What are the real benefits of cranberries?

Cranberries are particularly rich in polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins type A (PAC-A), which are specific to them. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that Cranberries May Help Prevent UTIs recurrent. Since PAC-A prevents the attachment of Escherichia-coli to the wall of the bladder and ureter. This preventive competence shows better results in urinary infections of the women.

How to consume them :

• Consume 250 to 300 mL of cranberry juice, or a glass, dosed with 36 mg of PAC, every day, could provide protection against recurrence of urinary tract infection.

• Drink 2 L of water per day, at least.

• Think about diuretic herbal infusions : dandelion, nettle, horsetail, orthosiphon, meadowsweet, juniper, etc.

• Use themountain Savory essential oil : a drop of Mountain Savory in 9 drops of vegetable oil massaged on the bottom of the mouth, 3 times a day for 7 to 10 days.

• Consult your doctor in case of worsening or recurrence of cystitis.

Gastric ulcer is a more or less deep and extensive alteration of the gastric wall. Generally asymptomatic, it results from chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Proanthocyanidins type A (PAC-A) from cranberries are said to be effective in prevention gastric ulcersstomach. The latter would limit the virulence ofHelicobacter Pylori by preventing it from attaching to the walls of the gastric mucosa.  80% of gastric ulcers are caused by bacteria Helicobacter Pillory.

How to consume them :  

• Consume 250 mL of cranberry juice, twice a day, during three months, in combination of antibiotics

• Opt for organic cranberry juice to guarantee its richness in PAC-A.

• Contact your doctor to initiate regular medical monitoring. A gastric ulcer is not a trivial wound!

• To reduce pain, favor foods rich in mucilage, to form gastric dressings, such as licorice, there marshmallow where the psyllium.

• Drink water rich in bicarbonate, in order to neutralize gastric acidity and alleviate discomfort.

Diabetes are chronic diseases caused by poor blood sugar management. We differentiate between two types of diabetes, type 1 which is an autoimmune disease (destruction of the cells that secrete insulin, the hypoglycemic hormone) and type 2 diabetes which is an inflammatory disease caused by insulin resistance. In other words, a person with type 1 diabetes no longer has insulin; whereas a person with type 2 diabetes has ineffective insulin.

The micronutrients in Cranberries give them a protective capacity against the complications of diabetes. From this property, cranberries can be beneficial for people with diabetes. They would also help reduce blood sugar levels. Their hypoglycemic potential is certainly not very effective, but still worth considering. Indeed, some studies observe a drop in fasting blood sugar after supplementing with cranberries.

How to consume them :

• Cranberry juice: consume 240 mL of cranberry juice per day, for four weeks, would help reduce blood sugar levels.

• Fresh cranberries: according to nutritional health recommendations, it is possible to consume 200 to 300 g of fresh cranberries per day.

• Dried cranberries: consume maximum 30 g of dried cranberries per day, preferably during meals. Dried cranberries have a higher sugar concentration than fresh cranberries. They should be considered sweet products.

• Avoid snacking between meals and prefer balanced snacks.

• Favor whole or semi-complete starchy foods.

Oxidative stress is an attack on cells by reactive oxygen species (free radicals). This mechanism is natural and participates in the functioning of the body. However, in excess, oxidative stress accelerates cell destruction and contributes to tissue inflammation.

Various micronutrients in cranberries contribute to protection antioxidant, such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols, ellagitannins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, etc. These polyphenols are also accompanied by vitamin C, present in interesting quantities in cranberries. The whole gives an ORAC score of 9090 µmol TE/100 g and a FRAP score of 3.29 mmol/100 g, which corresponds to a excellent antioxidant capacity.

How to consume them :

• Consume 30 g of dried cranberries, or 200 to 300 g of fresh cranberries, daily.

• Favor Cranberries from biological agriculture, harvested from seasons and local. Thanks to these criteria, Cranberries are guaranteed to have an interesting content of antioxidants.

• Favor raw foods, to benefit from their antioxidant nutrients.

• Eat a variety of foods! Indeed, each food will provide you with its own bioactive compounds. Diversifying food sources is the secret to an antioxidant diet.

Be careful, the Cranberries are ineffective in case of urinary infection ! Indeed, they are not anti-infectious, the action is only preventive : they reduce the risk of urinary infection. It’s subtle, you might say. But, it is necessary to distinguish it. Thus, the mechanical action of type A proanthocyanidins has no power if the bacteria (in particular E.coli) are already established.

Various studies have noted modifications in the functions of the prostate when supplementing with cranberries. Nevertheless, cranberries do not protect against prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia. According to scientific studies, to obtain results, it would be necessary to consume an excessive quantity of Cranberries, without certainty that it is effective. Also, the results are observed with derivatives of Cranberries or in vitro (in test tubes). If you suspect a prostate problem, please consult your doctor.

Although cranberries are recommended for urinary problems, there is no evidence of the diuretic power of cranberries.. Also, Cranberries do not influence the activity of kidneys. In fact, there is few scientific studies researching the diuretic capabilities of Cranberries, and to date, none observed an increase in diuresis after supplementation with cranberries.

Dried cranberries are calories. In fact, 100 g of cranberries provide 320 kcal. The energy of Cranberries is carbohydrate, which can encourage variations in blood sugar if the consumption of dried Cranberries is higher than recommended, which will slow down weight loss. Furthermore, two studies evaluated taking cranberries with a low-calorie diet. In these two studies, cranberries did not significantly reduce the weight or BMI of the participants.

However, the calories of dried cranberries are estimated to be full, that is to say that beyond the aspenergy ect, many compounds beneficial to health are provided. It is therefore necessary to respect consumption recommendations : a handful per day (30 g).

In short, cranberries are not the most interesting for losing weight. However, due to their full calories, they can be part of a low-energy and balanced diet.