A pharmaceutical specialist has shed light on how a popular festive superfood can aid in managing cholesterol, blood pressure and even infections. Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at Kingston University, penned an article for The Conversation website highlighting their significant health benefits.
Many consider cranberries to be the ideal complement to turkey, and this fruit is brimming with beneficial properties. Ms Kamdar stated: “From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red berries are often described as a superfood with several potential health benefits.Cranberries are abundant in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin, she elaborated. Ms Kamdar explained: “Cranberries are best known for their role in helping prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
The fruit contains compounds called proanthocyanidins. “”These compounds seem to inhibit bacteria like E.
coli from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract, which is one of the initial stages in the onset of an infection. This clarifies why cranberry products may assist in preventing UTIs, although they cannot treat infections once bacteria have already attached and multiplied.
Research supports cranberry’s preventive role in women who experience recurrent infections and in children, although results vary between studies. “From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red berries are often described as a superfood with several potential health benefits.Cranberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin, she explained. Ms Kamdar said: “One study found both cranberry juice and tablets reduced UTI rates in women, but tablets worked slightly better and were more cost-effective, reports the Mirror.
Both forms reduced antibiotic use compared with placebo. “Heart healthMs Kamdar explained: “Cranberries have also been investigated for their effects on heart health.
They are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin. Antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.
Research shows that cranberry juice or extracts can improve several risk factors for heart disease. “CholesterolCranberries are linked to boosting levels of HDL cholesterol, commonly termed good cholesterol as it assists in eliminating surplus cholesterol from the circulation, whilst reducing LDL cholesterol in diabetic individuals. Ms Kamdar noted that cranberry antioxidants ‘may also improve flexibility in blood vessels, reduce blood pressure and lower homocysteine, an amino acid linked to inflammation at high levels.’CancerMs Kamdar explained: “Researchers are also studying cranberries for their possible role in cancer prevention.
Lab and animal studies show that cranberry compounds, including ursolic acid, may slow the growth of tumour cells. Some compounds have anti-inflammatory effects, which is important because chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of cancer.
“From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red berries are often described as a superfood with several potential health benefits.Cranberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin, she explained. Ms Kamdar said: “A clinical trial found that cranberry juice may help reduce the risk of stomach cancer by blocking H. pylori, a bacterium strongly linked to this form of cancer, from attaching to the stomach lining.
Adults who drank about two glasses of cranberry juice had lower infection rates. Lab and animal studies point to other possible anti-cancer effects, and upcoming research will determine whether these laboratory findings translate to humans.
“She clarified that whilst supplements are available on the market, consuming fresh cranberries remains the optimal approach. She remarked: “Supplements cannot replace a balanced diet, and whole cranberries provide additional nutrients and fibre that extracts cannot match. Some people should exercise caution, particularly those at risk of kidney stones or those taking specific medications.
“”For most people, cranberries are safe to consume in moderation. Large amounts of juice or supplements can cause stomach upset or diarrhoea.
Cranberries contain oxalates, natural chemicals that may contribute to kidney stones in people who are prone to them. Sweetened cranberry juices can also undermine potential health benefits by raising sugar intake.
“From festive sauces to brightly coloured juices, cranberries have long been part of our diets. Beyond their tart flavour and seasonal appeal, these red berries are often described as a superfood with several potential health benefits.Cranberries are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins, proanthocyanidins and quercetin, she explained. Ms Kamdar said: “The most important safety concern is the potential interaction between cranberries and certain medicines. Some case reports suggest cranberry juice may enhance the blood thinning effect of warfarin, which increases the risk of bleeding.
Evidence is inconsistent, but people taking warfarin are usually advised to avoid large quantities of cranberry products. There may also be interactions with other drugs processed by the liver, although these effects are not well established.
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