Research Shows Cranberries to Be Among the Top Foods With Proven Health
Benefits

                                       [ P H O T O ]
In this October 3, 2006, photo released by the Wisconsin State
Cranberry Growers Association, a tractor driver uses a new harvesting
device called the "Ruby Slipper" during the fall harvest at the
Bassuener Cranberry Marsh in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. The cranberry
industry is confident it can meet demand during the busy holiday season
even though a summer hailstorm in central Wisconsin destroyed millions
of pounds of the tart red berries on the vine. (Photo/Wisconsin State
Cranberry Growers Association)
November 19, 2006        10:40

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 plaque formation on teeth; mouthwashes containing it 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.

Preliminary research also shows:

_ Drinking cranberry juice daily may increase levels of HDL, or good
cholesterol and reduce levels of LDL, or bad cholesterol.

_ Cranberries may prevent tumors from growing rapidly or starting in
the first place.

_ Extracts of chemicals in cranberries prevent breast cancer cells from
multiplying in a test tube; whether that would work in women is unknown.