While all fruits and vegetables are not equal, which is why a variety of them should be eaten daily, and why Juice Plus+ contains nutrients from a variety of them (because different foods have different nutrients for various benefits). But according to the leader of the cranberry business, the health benefits of cranberries include mouth, bone, urinary, and stomach. The fruit has long been considered an effective method of fighting urinary tract infections, something that has led to almost one third of parents in the US giving it to their children, according to a recent study.
In 2004 France became the first country to approve a health claim for the North American cranberry species Vaccinium macrocarpon, which states that it can 'help reduce the adhesion of certain E.coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls'.
A health claim has also recently been awarded in Korea for Decas Botanicals’ PACran product. “PACran is the only cranberry ingredient in the world to have a health claim,” said Dan Souza, director of sales and marketing.
Recently, researchers from St. Francis College, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and New York University reported that the anti-bacterial benefits may be matched by anti-viral benefits.
Stomachs, and possibly anti-cancer
In terms of stomach health, the focus has been on cranberry’s effects on the Helicobacter pylori bacterium - the only bacteria that can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach and known to cause peptic ulcers and gastritis.
Several reports have shown that the berries and their constituents are effective at inhibiting adhesion of the bacterium to the stomach wall. [Does this mean that Juice Plus+ nutrients could provide the same benefit? No. This has not been proven, although one could make the indirect connection.]
There are also some reports in the literature for other health conditions. For example, researchers from Ohio State University and the Blueberry and Cranberry Research Center at Rutgers University reported that a proanthocyanidin-rich cranberry extract was found to inhibit the growth and spread of human oesophageal adenocarcinoma (a cancer in glandular tissue) cells (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
And earlier this year, a lab study from the University of Prince Edward Island in Canada reported that extracts from cranberry may prevent colon cancer via an anti-inflammatory mechanism (Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, Vol. 89, pp. 542-547).
Finally, a study presented earlier this year at the Experimental Biology conference by Ted Wilson from Winona State University found that sweetened dried cranberries with a reduced sugar and increased fibre content may benefit type-2 diabetics by delivering healthier glycemic and insulin responses. (source)
Bottom Line: There seems to be mounting evidence on the effectiveness of cranberries and cranberry extract on the health, prevention, and even help with health conditions that may be present. The thing to take from this is that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and yes berries are important in the prevention of sickness and disease. When it comes to extracts, Juice Plus+ contains extracts of cranberry in both the Fruit Blend and the Vineyard Blend. Actually, cranberry is the only one that appears in both and the above article should provide evidence as to why. It's importance to good health seems obvious.
So, if you're not eating enough fruits, vegetables, and berries, then start adding Juice Plus+ Fruit, Vegetable, AND Vineyard Blend to your diet.
The Health & Wellness Institute, PC
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