Cranberry Benefits
Why are cranberries good for you?
Cranberries naturally contain phytochemicals called proanthocyanidins (PACS) which prevent bacteria from attaching to the cell lining of the bladder. It is this anti-adhesion effect that makes cranberries so unique. While other fruits such as grapes and green tea contain these PACs, the unique molecular structure of the cranberry means it is one of the few fruits that offers this additional anti-adhesion benefit.
Research has shown that the cranberry PACs are absorbed by the body where they may function as anti-adhesion agents and/or antioxidants in bladder, dental and stomach health.
The most well-known benefit of cranberries is in the prevention of recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs are one of the most common reasons for visiting a doctor about an infection.About 1 in 2 women and 1 in 20 men will get a UTI in their lifetime, and these conditions can lead to serious complications for some.
The PACs in cranberries interfere with E. coli bacteria (responsible for 85 percent of UTIs), helping to prevent them from sticking to the cells in the urinary tract, thereby preventing infection. Regular consumption of cranberries or cranberry products can reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI) by as much as 50 percent.
Nutrients and antioxidant capacity
Cranberries have moderate levels of vitamin C, dietary fibre and the essential dietary mineral Manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients.
By measure of the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, with an ORAC score of 9,584 units per 100 g, cranberry ranks near the top of 277 commonly consumed foods in the United States
| Nutrients in raw cranberries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Nutrient | Value per 100 grams | % RDA |
| Energy | 46 kcal | |
| Fiber, total dietary | 4.6 g | 15.3% |
| Sugars, total | 4.04 g | |
| Calcium, Ca | 8 mg | 0.8% |
| Magnesium, Mg | 6 mg | 1.9% |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.15 mg | 7% |
| Phosphorus, P | 13 mg | 1.9% |
| Potassium, K | 85 mg | 1.8% |
| Sodium, Na | 2 mg | 0.1% |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 13.3 mg | 16% |
| Vitamin A, IU | 60 IU | 9% |
| Vitamin K, ug | 5.1ug | 6.4% |
| Carotene, beta | 36ug | ne |
| Lutein & Zeaxanthin | 91ug | ne |
did you know?
| Typical Values | Per Chew | Per 250ml glass of cranberry juice |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 16 | 120 |
| Sugars | 1.9g | 30g |
