Cranberries: More Than Just a UTI Solution
Potential Benefits of Cranberries for Heart Disease, Strokes, Diabetes, and Other Health Conditions.
Cranberries are often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), but recent research has revealed that they offer more than just an aid for this common health issue. The small, tart berries have been found to bring numerous benefits to heart, metabolic, and gut health.
A review of 50 studies confirmed what many people already knew: cranberries are effective in alleviating UTIs. But recent findings suggest that this might just be the tip of the iceberg for the health advantages of the tart berries.
Research has shown that dried cranberry powder can decrease LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and improve heart and blood vessel function, brain blood flow, and memory. Furthermore, the potential benefits of cranberries for cardiovascular and metabolic health seem to be even more far-reaching.
Cranberries and Gut Health
Mounting evidence indicates that cranberries are abundant in polyphenols and other bioactives that can improve gut health, strengthen the immune system, keep hearts healthy, and maintain balanced blood sugar levels.
In a recent study conducted in Canada, researchers administered a cranberry extract capsule to 40 participants for four days. The results showed that the cranberry extract could improve intestinal microbiota and help prevent cardiometabolic diseases, which include heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Moreover, the beneficial effects of cranberry extract were observed even after just four days of use.
The high polyphenol content and oligosaccharides in cranberries are believed to contribute to their ability to stimulate beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia muciniphila. Bifidobacterium is associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases, while Akkermansia muciniphila can help reduce inflammation in the intestinal mucosa and strengthen the intestinal barrier.
Supporting a Healthy Circulation
Proper blood circulation is essential for the health of many organs, including the heart, brain, lungs, eyes, and extremities. Cranberries may help support healthy circulation due to their potential benefits for heart and blood vessel health.
The Future of Cranberries
Although long-term studies on the impact of cranberry extract on cardiometabolic health and gut microbiota are limited, current research indicates several potential benefits for metabolic health, gut microbiota, and cardiometabolic outcomes.
If you are not a fan of cranberries' tart flavor, consider trying a cranberry extract supplement or dried powder mix. To give your gut an extra boost and protect against cardiometabolic diseases, include foods rich in Bifidobacterium and promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila by consuming fiber-rich foods and foods high in polyphenols. Examples of such foods include blueberries, raspberries, apples, black beans, chicory root, almonds, and, of course, cranberries.
Sources:- Cranberry extracts could boost microbiota and counter cardiometabolic diseases - Université Laval- Short term supplementation with cranberry extract modulates gut microbiota in human and displays a bifidogenic effect - NPJ Biofilms and Microbiomes- Cranberries - Cup Measurements - CookItSimply
- Inflammation can be reduced with the help of cranberries due to their ability to strengthen the immune system.
- The research on cranberries suggests that they may offer multiple benefits beyond just aiding UTIs.
- Science has shown that cranberries can help improve heart and blood vessel function.
- Brain blood flow and memory can be improved by consuming cranberries.
- Cranberries have been found to be effective in alleviating cardiometabolic diseases.
- The benefits of cranberries for heart and metabolic health seem to be far-reaching.
- Mounting evidence indicates that cranberries can improve gut health.
- The intestinal microbiota can be improved with cranberry extract.
- The high polyphenol content in cranberries may help stimulate beneficial bacteria in the gut.
- Cranberries can help prevent cardiometabolic diseases.
- The benefits of cranberry extract were observed even after four days of use.
- Bifidobacterium is associated with a reduced risk of cardiometabolic diseases.
- Akkermansia muciniphila can help reduce inflammation in the intestinal mucosa.
- Proper circulation is essential for the health of many organs.
- Cranberries may help support healthy circulation due to their potential benefits for heart and blood vessel health.
- Currently, research indicates several potential benefits for metabolic health, gut microbiota, and cardiometabolic outcomes from cranberries.
- If you are not a fan of cranberries' tart flavor, consider trying a cranberry extract supplement.
- To give your gut an extra boost and protect against cardiometabolic diseases, include foods rich in Bifidobacterium.
- Promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila by consuming fiber-rich foods.
- Examples of foods rich in Bifidobacterium include blueberries, raspberries, apples, black beans, chicory root, and almonds.
- Foods high in polyphenols can help promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila.
- Akkermansia muciniphila may play a crucial role in preventing chronic diseases.
- A balanced diet that includes fiber-rich foods and foods high in polyphenols can contribute to overall health and wellness.
- The nutritional supplement industry has been growing, with an increasing number of people turning to supplements to support their health.
- Workplace-wellness programs are becoming more popular as companies focus on the health and happiness of their employees.
- Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining a strong immune system and overall health.
- The manufacturing industry plays a significant role in producing nutritional supplements and other health-related products.
- Mental health is an important aspect of overall health, and several medical conditions, such as depression and anxiety, are treatable.
- Chronic diseases, such as cancer and diabetes, are among the leading causes of death worldwide.
- Climate change may have a significant impact on food production and access, affecting nutrition and health globally.
