Cranberries
Cranberries are among the top foods with proven health benefits, according to Amy Howell, a researcher at Rutgers University.
Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects cells from damage by unstable molecules called free radicals.
The National Institutes of Health is funding research on the cranberry’s effects on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions, and other researchers are investigating its potential against cancer, stroke and viral infections.
So far, research has found:
· Drinking cranberry juice can block urinary infections by binding to bacteria so they can’t adhere to cell walls. While women often drink unsweetened cranberry juice to treat an infection, there’s no hard evidence that works.
· A compound Howell discovered in cranberries, proanthocyanidine, prevents bacteria from sticking to your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, most cranberry products have sugar added, which can undo the beneficial dental effects. Look for products unsweetened or sweetened with other fruits or fruit juices rather than sugar. Suggested dose is 3 ounces of juice or six cranberry tablets daily. If you have a tendency to kidney stones or are taking the blook thinner warfarin, talk with your doctor before starting on a cranberry regimen. Mouthwashes containing cranberries are being developed to prevent periodontal disease.
· In some people, regular cranberry juice consumption for months can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach cancer and ulcers