Cranberry: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More!

Introduction

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are fruits grown in Northeastern and north-central parts of the United States of America. Cranberries are also known as American cranberry and bearberry.¹ They are harvested in the US and Canada between the months of September and October.

There are two methods used for the harvest of cranberries, wet harvest and dry harvest. In the case of wet harvest, the cranberry farms are flooded and the fruits that float are collected; whereas, in the case of dry harvest, no water is used.

Wet harvest fruits are used to prepare processed cranberry juice and sauce, whereas dry harvest fruit is cleaned and packaged as fresh fruit.² All the available cranberry products provide similar health benefits and can be easily incorporated into the daily diet.² 

Nutritional Value of Cranberry

The nutritional value of cranberries is given below; 100 grams of cranberries contain 

• Energy (Kcal): 46
• Protein (g): 0.46
• Carbohydrates (g): 12
• Fibre, Total Dietary (g): 3.6
• Sugars, Total (g): 4.27
• Total Fat (g): 0.13
• Potassium (mg): 80
• Calcium (mg): 8
• Iron (mg): 0.23
• Magnesium (mg): 6
• Phosphorous (mg): 11
• Vitamin C (mg): 14

Nutritional value of cranberries (per 100 grams)³ 

Properties of Cranberries

Many phytochemicals are also present in cranberries, for example, beta carotene, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, and anthocyanins are responsible for its beneficial properties.^4,5    

• It may have beneficial activities for the bladder
• It may have beneficial properties for the stomach
• It may show liver-protecting properties
• It may have anti-diabetes properties
• It may show wound healing activity.¹    

Potential Uses of Cranberries

Cranberries have several health benefits in multiple systems as seen below.  

1. Potential Uses of Cranberries for Cardiovascular Health

Consumption of cranberry juice can help manage cholesterol levels in obese men and women. Cranberry juice improves antioxidant status and may increases High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol). It can thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by lowering levels of inflammatory markers and improving the regulation of blood glucose.⁷ The studies available seem insufficient to validate these claims, therefore consult an ayurvedic physician before taking cranberries for its effect on cardiovascular health.

2. Potential Uses of Cranberries for Cancer Prevention

The compounds present in cranberries have positive effects on cancer cells. These compounds might reduce inflammation, slow down growth, and cause the death of cancer cells. Studies found that cranberries may defeat the three main characteristics of cancer cells i.e. resisting cell death, invasive activity and spread and ongoing signaling to multiply in number.

Proanthocyanidins present in cranberries have shown inhibitory action against the formation of malignant cancers in the mouth in studies.⁸ There is a need of more extensive research to validate the effect of cranberries in humans. Furthermore, cancer needs to be diagnosed and treated by a qualified doctor, hence, kindly consult a doctor.

3. Potential Uses of Cranberries in Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention

Cranberries may be recommended foods for women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI).⁹ Taking cranberry extract capsules twice a day has also shown promising results in reducing the incidence of UTIs in studies.¹⁰  However, urinary tract infections may need medical supervision and diagnosis. Consult a qualified doctor for the treatment of any such conditions.

As per my observations, cranberries might do more than just help fight urinary tract infections. The same compounds that help with UTIs, called a-type proanthocyanidins, may also ward off bacteria from forming in your mouth. This means that cranberries might have the potential to avert cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay by controlling the production of harmful acids in your mouth.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

4. Potential Uses of Cranberries for Skin

Cranberries are rich in vitamin C.³ Vitamin C may have several benefits on the skin, such as stimulating collagen synthesis and protecting from UV rays-induced photodamage.

Collagen is essential for skin elasticity and wound healing.¹¹ Vitamin E found in cranberries may be a good antioxidant helpful in reducing the damage related to UV radiation exposure.¹²  

Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for Clear Skin

5. Potential Uses of Cranberries for Digestive Health

Consumption of cranberry products in young and older women may help in eradicating Helicobacter pylori infections.¹³    

Although studies show the benefits of cranberries in different health conditions, this information is insufficient. Hence, there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of cranberries on human health. Furthermore, every person may respond differently to these herbs. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor before using cranberries for any medical condition.

I would suggest incorporating cranberries into your diet because they might have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These effects are due to the high levels of antioxidants found in cranberries, such as anthocyanins and flavanols, which are responsible for their dark colour. Antioxidants have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases by lowering inflammation in your body.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: Chandraprabha Vati – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

How to Use Cranberries

Cranberries are available in various forms, such as fresh cranberry fruit, cranberry juice, cranberry sauce, and dried cranberries. Raw cranberries have a bitter and sharp taste. ²      

You should always take the advice of an Ayurvedic physician before having cranberries for its benefits. In addition, we recommend you do not replace or discontinue your ongoing medications with any ayurvedic or herbal preparations without seeking the medical advice of a qualified doctor. They will guide you with the best form and dosage in which the herb can be used per your health condition.

Side Effects of Cranberries

  The side effects of cranberries are 

• Cranberries come under the category of GRAS (generally regarded as safe), but consumption in large amounts can cause upset stomach and diarrhea in young children.¹   
• Concentrated extracts of cranberries contain a high amount of oxalates. Oxalates are a risk factor for kidney stones when consumed in high amounts. People with a history of kidney stones should reduce the consumption of cranberries and their products.¹⁵  

Also Read: Ginko Biloba – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Precautions to Take with Cranberries

Precaution in Children

If a large amount of cranberries is eaten by children, it can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea.¹ People with a history of kidney stones should avoid eating cranberries in large amounts.¹⁵ 

Precautions in Pregnant & Lactating Women

Cranberry juice is safe in all trimesters of pregnancy. Cranberries are safe during pregnancy and show no ill effects on the mother or the baby.¹⁶  Cranberries juice, as well as cranberry capsules, can be taken during the breastfeeding period.¹⁷  

Interactions with Other Drugs

Patients taking warfarin should be informed regarding the potential interaction between warfarin and cranberry consumption. You must inform your doctor if you are already on blood thinners like warfarin before consuming cranberries. .¹⁸  

Also Read: Rosemary – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Also Read: Aryogyavardhani Vati – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

References:

1. Cranberry [Internet]. NCCIH. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry 
2. About Cranberries [Internet]. Cranberry Institute. 2019. Available from: https://www.cranberryinstitute.org/about-cranberries 
3. FoodData Central [Internet]. fdc.nal.usda.gov. [cited 2022 Feb 3]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171722/nutrients 
4. FoodData Central [Internet]. fdc.nal.usda.gov. [cited 2022 Feb 3]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168117/nutrients 
5. Narwojsz A, TaÅ„ska M, Mazur B, Borowska EJ. Fruit Physical Features, Phenolic Compounds Profile and Inhibition Activities of Cranberry Cultivars (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Compared to Wild-Grown Cranberry (Vaccinium oxycoccus). Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 2019;74(3):300-306. doi:10.1007/S11130-019-00737-7/TABLES/4 
6. Howell AB, Reed JD, Krueger CG, Winterbottom R, Cunningham DG, Leahy M. A-type cranberry proanthocyanidins and uropathogenic bacterial anti-adhesion activity. Phytochemistry. 2005;66(18):2281-2291. doi:10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2005.05.022 
7. Chew B, Mathison B, Kimble L, et al. Chronic consumption of a low calorie, high polyphenol cranberry beverage attenuates inflammation and improves glucoregulation and HDL cholesterol in healthy overweight humans: a randomized controlled trial. European journal of nutrition. 2019;58(3):1223-1235. doi:10.1007/S00394-018-1643-Z 
8. Weh KM, Clarke J, Kresty LA. Cranberries and Cancer: An Update of Preclinical Studies Evaluating the Cancer Inhibitory Potential of Cranberry and Cranberry Derived Constituents. Antioxidants. 2016;5(3). doi:10.3390/ANTIOX5030027 
9. Liska DAJ, Kern HJ, Maki KC. Cranberries and Urinary Tract Infections: How Can the Same Evidence Lead to Conflicting Advice? Advances in Nutrition. 2016;7(3):498. doi:10.3945/AN.115.011197 
10. Caljouw MAA, MSc, Hout WB van den, et al. Effectiveness of Cranberry Capsules to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Vulnerable Older Persons: A Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial in Long-Term Care Facilities. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2014;62(1):103. doi:10.1111/JGS.12593 
11. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017;9(8). doi:10.3390/NU9080866 
12. Park K. Role of Micronutrients in Skin Health and Function. Biomolecules & Therapeutics. 2015;23(3):207. doi:10.4062/BIOMOLTHER.2015.003 
13. Shmuely H, Ofek I, Weiss EI, Rones Z, Houri-Haddad Y. Cranberry components for the therapy of infectious disease. Current opinion in biotechnology. 2012;23(2):148-152. doi:10.1016/J.COPBIO.2011.10.009 
14. Lila MA. Anthocyanins and Human Health: An In Vitro Investigative Approach. Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. 2004;2004(5):306. doi:10.1155/S111072430440401X 
15. Terris MK, Issa MM, Tacker JR. Dietary supplementation with cranberry concentrate tablets may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis. Urology. 2001;57(1):26-29. doi:10.1016/S0090-4295(00)00884-0 
16. Heitmann K, Nordeng H, Holst L. Pregnancy outcome after use of cranberry in pregnancy – the Norwegian mother and child cohort study. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;13:345. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-13-345 
17. Cystitis in the Breastfeeding Mother [Internet]. The Breastfeeding Network. [cited 2022 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/cystitis/ 
18. Drug Interactions: Review [Internet]. Cranberry Institute. [cited 2022 Feb 3]. Available from: https://www.cranberryinstitute.org/cranberry-health-research/library/category/drug-interactions/drug-interactions-review 
19. Neto CC, Vinson JA. Cranberry. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects: Second Edition. Published online March 28, 2011:107-130. doi:10.5040/9781635577068-0542 

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