LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Cranberries: Bacteria
built 655 days ago
Studies are investigating the role of a substance called proanthocyanidin, naturally found in cranberries that may help prevent UTIs. The proanthocyanidin appears to prevent the bacteria that may cause infection from sticking to the urinary tract wall. Remember, cranberry juice is not a treatment for UTIs- always consult your physician for proper diagnosis and treatment. Although more studies are needed on the preventative effects of cranberries on UTIs, their antioxidant power, vitamin C, and fiber content are fantastic reasons to make cranberries your pick in the winter season as well as year-round!
Source:
Studies attempting to explain cranberries' protective effects on urinary tract health were presented at the Experimental Biology Conference held in 2002. Amy Howell, research scientist at the Marucci Center for Blueberry Cranberry Research at Rutgers University and Jess Reed, professor of nutrition at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared the proanthycyanins (active compounds) in cranberries to those found in grapes, apples, green tea and chocolate. They discovered that "the cranberry's proanthocyanidins are structurally different than the proanthocyanidins found in the other plant foods tested, which may explain why cranberry has unique bacterial anti-adhesion activity and helps to maintain urinary tract health."
Source:
Beyond bacteria, cranberries may ... provide protection from viruses. A Taiwanese study demonstrated that cranberry consumption helps to fight against the herpes simplex-2 virus, which can cause genital sores or ulcers and inflammation of the brain. In other studies, cranberries mitigated the development of intestinal viruses.
Source:
In addition to cancer prevention, cranberries pack a powerhouse of protective properties that may prevent a number of other conditions. The anti-adhesion power of cranberry against the bacteria causing urinary tract infections is well known, and this same mechanism ... shows promise against the various bacteria responsible for gum disease and stomach ulcers. And, the accumulating science regarding heart health benefits due to its extremely high density of various antioxidants further raises cranberry's profile among healthful foods and beverages.
Source:
A common misconception is that cranberries help maintain urinary tract health by acidifying the urine, but research supports that the anti-adhesion, or anti-stick, property of the cranberry is the key to its urinary tract health benefit. Scientists believe that the proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins, in cranberries prevent certain E. coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract and causing infection.
Source:
The Proanothcyanidins found in Cranberries can prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting E. coli bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract wall. The National Kidney Foundation recommends drinking at least one large glass of cranberry juice a day to help maintain urinary tract health.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Bacteria