Cranberries are a group of evergreen dwarf shrubs or trailing vines in the subgenus Oxycoccus of the genus Vaccinium. Cranberries are low, creeping shrubs or vines up to 2 meters (7 ft) long and 5 to 20 centimeters (2 to 8 in) in height; they have slender stems that are not thickly woody and have small evergreen leaves. The flowers are dark pink. The fruit is a berry that is larger than the leaves of the plant; it is initially light green, turning red when ripe. It is edible but has an acidic taste.

In Britain, cranberry may refer to the native species Vaccinium oxycoccos, while in North America, cranberry may refer to Vaccinium macrocarpon. Vaccinium oxycoccos is cultivated in central and northern Europe, while V. macrocarpon is cultivated throughout the northern United States, Canada and Chile. In some methods of classification, Oxycoccus is regarded as a genus in its own right. Cranberries can be found in acidic bogs throughout the cooler regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

History and Origin
The history of the cranberry begins with Native Americans who used the fruit for food, medicine, and dyes, even creating a survival food called pemmican. European settlers learned from them, naming it "craneberry" after the flower resembled a crane. Commercial cultivation started in 1816 in Massachusetts, and the fruit became a Thanksgiving staple. 

Nutrient Database – USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

Reference Values for Nutrition – FDA U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Urinary tract and oral health - Cranberries support urinary tract health by preventing bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls, which can help prevent UTIs. They are also beneficial for oral health because compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs) can inhibit the ability of harmful bacteria to stick to teeth and form biofilms, which helps prevent cavities and periodontal disease. Cranberry supplements are an option for those who want the benefits without the added sugar in some juices, but individuals with a history of kidney stones should be cautious due to the oxalate content.

Improves oral health - Cranberry components can improve oral health by inhibiting plaque and bacteria that cause decay and gum disease. Studies have shown they can suppress plaque growth, reduce acid formation, and interfere with the activity of harmful oral bacteria, such as Streptococcus mutans. However, commercially available cranberry juice is acidic and sugary, which is unsuitable for direct oral hygiene use and can cause dental erosion; it's the isolated components, not the juice itself, that show therapeutic promise.

Improves heart health - Cranberries support heart health due to their high levels of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help improve blood vessel function, lower blood pressure, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors like triglycerides and homocysteine. Regular consumption, through whole cranberries or low-calorie juice, has been linked to better cholesterol profiles and reduced inflammation.

Prevents plaque buildup - cranberries can help prevent plaque buildup due to compounds called proanthocyanidins, which can stop harmful bacteria from sticking to teeth and forming biofilms. These compounds inhibit the production of acids and the formation of plaque by bacteria like Streptococcus mutans.

Fights inflammation - cranberries fight inflammation due to their high content of polyphenols, particularly anthocyanins and A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs). These compounds have both direct effects, such as neutralizing free radicals, and indirect effects by modulating cell signalling pathways and influencing gut bacteria that play a role in the inflammatory process. This anti-inflammatory activity can benefit heart health and may help manage certain chronic conditions.

Reduces oxidative stress - Cranberries reduce oxidative stress due to their high content of polyphenols, which are potent antioxidants. Studies show that cranberry consumption can increase plasma antioxidant capacity and decrease lipid peroxidation, which are key markers of oxidative stress. This effect has been observed in both healthy individuals and those with metabolic conditions like metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Supports digestive health - Cranberries support digestive health by promoting a healthy gut microbiome, reducing harmful bacteria, and providing prebiotics and fiber. The unique A-type proanthocyanidins in cranberries help prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria like E. coli and H. pylori to the gut lining, while their polyphenols can have prebiotic effects, nurturing beneficial bacteria. Additionally, they contain antioxidants that combat inflammation in the gut.

Supports brain health - Cranberries support brain health by improving memory, neural function, and blood flow to the brain, likely due to their high levels of antioxidants and flavonoids like anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. A daily intake equivalent to a cup of cranberries can benefit older adults by improving visual episodic memory and cognitive function.

Manages blood sugar - Cranberries can help manage blood sugar due to their high polyphenol content, which may improve glucose metabolism by affecting insulin secretion, slowing carbohydrate digestion, and reducing liver fat production. Studies show that incorporating unsweetened cranberries or supplements can help lower fasting blood glucose and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, traditional cranberry juice can be high in sugar, so it is best to consume unsweetened forms or supplements and to consult a healthcare provider before adding them to your diet, especially if you are on blood thinners like warfarin.

Considerations and risks

Sugar content -  Be mindful of added sugar in products like juice and opt for unsweetened or low-calorie versions.

Kidney stones - Those prone to kidney stones should be cautious, as cranberries can increase oxalate levels.

Blood thinners - Cranberries may interfere with blood-thinning medications, so consult a healthcare provider if you are on such medication. 

Not a cure - Cranberries are a preventative measure and should not replace medical treatment for an existing UTI or other conditions. 

Cranberry – From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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