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Common Name: cranberry, American cranberry, bog cranberry

Latin Name: Vaccinium macrocarpon

Cranberries are the fruit of a native plant of North America. These delicious red berries are used in foods as well as in herbal products.

• Historically, cranberry fruits and leaves were used for a variety of problems, such as wounds, urinary disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, stomach ailments, and liver problems.
• Recently, cranberry products have been used in the hope of preventing or treating urinary tract infections or Helicobacter pylori infections that can lead to stomach ulcers, or to prevent dental plaque.
• Cranberry has also been reported to have antioxidant and anticancer activity.

Cranberries are a gift from nature. And like all of nature's gifts, it is very good for the human body. Some US states and other countries market cranberry as one of the few superfruits (a fruit with numerous health benefits) in the world. The berries are used to produce beverages and many other food products, as well as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, teas, and capsules or tablets.

• Some studies testing cranberry products for their ability to prevent urinary tract infections have shown promise. These studies have generally been small in size, and some were not randomized or controlled; therefore, the results are not yet conclusive.
• Research shows that components found in cranberry may prevent bacteria, such as E. coli, from clinging to the cells along the walls of the urinary tract and causing infection. However, the mechanism of action of cranberry is not fully understood.
• NCCAM, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research are funding studies to understand whether and how cranberry might work to:
1. Prevent urinary tract infection
2. Prevent the formation of dental plaque

• Eating cranberry products in food appears to be safe, but drinking excessive amounts of juice could cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
• People who think they have a urinary tract infection should see a health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Cranberry products should not be used to treat infection, rather to help prevent infection.
• Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Doctor Approved Cranberry Concentrate Urinary Support Helps maintain a healthy urinary tract. Contains the equivalent of 34 pounds of whole cranberries in each pound of cranberry powder. 100 percent pure. Contains no sugar. Each capsule contains 400 mg of concentrated cranberry fruit. Cranberry, a close relative of the blueberry, has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.

Cranberry Apple Fruit Tea -- Refreshing Caffeine Free Fruit Tea! This blend was created to accommodate tastes of people who wanted to experience a refreshing healthy new style drink without caffeine. What we got was a terrific tea that is unbelievably delicious and enjoyed Hot or Cold! This tea has a very exotic flavor profile. The delicious blend of cranberry, fruit and apple flavors combined with the natural flavors and tartness of the various dried fruits create a summertime cooler or a wintertime summer reminder.

See also:
Good Eats: Cranberries
Cranberry Food Facts
Beneficial Bytes: Cranberries
Cranberries: America's Native Fruit
Orange Cranberry Pancakes Healthy Breakfast Recipe
Cranberry Soup Healthy Christmas Recipe
Dried Cranberry Spice Bread Low Fat Recipe
Cranberry-Wheat Pancakes Diabetic Recipe

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