Heart Health

Heart

Cranberry: A berry after your own heart.

Did you know 60 million Americans suffer from some sort of heart disease? That’s about 1 in 4 adults. And there’s more troubling news: cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. Which is why it’s so important for each of us to protect our hearts as best we can. The good news: preliminary research suggests that cranberries can help.

The antioxidants found in cranberries may help the body defend itself against free radical damage. In fact, laboratory studies show that cranberries can inhibit oxidation of low-density cholesterol, which is thought to be one way cholesterol becomes sticky, allowing it to attach to the blood vessel wall.(1-3) One small, preliminary study also found the same beneficial effect in humans after consumption of cranberry juice.(4) Organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control also recognize that diets high in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber and natural antioxidants, are helpful in reducing the risk to chronic diseases, including heart disease.(5,6)

Isn’t it amazing that such a little berry can have such big health benefits? And there’s more. Emerging research suggests that cranberries may promote heart health in many ways.(7) One preliminary lab study suggests that a serving of cranberry juice cocktail may be as good for the heart as a glass of red wine.(3) And without the alcohol, so the whole family can enjoy the benefits. In test tube studies, scientists investigated cranberry juice cocktail, and 2 red wines, and found that serving for serving, cranberry juice cocktail was similarly effective to the red wines in modifying that activity of an enzyme that supports heart health. Studies also suggest that cranberry may promote heart health in other ways.(8) And, a clinical study reported that cranberry juice cocktail was beneficial to markers of heart health.(9) But remember, while cranberries can be a part of your overall heart health, they are no substitute for regular check-ups with your doctor.

---

1. Wilson T, Porcari JP, Harbin D. Cranberry Extract Inhibits Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation. Life Sciences 1998; 62(24):381-386.

2. Porter ML, Krueger CG, Wiebe DA, Cunningham DG, Reed JD. Cranberry proanthocyanidins associate with low-density lipoprotein and inhibit in vitro Cu2+-induced oxidation. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 2001; 81:1306-1313.

3. Chu Y-F, Liu RH. Cranberries inhibit LDL oxidation and induce LDL receptor expression in hepatocytes. Life Sciences 2005; 77(15):1892-1901.

4. Ruel G, Pomerleau S, Couture P, Lamarche B, Couillard C. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in men after short-term cranberry juice consumption. Metabolism Clinical and Experimental 2005; 54:856-861.

5. http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/.

6http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/nutrition/nutrition_for_everyone
/fruits_vegetables/index.htm

7. Reed JD. Cranberry Flavonoids, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Health. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 2002; 42:301-316.

8. Corder R. Anti-atherosclerotic potential of cranberry juice and red wine: comparable inhibition of endothelin-1 synthesis by cultered endothelial cells. American Chemical Society National Meeting 2004.

9. Maher MA, Mataczynski H, Stefaniak HM, Wilson T. Cranberry Juice Induces Nitric Oxide-Dependent Vasodilation In Vitro and Its Infusion Transiently Reduces Blood Pressure in Anesthetized Rats. Journal of Medicinal Food 2000; 3:141-147.

10. Ruel G, Pomerleau S, Couture P, Lemieux S, Lamarche B, Couillard C. Favourable impact of low-calorie cranberry juice consumption on plasma HDL-cholesterol concentrations in men. British Journal of Nutrition 2006; 96:357-364.