Cranberry

Explore the Benefits of Cranberry Supplements

The cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is native to North America, and boasts an exceptionally enviable nutritional profile, making it appropriate for use in a wide variety of culinary and medicinal applications. Cranberries also contain one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any fruit, and indeed, outrank many fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, spinach, and broccoli. Cranberries and cranberry supplements have many benefits and have an ORAC score (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) of 9584, making them one the most antioxidant-rich foods; therefore, it’s no surprise they help protect cells and tissues against free radical damage and the development of chronic diseases.

Cranberries are also rich in fibre and contain a wide range of powerful phytonutrients, including proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, these properties have been shown to prevent and treat urinary tract infections, respiratory disorders, and kidney stones. Just as interestingly, cranberries contain a naturally occurring vasodilator, so can help manage blood pressure and support heart health.

Comprehensive Health Advantages of Cranberries

• Helps Lower Cholesterol
• Improves Immune Function
• Prevents & Treats Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s)
• Supports Cardiovascular Health

Who Needs Cranberry Supplements?

Pure cranberry juice and cranberry supplements offer plenty of benefits are recommended first and foremost to prevent and treat urinary tract infections (UTI’s), and are especially useful in recurrent UTI’s. Thanks to the fruit’s powerful bacteriostatic effects that prevent bacterial anti-adhesion in the urinary tract and bladder, most notably, against E. coli, the most common culprits behind UTI’s.

Cranberries are also frequently recommended to help prevent digestive disorders, yeast infections, antibiotic resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Another unique application for cranberry supplements is in the prevention of gum disease by inhibiting plaque formation and the ability of gram-negative bacteria from sticking to tooth enamel. Because of these effects, cranberry supplements can help prevent plaque and periodontitis, as well as cavities.

Different Forms and Potencies of Cranberry Supplements

Cranberry supplements are widely available in powder, tablets, capsules, and liquid form, typically in a potency between 120 and 800 mg, with a recommended daily dosing usually in the 500 to 1500 mg range.

Final Thoughts

Ideally, look for a product with a high concentration of proanthocyanidins (at least 25%, or 36 mg per serving), one of the primary bioactive compounds in cranberry, responsible for many of the fruit’s health benefits. Also, make sure to read labels carefully to ensure you are getting a product that is free from preservatives, additives, and artificial colours, flavours, sugars, or other excipients.