Cranberry Compared to Statins

It is not just cranberry juices, but all polyphenol rich foods and juices.  In the meantime research is now strongly indicating the beneficial effect of cranberry juice in particular and what is developing here is the need for effective juice delivery to the user.  Most are using do it your self approaches with all the limitations that imposes.

The hard issue is sweetening.  Sugar simply does not cut it at all and replacing sugar in juice based products needs to be addressed.  Stevia and a small amount of glucose could be a safe approach.  Glucose goes straight into the blood stream without an unnecessary trip through the digestive system and the liver.

I would consider experimenting with stevia and a little honey which is a combination of glucose and some sucrose.  There is also plenty of room here for imaginative recipes that add other fruit in to provide some sweetness.  Apple certainly comes to mind.  Cook together to provide a usable jam.  Actually raspberries may even be better than all such options.  Pectin could be added as a thickener and sweetness upgraded by stevia.

The point here is that a fruit pudding of sorts could easily be a superior way to get the suggested dose.

Forget Prescription Drugs: Two Glasses of Cranberry Juice Prevents Hardening of Arteries

March 8, 2012

http://preventdisease.com/news/12/030812_Forget-Prescription-Drugs-Two-Glasses-of-Cranberry-Juice-Prevents-Hardening-of-Arteries.shtml

Statins have severe adverse effects, yet they are standard method of treatment used to treat millions with hardening arteries. Health experts suggest a much easier and natural route...cranberries. Two glasses of cranberry juice a day protects against the development of hardening of the arteries, according to a new study by scientists at the Mayo Clinic and College of Medicine.

Cranberries have modest levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber and the essential dietary mineral, manganese, as well as a balanced profile of other essential micronutrients.

Previous research has also shown that cranberry juice helped relax blood vessels clogged with high blood cholesterol and narrowed by atherosclerosis, according to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine.

Recent results published in the European Journal of Nutrition indicate that cranberry juice may reduce the number of endothelial cells that produce a compound called osteocalcin, which has been linked to hardening of the arteries.

"Our study demonstrates for the first time a potentially beneficial differential effect of cranberry juice on osteoblastic EPCs [endothelial progenitor cells], which are linked to the development of atherosclerotic lesions," wrote the researchers, led by the Mayo Clinic’s Amir Lerman, MD.

"This preliminary finding is of particular interest as it might partly explain the proposed beneficial effect of cranberry juice and other polyphenol-rich nutrition on cardiovascular health."

Cranberries and Urinary Tract Health

Cranberry is most famous for its ability to fight urinary tract infections, something that has led to almost one third of parents in the US giving it to their children.

The link between cranberries and urinary tract health is well established, and linked to its proanthocyanidin (PAC) content. In 2004 France became the first country to approve a health claim for the North American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) with at least 36mg of proanthocyanidins (PAC) to "help reduce the adhesion of certain E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls", and subsequently fight urinary tract infections (UTIs).

The new study extends our understanding of cranberries, indicating a role for the little red fruit for heart health.

Study Details

Dr Lerman and his co-workers recruited 84 people with an average age of 49.5 to participate in their double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Complete study data was available for 69 participants, they said.

The participants were randomly assigned to receive either two glasses of a placebo beverage or double-strength Ocean Spray light cranberry juice for four months.

Using a technique called peripheral arterial tonometry (EndoPAT) the researchers analyzed the how blood vessels responded to the interventions. Blood samples were also taken for an analysis of markers of EPC and osteocalcin.

Results showed that, while there were no differences between the groups for endothelial function, cranberry juice was associated with a reduction in the expression of osteocalcin by EPCs.

"Theoretically, this dietary intervention could therefore influence the dynamic process of atherosclerosis and might expand knowledge about the healthy effects of polyphenol-rich fruits and vegetables in general," wrote the researchers.

"Moreover, this finding might be especially interesting in the context of high bone turnover states, especially as green tea polyphenols have been shown to be protective for bone loss in middle-aged female rats and are able to mitigate bone loss induced by inflammation in rats.

"Thus, the effect of cranberry juice on potentially osteogenic EPCs in our study might highlight a possible link between the alterations in the bones and vascular calcifications."

Source:
European Journal of Nutrition