The cranberry is an evergreen dwarf shrub or a trailing vine in the genus Vaccinium subgenus Oxycoccos. They are grow in acidic bogs through the cooler parts of the Northern Hemisphere. They grow to be about 2m long and 5-20cm in height.
The berry is very tart and is commonly recommended by doctors for urinary tract infections. A study showed that it reduced E. coli bacteria in urine at twice the levels of the placebo. The berries are high in vitamin C and proanthocyanins, both of which are powerful antioxidants….which makes it another one of our antioxidant fruits.
The nutritional benefits are:
- Vitamin C
- Polyphenols
It can help with:
- Urinary Tract Infections
- High Cholestrol
- Antioxidant Protection
In the medical world, the berry is best known for its protective effects on the urinary tract. A 2006 study confirmed this information, showing that the berry can inhibit the formation and activity of the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. The berry’s capability to fight bacteria is one way it prevents and effectively treats urinary tract infections.
Nearly 95% of all the berries harvested are processed into products such as juice drinks, sauce and dried berries. See some of these great products below.
