Description
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that have a ton of health benefits. They are often sold as dietary supplements in the form of extracts, pills, capsules, or gummies.
Cranberries are high in:
- Vitamin C
- Flavonoids
- Anthocyanins
- Proanthocyanidins
- Catechin
- Triterpenoids
Because of the presence of these potent antioxidants and vitamin C, preclinical studies (lab studies) have shown that cranberry supplements may have the following properties:
- Antimicrobial
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
benefits of cranberry supplements
1. Helps promote bladder health
Cranberry is commonly used to prevent bladder infections. According to some studies, cranberry juice or extract may inhibit the ability of bacteria to adhere to the bladder wall, resulting in a lower incidence of urinary tract infections.
Cranberry acts as a urinary “deodorant” by increasing urine acidity that reduces the activity of bacteria that break down chemicals in the urine and produce a pungent odor.
2. Protects against stomach ulcers
Preliminary evidence suggests that cranberry may help prevent ulcer-causing bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) from adhering to the stomach wall. It has thus been proposed for the prevention or treatment of stomach ulcers.
