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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| SOURCE Cranberry Marketing Committee Copyright©2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved |