The fall is the time of the year when we welcome the cool fall temperature, county fairs and the harvesting of fruit! The beautiful apples, pumpkins and cranberries spark so many memories and inspirations! Though in the fall the thought of cranberries tends to bring about visions of Thanksgivings’ delightful cranberry sauce; this little berry is much more of a wonder than just a tart treat! Used for centuries as a food source and medicinally; cranberry has many wonderful benefits that attribute to its ability for prevention and supportive care for a variety of problems.

The cranberry is the fruit of a small, evergreen shrub native to North America and is used quite often in the food industry to make juices, foods, and now, dietary supplements. But it’s the juice and extracts that are commonly used as preventative medicine and takes 3 1/3 pounds of fresh fruit to produce 1 L (33.8 ounces) of juice- that’s a lot of concentrated power. Historically cranberry has enjoyed long medicinal use among Native American Indian tribes and herbalists for a variety of health complaints; such as urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach aliments and liver problems.

Cranberry is perhaps best known medically in relation to the prevention and re-occurrence of urinary tract infections. There have been many theories as to what gives cranberries their unusually potent properties and researchers now believe that different chemicals and constituents in cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the cells that line the urinary tract where, once attached, they can multiple. However, this action has not been shown to release or eliminate the bacteria that have already attached themselves to the cells, possibly explaining why, though quite effective at prevention, cranberry has not been proven effective at treating urinary tract infections. Research has shown that cranberry may also prevent other bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection and cranberry is also being explored for its potential ability to prevent Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori) infections that can lead to stomach ulcers or prevent dental plaque. Recent research has validated cranberries’ ability in supporting the health of the urinary tract, kidneys, bladder; as well as, the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract, esophagus, breast, colon, prostate, lungs and mouth! The plant acids also maintain normal healthy flora. There are a lot of valuable properties packed in this little berry!

The benefits don’t stop there! Cranberries contains significant amounts of salicylic acid, an important ingredient in aspirin and drinking cranberry juice on a regular basis can increase the amount of salicylic acid in the body, which can reduce swelling and prevent blood clots, among other beneficial effects. With some of the highest levels of anthocyanidins, cranberry has been shown to be a potent antioxidant, thus eliminating free radicals before cause oxidative damage to the body. Cranberry is also a potent source of proanthocyanidins which belong to a group of phytochemicals known as polyphenols. Polyphenols have been shown to have greater antioxidant activity than Vitamins C or E.

Currently, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is funding studies of cranberry to determine its benefits for urinary tract infections. The Office of Dietary Supplements and other NIH agencies are also supporting cranberry research; and the National Institute on Aging is funding a laboratory study of potential anti-aging effects.

With all the supportive research indicating and overall well-being from cranberry juice and supplements it is no wonder that this little berry is so highly honored by herbalists and in the supplement community. With no side effects and potent activity that delivers a plethora of positive benefits for the whole body, cranberry (whether as a concentrate, capsule, tablet or tea) is a fabulous addition to any dietary and supplement regime; however, always be sure to inform your health care provider of any supplements you are taking, especially if you are taking medications or being monitored for a health condition.