CRANBERRY: MEDICINAL BENEFITS

CRANBERRY: NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Scientific Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton.

Common Names: Cranberry, American cranberry, Arandano Americano, Arandano rtepador, Grosse moosbeere, Kranbeere, Tsuru-kokemomo, Vaccinium.

Medicinal Properties:

·       Antibacterial

·       Anticancer

·       Antioxidant

·       Diuretic

Medicinal Uses:

·       Bladder Infection (UTI)

·       Cardiovascular

·       Dental/Oral Care

·       Kidney 

Cranberries are a native plant of North America and are a healthy source of antioxidants that support healthy aging and cardiovascular health. Cranberry extracts have also shown promise in the prevention of tooth decay. Historical use of cranberry fruits for a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems has been validated by recent studies. Traditionally Native Americans (Red Indians) used raw cranberries as a wound dressing. Early settlers from England used for a number of ailments including appetite loss, digestive problems, blood disorders, and scurvy.

Drinking cranberry juice at the first sign of a UTI (Urinary Tract Infections) or Cystitis (Bladder infection) is one of the best known home remedies. Cranberry juice helps flush out the urinary system by keeping bacteria from getting a foothold in the lining of the urinary tract. Cranberry juice has also been used infrequently in conjunction with antibiotics to treat chronic kidney inflammation. It has also been used for decreasing the smell of urine in people who are unable to control urination (incontinent).

The cranberry fruit is high in antioxidants, partly from substances called proanthocyanidins. Antioxidants scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals. Environmental toxins (including ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoking, and air pollution) can increase the number of free radicals in the body, which are believed to contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of health problems such as heart disease, cancer, and infections. Antioxidants can neutralise free radicals and may reduce or even help prevent some of the damage they cause. Cranberries also contain a potent vasodilator and have been used for breathing problems.

Cranberry inhibited an enzyme, and this has been associated with a reduction in cancer risk.

Cranberries also prevent another microorganism known as Helicobacter pylori from adhering to cell walls. H. plyori is a bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers, so it is possible that cranberries may eventually prove to play a role in the prevention of this condition.

Cranberry also appears to be more effective than certain probiotics in preventing recurrent UTIs. They are often used as a supplement to try to prevent or fight UTIs.

Polyphenols, including those found in cranberries, may contribute to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by increasing the resistance of LDL to oxidation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, reducing blood pressure, and via other anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Cranberry is a strong diuretic (promoting urination), and the juice is often prescribed as dietary treatment for urinary tract infections, kidney disorders and other conditions where the passing of fluids is desirable.

Cautions: Stomach upset or diarrhea may occur with very large doses. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if this unlikely but serious side effect occurs: severe stomach/abdominal pain. A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare.

Cranberries (Raw)
Carbohydrate Factor: 3.6 Fat Factor: 8.37 Protein Factor: 3.36 Nitrogen to Protein Conversion Factor: 6.25
Refuse: 2% Refuse Description: Stems and spoiled berries
Nutrient (Proximates)	Unit	1Value per100g
Water	g	87.13
Energy	kcal	46
Protein	g	0.39
Total lipid (fat)	g	0.13
Ash	g	0.15
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	12.2
Fiber, total dietary	g	4.6
Sugars, total	g	4.04
Sucrose	g	0.13
Glucose (dextrose)	g	3.28
Fructose	g	0.63
Lactose	g	0
Maltose	g	0
Galactose	g	0
Starch	g	0
Minerals
Calcium, Ca	mg	8
Iron, Fe	mg	0.25
Magnesium, Mg	mg	6
Phosphorus, P	mg	13
Potassium, K	mg	85
Sodium, Na	mg	2
Zinc, Zn	mg	0.1
Copper, Cu	mg	0.061
Manganese, Mn	mg	0.36
Selenium, Se	µg	0.1
Vitamins
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	13.3
Thiamin	mg	0.012
Riboflavin	mg	0.02
Niacin	mg	0.101
Pantothenic acid	mg	0.295
Vitamin B-6	mg	0.057
Folate, total	µg	1
Folic acid	µg	0
Folate, food	µg	1
Folate, DFE	µg	1
Choline, total	mg	5.5
Betaine	mg	0.2
Vitamin B-12	µg	0
Vitamin B-12, added	µg	0
Vitamin A, RAE	µg	3
Retinol	µg	0
Carotene, beta	µg	36
Carotene, alpha	µg	0
Cryptoxanthin, beta	µg	0
Vitamin A, IU	IU	60
Lycopene	µg	0
Lutein + zeaxanthin	µg	91
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)	mg	1.2
Vitamin E, added	mg	0
Tocopherol, beta	mg	0
Tocopherol, gamma	mg	0.04
Tocopherol, delta	mg	0
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)	µg	0
Vitamin D	IU	0
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)	µg	5.1
Lipids
Fatty acids, total saturated	g	0.011
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated	g	0.018
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated	g	0.055
Cholesterol	mg	0
Amino Acids
Tryptophan	g	0.003
Threonine	g	0.028
Isoleucine	g	0.033
Leucine	g	0.053
Lysine	g	0.039
Methionine	g	0.003
Cystine	g	0.003
Phenylalanine	g	0.036
Tyrosine	g	0.032
Valine	g	0.045
Arginine	g	0.056
Histidine	g	0.018
Alanine	g	0.049
Aspartic acid	g	0.188
Glutamic acid	g	0.146
Glycine	g	0.048
Proline	g	0.031
Serine	g	0.051
Alcohol, ethyl	g	0
Caffeine	mg	0
Theobromine	mg	0
Flavonoids
Anthocyanidins	mg	104
Flavan-3-ols	mg	6.5
Flavanones	mg	0
Flavones	mg	0
Flavonols	mg	21.5
Isoflavones	mg	0
Proanthocyanidin	mg	418.8