
What Do We Know About Safety?
- Cranberry products are generally thought to be safe. However, if consumed in very large amounts, they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea, particularly in young children.
- Little is known about whether it’s safe to use cranberry for health purposes during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- There is conflicting evidence about whether cranberry interacts with the anticoagulant (blood thinner) warfarin.
- People who think they have a UTI should see a health care provider for diagnosis and treatment. Don’t use cranberry products in place of proven treatment for a UTI.
Keep in Mind
- Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
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Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
ODS seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, supporting research, sharing research results, and educating the public. Its resources include publications (such as Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know) and fact sheets on a variety of specific supplement ingredients and products (such as vitamin D and multivitamin/mineral supplements).
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Email: [email protected] (link sends email)
Key References
- Cranberry. Natural Medicines website. Accessed at naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com on October 10, 2019. [Database subscription.]
- Fu Z, Liska D, Talan D, et al. Cranberry reduces the risk of urinary tract infection recurrence in otherwise healthy women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nutrition. 2017;147(12):2282-2288.
- Jepson RG, Mihaljevic L, Craig JC. Cranberries for treating urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2000;(4):CD001322. Accessed at https://www.cochranelibrary.com/ on November 7, 2019.
- Klein MA. Cranberry. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:193-201.
- Luís Â, Domingues F, Pereira L. Can cranberries contribute to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections? A systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis of clinical trials. Journal of Urology. 2017;198(3):614-621.
- Mantzorou M, Gigaginis C. Cranberry consumption against urinary tract infections: clinical state-of-the-art and future perspectives. Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2018;19(13):1049-1063.
- Nicolle LE. Cranberry for prevention of urinary tract infection? Time to move on. JAMA. 2016;316(18):1873-1874.
- Sihra N, Goodman A, Zakri R, et al. Nonantibiotic prevention and management of recurrent urinary tract infection. Nature Reviews. Urology. 2018;15(12):750-776.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letter of Enforcement Discretion. Cranberry Juice Beverages and Cranberry Dietary Supplements and Reduced Risk of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Healthy Women. July 21, 2020.
This publication is not copyrighted and is in the public domain. Duplication is encouraged.
NCCIH has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider(s). We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by NCCIH.
Last Updated: May 2020
Cranberries – a cure for all diseases
- Author: admin
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Cranberry is a tasty and healthy berry, it has many useful and medicinal properties. How to use and store cranberries, our helpful tips will help you.
USEFUL PROPERTIES
Among the useful properties of cranberries, scientists note a high content of vitamin C in the plant, there are vitamins of groups B, K, PP, essential oil, carotene and many useful minerals: iron, copper, manganese, silver, iodine, boron , magnesium, zinc, potassium.
Not a single berry can compare with cranberries in terms of the content of biologically active substances, maybe only blackcurrant. It normalizes metabolism and strengthens the body’s resistance to various diseases.
Popularly, cranberries are considered a natural antibiotic that allows the body to fight respiratory diseases. Cranberry juice has long been considered indispensable in the treatment of fever. It was used as an antipyretic, diaphoretic and diuretic.
Cranberry juice removes toxins from the body. The use of cranberries and a drink from the berries treats inflammation of the gums and other diseases of the oral cavity. It is also noticed that the use of cranberries improves the functioning of the kidneys and the biliary system.
Cranberries are very useful for children. It improves immunity, improves appetite. The use of cranberry juice gives a person cheerfulness, reduces fatigue, while increasing activity and efficiency.
Cranberry juice is recommended for tuberculosis, gynecological diseases. In the treatment of anemia, cranberry juice is as useful as pomegranate juice. The use of juice and decoction of berries inside reduces pain, relieves tissue swelling and promotes a speedy recovery.
Regular use of cranberries strengthens the nail plates, protects against hair loss. It is useful to add cranberries when creating homemade cosmetic masks and lotions for the treatment of facial skin. It is an excellent natural remedy for treating acne and pimples. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which is why in the old days it was called the berry of youth.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Despite the large list of positive and healing properties, there are contraindications that can worsen the condition. Since cranberries can be a strong allergen, this should be considered when first applying. Do not use cranberries when breastfeeding and children under three years of age.
Due to the fact that this is a sour berry, it is strictly forbidden to eat it with increased acidity of the stomach, gastritis and ulcers. A high acid content can destroy teeth. To prevent this, after eating berries or drinking juice, you need to brush your teeth or simply rinse your mouth.
RECOMMENDATION FOR USE
Cranberry juice is an indispensable remedy in the treatment of colds. Mors is prepared very quickly and simply. To do this, you need to crush the berries in a small container, add sugar there and pour all this with boiled water. Then it is necessary to strain the entire solution through a strainer.
Hot cranberry drink. When starting a cold, as a warming vitamin drink, you need to crush and pour hot water over the berries and add a couple of tablespoons of honey. It is enough to insist such a drink for a few minutes, then drink and warm up well under the covers.
Cough. To cure bronchitis and get rid of cough, you need to mix honey and juice, and use this mixture three times a day before meals for a tablespoon.
Outdoor use. Juice can rub acne, allergic rashes after insect bites and acne. At the same time, irritation and inflammation are effectively removed. If you are concerned about problems with teeth and gums, you need to crush the berries with your fingers and massage the gums with the mixture.
HOW TO STORE
Due to the high content of benzoic acid, cranberries are not only stored for a long time, but are also actively used as a natural preservative. Cranberries are the only berry that can be kept fresh until the next harvest. In ancient times, after the berry was picked, it was placed in wooden barrels, filled with water and tightly closed. Thus, cranberries could retain all their useful properties all year round.
In modern conditions, any berry can be simply frozen in the refrigerator. When frozen quickly, cranberries perfectly retain all their beneficial properties.
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Cranberry
Composition
Berries contain vaccinin glycoside, flavonoids, triterpene acids: ursolic, oleanolic, organic acids: citric, benzoic, oxoglutaric, quinic; sugars (glucose, fructose), pectin and dyes, nitrogenous and tannins, phytoncides. According to the content of biologically active substances and mineral salts, cranberries are one of the most useful wild berries. Cranberries contain: potassium, calcium, magnesium, iodine, iron, copper, silver, barium, lead, manganese, vitamins C, K, PP, B1, B2.
Features
Cranberries are used as a bactericidal, thirst-quenching, antipyretic and tonic agent that increases mental and physical performance, increases appetite and digestibility of food. A wide range of minerals largely determines the healing properties of cranberries. Potassium salts have a mild diuretic effect and help with diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, and various metabolic disorders. Iodine, manganese and boron help lower blood pressure.
Cranberries are an absorbent of harmful bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, stomach ulcers, and gum disease. Cranberries owe this ability to the natural component contained in it – proanthocyanidin. The proanthocyanidins found in cranberries also act as antioxidants. Due to the increased content of proanthocyanidins and antioxidants per 1 gram of berries, cranberries “repel” bacteria and strengthen the body’s defenses in the fight against anti-radicals, which are the cause of many chronic diseases. Cranberry pectic substances are distinguished by high gelling ability, easily form insoluble compounds (chelates) with heavy and radioactive metals (lead, strontium, cobalt, etc.), contributing to their detoxification and excretion from the body.
Application
Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which the body needs during the season of colds and infections. Cranberries owe their ability to resist infections to a high concentration of tannin. The results of the study convincingly proved that regular consumption of cranberry juice prevents the development of many infectious diseases. The fact is that the tannins contained in the juice prevent the introduction of microbes into cells. And, most importantly, it enhances the effect of any drug several times.