TALK ABOUT CRANBERRY PROMOTES HEALTH AND ANTI-INFECTION (PART 2)

3. Treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections

Searching the medical literature did find many related research reports, and the research results were basically the same: cranberry juice has the effect of resisting urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are often caused by E. coli. Although cranberry juice cannot completely eliminate bacteria, the ingredients in it can inhibit the attachment of E. coli to the wall of the urethra and play an anti-infective role. Although the specific active ingredients in cranberry juice are still inconclusive, several clinical experiments have shown that cranberry juice has a significant effect on urinary tract infections. As for the issue of effective dosage, a study shows that drinking 50 ml of cranberry juice daily can reduce urinary tract infections by 20%. Another study showed that drinking 200 ml of unsweetened cranberry juice three times a month can reduce urinary tract infections by up to 50%. In addition, some researchers also found that cranberry food also has the effect of relieving anti-urethral symptoms.

For most people, herbal natural anti-inflammatory food cannot replace conventional antibiotics. But compared to antibiotics, cranberry has not only no side effects but also natural antioxidants and other health benefits. For example, the high content of bioflavonoids in cranberry has a certain anti-aging effect. To sum up, the anti-urinary tract infection effect of cranberry seems to have a high trial value. However, readers should note that when consuming cranberry extract, you need to drink more water to achieve the best results. Friends with the stone disease need to be used with caution.

According to a 2017 study in Frontiers in Microbiology, the antibacterial effect of cranberry juice can reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections in mice. This report believes that the decrease in the incidence of UTI is due to the antibacterial properties that reduce the colonization ability of E. coli in the bladder. This bacterium is the E. coli mentioned above and is the cause of most UTIs. A 2016 study was reported in “Health and Medical Alternative Therapy”. Among the subjects who had not had skin-cutting surgery and had a history of repeated urinary tract infections, the experimenters found that these people drink cranberry juice The probability of bacterial infections in their urine samples is lower than those who only took a placebo and had skin cuts. The author concludes from this that cranberry juice may be beneficial in inhibiting the growth of bacterial pathogens.

4. Improve digestive system

There is increasing evidence that the phytochemicals contained in cranberries play an important role in digestive health. A 2018 study in the Journal of Food and Agricultural Science reported, among other benefits, evidence that cranberries are also beneficial for digestive health. The paper points out that inhibiting the production of another bacterium called Helicobacter pylori in the stomach is believed to promote digestive health. The researchers also recommend further research on cranberry juice.

5. Prevent infection

Some chemicals in cranberries may help fight viruses and bacteria.

A 2011 study found that cranberry inhibited the growth of seven types of bacteria. The study did not assess whether cranberry or cranberry juice can prevent human infection with these microorganisms.

Similarly, a 2010 study found that cranberries can resist certain viruses, including Norovirus, which is a common cause of foodborne illness.

The author of the study warned that more research is needed, but believes that cranberries may be a useful method for treating or preventing foodborne diseases.

6. Improve post-menopausal health

Compared with all people of the same age, postmenopausal women have an increased risk of heart disease. A 2013 study investigated this phenomenon in ovariectomized mice. The researchers found that daily consumption of herbal products for relief of dysmenorrhea lowers total cholesterol, suggesting that cranberry products may be useful dietary supplements after menopause. Some studies have also suggested possible side effects of eating such products: studies have found that cranberry juice may interact with certain drugs. For example, cranberries may enhance the effect of a blood thinner called warfarin. For other drugs, different studies are not consistent. However, preliminary studies indicate that cranberry may interact with the following drugs: cyclosporine, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, amoxicillin, cefaclor, midazolam, and tizanidine. If you take these or other medicines, please consult your doctor before using cranberry juice. Research indicates that it may be necessary to monitor the dosage and effect of the drug rather than avoid cranberry juice altogether.

Herbal Products For Relief Of Dysmenorrhea