Cranberry

Special points of interest

• One cup of raw cranberries contains only 46 calories.
• Includes nutrients Potassium, beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
• Berries are used for sauces, jellies, pies and beverages.
• Excellent for the respiratory system.
• Kills bacteria and viruses in the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract.
• Contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium,
• Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 (thiamin) Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (niacin),
• Vitamin B5, (pantothenic), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), folate, and Vitamin A.
• Research shows that cranberries have the ability to decrease total cholesterol and increase blood flow.

The History of Cranberries

The cranberry derived it's name from German and Dutch settlers, who called it "crane berry". They were called this, as the settlers thought that when the vines bloomed in late Spring and the flower's light pink petals twisted back, they had a resemblance to the head and bill of a crane. Gradually, over time, the name has been shortened to cranberry.

Cranberries have a long history as part of our diet. They are only one of three types of fruit native to North America and was a staple fruit of Native Americans. It was these Native Americans who invented cranberry sauce sweetened with maple sugar and honey. Cranberries were also an important ingredient in pemmican, pounded dried meat and fat food which would last forever. When the Europeans arrived, they quickly adopted this unique food as part of their diet.

Supposedly the Pilgrims dined on cranberry dishes at the very first Thanksgiving in 1612. The colonist's were not aware of the high Vitamin C content found in the berries, but cranberries became a favorite among New England sailors, as those who eat the bright red berries did not develop scurvy.

Cranberries are found in the sandy, cool temperature bogs of Massachusetts and New Jersey. Cranberries are grown commercially in these States as well as Oregon, Washington and Wisconsin.

The Benefits of Cranberries

The Proanothcyanidins found in cranberries have been shown to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. Cranberries effectiveness in both treating and preventing urinary tract infections has ben confirmed by eight separate scientific studies which show that cranberries prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Since 90% of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli, cranberries provide significant protection.

Cranberries have an extremely high level of antioxidant phenols. This study of cranberries powerful antioxidant effects suggests that they may inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells, as well as reduce the risk of gum disease.

They may also inhibit ulcer-causing bacteria from sticking to the wall of the stomach. Cranberries are also rich in flavonoids. These photo nutrients have been shown to inhibit certain types of cancer, as well as having an antibacterial effect. Polyphenolic compounds found in the berries may help to protect against neurodegenerative diseases often associated with aging.

Classification

Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae