Alternative Therapies

Cranberries are among the top foods with proven health benefits, says Amy Howell, a researcher at Rutgers University. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, which protects the cells from damage by unstable molecules.

Currently, studies are being conducted to know the possible effects of cranberry on heart disease, yeast infections and other conditions. Researchers are also investigating its potential benefits against cancer, stroke and viral infections.

It has been found that drinking cranberry juice regularly can block the urinary infections and can kill the H. pylori bacteria, which can cause stomach ulcers and cancer.

A compound present in cranberries, called proanthocyanidine, also prevents plaque formation on teeth, so mouthwashes containing this compound are being developed to prevent periodontal disease.

Preliminary research also shows that drinking cranberry juice regularly can increase the levels of good cholesterol, or HDL, and reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL. Cranberries may also prevent some tumors from growing rapidly or starting in the first place.