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antioxidants than 19 other commonly eaten fruits, with 9584 ORAC units

per 100 grams of fresh fruit. And, with 2186 ORAC units, one cup of 100

percent cranberry juice blend (a combination of 100 percent cranberry

juice with other fruit juices without added sugar) has more naturally

occurring antioxidants than one cup of orange juice (1800 ORAC units)

and apple juice (1011 ORAC units).(2)

-- Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries have a wide array of antioxidants, but

one kind that is unique to cranberries is proanthocyanidins. This type

of flavonoid antioxidant keeps certain bacteria from adhering to the

walls of your bladder, helping you maintain a healthy urinary

tract.(3-4) In fact, research suggests daily consumption of cranberry

juice cocktail can help maintain urinary tract health.(5)

-- Heart Health: In addition to proanthocyanidins, cranberries also contain

another type of flavonoid antioxidant - anthocyanins.(6) While more

research is needed on the effects of antioxidants on health, preliminary

studies suggest flavonoid antioxidants may work by helping to maintain

healthy cells, tissues and arteries, which means helping to maintain a

healthy heart. And, fruits and vegetables are important for maintaining

good health and reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases, including

heart disease.

Ways to Enjoy Cranberries This Summer

Cranberries are a cholesterol-free, fat-free and low-sodium food. This powerful berry, in all its forms, can be used in many easy, tasty ways to fulfill the daily recommendations for fruit intake this summer:

-- Cool off with cranberry juice. Look in the juice aisle of the

supermarket for different flavors and "lite" versions of

cranberry juice. Try combining cranberry juice with iced tea or

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