A Conference on cranberries and health was held at Watford at the Grove Conference Centre and Hotel on 24 July 2007

Citation

(2007), "A Conference on cranberries and health was held at Watford at the Grove Conference Centre and Hotel on 24 July 2007", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 37 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2007.01737fac.002

A Conference on cranberries and health was held at Watford at the Grove Conference Centre and Hotel on 24 July 2007

A Conference on cranberries and health was held at Watford at the Grove Conference Centre and Hotel on 24 July 2007. It was supported by Ocean Spray

The information covered was that when it comes to superfruits, cranberry is the clear leader in clinical research.

In a recent independent review by the Cochrane Collaboration the body of good quality research into the cranberry and its effects on urinary tract infections and health (UTIs as they are often referred to) in women has been given a strong endorsement.

In the latest systematic review of the evidence for cranberries and blueberries in UTI prevention, "nine trials of cranberry products met the inclusion criteria" and "in four good quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cranberry products significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic UTIs in 12 months compared with placebo/control".

The study concludes there is more work to be carried out to establish the exact therapeutic dose of cranberry juice needed to benefit health, "but current knowledge suggests a glass of cranberry juice twice a day".

Dr Amy B. Howell, associate research scientist at the Marucci Centre for Blueberry and Cranberry Research at Rutgers University in New Jersey, welcomed this review, "The body of research into cranberry and its role in protecting the body inside has been building for more than 60 years. We've known for many years that cranberry has a role to play in warding off urinary infection and recent research into cranberry's anti-adhesive properties suggest it may help promote stomach and oral health too. I would look for a high concentration – at least 25 per cent – cranberry juice drink as this level has been used in the research. Once infection has taken hold though, I would always recommend seeking professional medical advice". Antioxidants help to stop the damage.

Cranberries are high in unique antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They are thought to:

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  inhibit breast cancer cell growth;

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  more cardiovascular benefits by improving blood flow;

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  reduce LDL cholesterol (harmful type of cholesterol) and increase the HDL cholesterol (the beneficial type of cholesterol);

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  reduce brain damage following the release of blood clots after a stroke;

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  fight intentional viruses and bacteria; and

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  fight oral bacteria.

The active ingredients in cranberries (docs level care) or Proathocyanidins (PACS) which are a type of tannin. Both wine and chocolate also contain PACS but the ones in cranberries are a different shape and thought to be more effective.

More information is available at: Ocean Spray, PO Box 1658, Croydon CR9 1UU, Tel: (00800) 3456 1234, e-mail: info@oceansprayinfo.co.uk, Web: www.oceanspray.co.uk