Cranberries & Health
Scientists have isolated compounds present in cranberries which have the special effect of preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract. These proanthocyanidins, may be effective in preventing or easing urinary tract infections by preventing Escherichia coli (E. coli bacteria) from adhering to the kidney or bladder cells. (The New England Journal of Medicine, October 8th, 1998.)
Drinking cranberry juice can work both to prevent infection and to help control an existing problem. Recent research at the University of Western Ontario indicates that the regular consumption of cranberry products may have a role in fighting diseases such as cancer. Cranberries are a rich source of flavonoids which may have anti-cancer activity. Iroquois Cranberry Juice is pure juice. It is not made from concentrate. It contains no added water or other juices. Most people dilute the product to make it palatable. With 100% pure juice, you have control over what you add to the product. One litre of our pure juice will make up to 6 litres of juice. Many commercially available juices are made from concentrate and have a small proportion of cranberry juice.
To gain the health benifits, you need at least one 300 ml glass of 27% cranberry juice per day. For instance if you take 1/3 glass our juice, 1/3 fruit juice, and 1/3 water, you will have a pleasant drink that gives you the health benefits without the extra sugar many supermarket cranberry "drinks" have. No matter what you do, read the label before you buy!
Health Links
The Cranberry Institute The Cranberry Institute has information on cranberries and health.
Canada's Food Guide A guide to healthy eating from Health Canada.
Nutritional Composition of Cranberries100g (1 cup) fresh cranberries
| Calories................46kcal | Fats......................0.7g | Fiber....................1.4g |
| Protein..................0.4g | Carbohydrates......10.8g | Calcium................7.0g |
| Phosphorus ..........6.0mg | Magnesium...........4.5mg | Iron......................0.2mg |
| Calcium................7.0g | Sodium.................2.0mg | Potassium.............67.0mg |
| Vitamin A.............40.0 IU | Folic Acid.............2.0mcg |