Superfoods - Nutrient Rich Foods - Cranberry

Question 1

Cranbury:
Description

Answer 1

AKA Vaccinium macrocarpon
The berry of the evergreen shrub which is traditionally used for urinary antiseptic properties.

Question 2

Cranberry:
Composition

Answer 2

A very rich source of proanthocyanins (contributing to the colour)
Vitamins C
Flavonoids such as quercetin
Manganese, copper, vitamins E, K, B5 and B6

Question 3

Cranberry:
Energetics

Answer 3

Cooling, sweet, nutritive

Question 4

Cranberry:
Benefits and properties

Answer 4

• Urinary antiseptic
• Treatment of Helicobacter pylori
• Cardiovascular health

Question 5

Cranbury:
Urinary antiseptic

Answer 5

• Cranbury is used in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) including cystitis.
• The bacteria are associated with UTIs (Escherichia coli) often contain fimbriae, which enables their epithelial attachment. Cranbury impedes this attachment

Question 6

Cranberry: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori

Answer 6

It’s anti-adhesive properties are also beneficial in the stomach with H. pylori

Question 7

Cranberry:
Cardiovascular health

Answer 7

Can reduce blood pressure and oxidative stress with its high antioxidant profile (e.g. Anthocyanins)

Fimbriae = hair-like projections on the surface of some bacteria

Question 8

Cranbury:
Practical use / dosage

Answer 8

• The general health eat fresh berries (ideally organic). Can be added to smoothies and juices. For specific health outcomes fresh cranberry juice or concentrated cranberry extract can be used.
• Juice – 300 - 500 mL/ daily (divide into two doses);
• Capsules / dried powder 250 - 500 mg daily
• Note: many commercial juices are high in added sugar and should be avoided; these can often worsen UTIs

Question 9

Cranbury:
Caution

Answer 9

Avoid using Cranbury above the recommended therapeutic doses if suffering from kidney stones (oxalates) and potentially on warfarin - blood thinner (not well founded)