What Are the Benefits of Dried Cranberries in Hindi?

Cranberries are small, round berries with bright red skin and flesh that grow on low-growing vines. They are currently cultivated on less than 40,000 acres worldwide, mainly in parts of North America. For the Native American tribes of North America, cranberries represented nutrition and health. They made jam and dried the berries, and also used them to treat wounds.

During the colonial era, wild cranberries were already one of the first products from the “New World” to be exported to Britain. Sailors kept cranberries on board their ships at all times to prevent scurvy caused by a lack of vitamin C. In 1677, the colonial government of New England presented the British king with three famous North American products: Indian corn, cod and cranberries. However, after the long voyage, the cod and corn had spoiled, and only the cranberries appeared before the king in their fresh, original state.

Today, cranberries have become an indispensable accompaniment to meals and a daily dietary companion in American households. Since 1962, turkey with cranberry sauce has been a traditional food for Thanksgiving in American families. Cranberry juice drinks are also a must-have in American refrigerators, and they consume 400 million pounds of cranberries every year. Cranberries are popular because they are high in water, low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in minerals.

1 Nutritional composition and function

1.1 Energy nutrients

The content of protein, carbohydrates and fat in cranberries is 0.4 g/100 g, 0.2 g/100 g and 12.7 g/100 g respectively[1]. It can be seen that cranberries are a low-calorie, healthy fruit.

1.2 Dietary fibre

It contains 4.6 g/100 g. Dietary fibre is essential for a healthy diet. Fibre plays an important role in maintaining digestive health, and adequate intake of fibre can also prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and other diseases. Fibre can cleanse the digestive walls and enhance digestive function, promote intestinal detoxification and prevent constipation.

1.3 Minerals

Research data shows that cranberries are rich in minerals such as potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron, which are all necessary for building and maintaining normal body functions. Among them, potassium is 8 mg/100 g, phosphorus is 13 mg/100 g, calcium is 8 mg/100 g, magnesium is 6 mg/100 g, and sodium is 2 mg/100 g. It can be seen that cranberries are a fruit with high potassium and low sodium. Excess sodium can raise blood pressure, while high potassium can lower blood pressure. Foods with high potassium and low sodium can lower blood pressure and protect cardiovascular function.

1.4 Vitamins

Cranberries contain a variety of vitamins, including VC, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Of these, VC amounts to 13.3 mg/100 g. VC has the effect of promoting collagen synthesis, beautifying the skin, promoting growth, reducing fatigue, and preventing scurvy. Cranberries contain 8 times more natural VC and 400 times more natural SOD enzyme than ordinary fruits.

1.5 Phenolic compounds

Cranberries contain 34.3 mg/100 g of proanthocyanidins, which are phenolic compounds. They are mainly composed of polymers of catechins and epicatechins, and are currently recognized internationally as the most effective natural antioxidants for scavenging free radicals in the body. In addition, numerous studies have shown that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries contain one or more flavan bonds of type A. This special structure can compete with the exogenous lectin on the cilia of bacteria, so that the bacteria cannot bind to the cell receptors and thus have the property of resisting bacterial adhesion. Cranberries contain 0.77 mg of anthocyanins per 100 g. They are a water-soluble pigment antioxidant that has the effect of scavenging free radicals, enhancing the elasticity of blood vessels, improving the circulatory system, enhancing the smoothness of the skin, and inhibiting inflammation and allergies.

In addition, cranberries also contain phenolic acids, ellagic acid, flavonols and other substances. Ellagic acid has a significant inhibitory effect on chemical-induced cancer and many other types of cancer, especially colon cancer, esophageal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, tongue and skin tumors.

2 Health benefits of cranberries

2.1 Prevention of urinary tract infections

The main active ingredient is concentrated tannins (proanthocyanidins). As early as the 18th century, cranberry juice was widely used in England to treat urinary tract infections. It was initially thought that the acidity of cranberries could reduce the growth of bacteria, thereby reducing the incidence of urinary tract infections. However, subsequent studies found that the pH of the urine was not significantly changed by the intervention of cranberries. Later [2] researchers found that cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections and is related to its ability to inhibit the adhesion of Escherichia coli to urethral epithelial cells.

In 1998, Howell et al. reported for the first time that the main active ingredient in cranberry for the prevention of urinary tract infections is concentrated tannins. Later, many studies [3-4] found that the proanthocyanidins in cranberries contain one or more flavan bonds of type A. This special structure can compete with the exogenous lectin on the bacterial cilia, so that the bacteria cannot bind to the cell receptor and thus have the property of antibacterial adhesion. This property prevents Escherichia coli from attaching to the epithelial cells of the urinary tract and bladder wall, and the pathogenic bacteria are flushed away with the urine. Some researchers therefore suggest that drinking 350 mL of cranberry juice or consuming the same amount of cranberry extract every day can help prevent urinary tract infections and cystitis.

Current research has progressed to the point where the possible mechanism of action of cranberry PAC against bacteria is being investigated at the genomic level, and the factors involved are being identified. In a recent study, Gabriela et al. [5] used gene chip technology to determine the effect of PA on the gene expression of Escherichia coli CFT073, which causes pyelonephritis. This is the first investigation of the effect of PACS on the transcription of Escherichia coli CFT073. Based on the changes in gene expression, the researchers found that PACS can lead to changes in the expression of genes related to iron metabolism, and the amount of available iron in the urinary tract strain is extremely reduced. The formation of PAC iron complexes was observed in the experiment, which proved that PAC is an iron chelating agent. Future work will be directed towards determining whether PAC's ability to chelate iron is the reason why some compounds affect the anti-adhesive properties and hinder the formation of biofilms.

2.2 Beauty and anti-aging, anti-oxidation

Among all fruits, cranberries are no exception in containing vitamin C, which is essential for healthy skin. Moreover, cranberries are rich in proanthocyanidins (a type of bioflavonoid), which are internationally recognized as the most effective natural antioxidants for scavenging free radicals in the body. Their anti-free radical oxidation capacity is 50 times that of VE. In 2007, the US Department of Health compared the antioxidant capacity of commonly consumed fruits, and cranberries came out on top. Ruel et al. [6] also proved that the flavonoids in cranberries can lower plasma lipoprotein levels, inhibit LDL oxidation, and increase plasma antioxidant capacity. Villarreal [7] and Wolf [8] also found that cranberries have antioxidant properties, increase plasma antioxidant capacity, and protect red blood cells against hemolysis and cell antioxidant activity.

Cranberry juice can resist the aging of the skin caused by free radicals and promote collagen synthesis. It also provides the skin with nutrients, making it young, healthy and fair. Therefore, cranberries can maintain young and healthy skin and have excellent skin care and beauty effects.

2.3 Protects the intestines and stomach, reducing the incidence of gastric ulcers and stomach cancer

Many studies have shown that cranberries have anti-Helicobacter pylori properties. Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, spiral-shaped bacterium that can easily reach the gastric mucosa through the mouth and settle there to cause infection. Helicobacter pylori infection is the main cause of chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. As early as 2000, Burger et al. [9] found that cranberry juice can inhibit the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to human gastric mucus.

Subsequent experiments have also shown that the polyphenols in cranberry extract can induce Helicobacter pylori to become spherical, thereby inhibiting its reproduction [10]. Moreover, cranberries make it difficult for Helicobacter pylori bacteria present in the stomach to attach to stomach wall cells, so that the bacteria that cause stomach infections cannot multiply on the stomach wall and are excreted from the body. In 2007, Mao Guangming et al. [11] found in a gastric mucosal protection test using rats as research subjects that cranberries have a protective effect on acute damage to the gastric mucosa of rats. Therefore, regular consumption of cranberries can have a very beneficial effect on the stomach. In addition, cranberries can provide the body with protection similar to that of antibiotics. Moreover, this natural antibiotic will not cause the body to develop resistance, and there is no need to worry about the side effects of drugs.

2.4 Protecting the mouth and teeth

According to a 2006 study [12], cranberries are a powerful inhibitor of biofilm formation on the gums. Their components may reduce the ability of Porphyromonas gingivalis to colonize the gums, which can be beneficial in preventing and treating periodontitis.

In 2006, Bodet et al. [13] found that the polyphenolic compounds contained in cranberries can inhibit the secretion of proteolytic enzymes by periodontal pathogens.

Koo et al. [15] found that substances isolated from cranberry juice can break down the flora in the mouth, especially Streptococcus mutans in saliva, which can cause tooth decay and plaque, thereby protecting the teeth.

Doron [15] studied the mechanism of action of cranberries against tooth decay and found that cranberry juice prevents Streptococcus mutans from adhering to the tooth surface and forming a biofilm, thereby preventing tooth decay.

In 2012, Babu et al. [16] demonstrated that the components of cranberry juice can interfere with the adhesion and biofilm formation of S. gordonii (Streptococcus gordonii has been recognized as a risk factor for caries because it can easily colonize clean tooth surfaces to form biofilms), prevent or reduce the oral bacterial load on the oral surface, and help improve oral health.

In 2012, Feldman et al. [17] demonstrated that proanthocyanidin A in cranberries is a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of oral candidiasis, as it can reduce the adhesion of Candida albicans, prevent the formation of biofilms, and reduce the inflammatory response caused by this pathogen.

2.5 Antitumor

The first report of the anti-cancer activity of cranberry fruit in vitro appeared in a 1996 study from Illinois. Some Canadian researchers reported that cranberry juice extract inhibited the growth of breast cancer cells. In 2004, Ferguson et al. [18] showed that cranberry extract inhibited the proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435 breast cancer cells.

Subsequent research has focused on identifying the anti-cancer components of cranberries. Murphy et al. [19] found that triterpenoid lipids in cranberries can inhibit the in vitro growth of several types of human tumor cells, including MCF-7 breast cancer, HT-29 colon cancer, prostate cancer DU145 cells, H460 lung cancer, cervical cancer ME180 epidermis, and K562 leukemia cell lines.

In 2003, Atallah et al. reported that an anthocyanin-rich mixed berry extract can inhibit tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)-induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression, reduce the formation of angiomas and the growth of tumors. On the other hand, although anthocyanins are not particularly cytotoxic, they can be expected to inhibit the oxidative processes associated with tumors as powerful antioxidants.

In 2006, Catherine Neto[20] and others found that proanthocyanidins and other substances extracted from cranberries had a toxic effect on lung cancer cells, colon cancer cells, and leukemia cancer cells, significantly inhibiting the growth of these cancer cells, while having no toxic effect on other healthy cells.

Subsequent reports have also shown that cranberry's ability to limit tumor cell growth may be related to its ability to induce apoptosis. In 2008, Kresty et al. [21] demonstrated that proanthocyanidins in cranberries can induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of esophageal adenocarcinoma cells.

Recently, some researchers found that proanthocyanidin-1 in cranberry extract has strong anti-cancer and anti-angiogenesis properties, and that high concentrations of cranberry proanthocyanidin-1 extract can be further developed into active drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer [22].

2.6 Prevent cardiovascular disease and lower blood pressure

People who regularly eat high-calorie, high-fat, high-cholesterol foods are prone to premature cardiovascular aging and develop various diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, and blood clots. Fortunately, cranberries not only contain high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and tocotrienols, but also another antioxidant powerhouse-concentrated tannins. Therefore, both meat eaters and vegetarians can use cranberries to protect cardiovascular health.

Oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is closely linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Reducing LDL oxidation can prevent cardiovascular disease. In 2005, Ruel et al. [23] showed that short-term consumption of cranberry juice can increase plasma antioxidant capacity, reduce plasma lipoproteins, and reduce LDL oxidation. On the other hand, low HDL cholesterol levels are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In 2006, Ruel et al. [24] found in a study on the effect of cranberry juice on plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in men that the flavonoids in cranberries are beneficial to the circulation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and and can increase its concentration. In 2011, Nancy et al. [25] observed in their experiment that the volunteers in the cranberry juice group had significantly improved lipid peroxidation, increased plasma antioxidant capacity, and decreased plasma LDL and malondialdehyde. This indicates that commercially available low-calorie cranberry juice is beneficial for patients with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.

In 2011, Mi Joung Kim et al. [26] studied the effect of cranberries on improving the inflammatory system associated with cardiovascular disease. The experiment found that after 6 weeks, the level of CRP (an indicator of inflammation and a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease) in the serum of rats on a high-fat diet was significantly elevated. However, when freeze-dried sour plum powder was added to the diet, the level of CRP decreased significantly, even lower than that of rats fed a normal diet. The results of the study showed that freeze-dried cranberry powder can reduce IL-1β and IL-6 in the blood serum.

3 Conclusion

In summary, cranberries have many special functions, such as anti-oxidation, anti-aging, prevention and treatment of digestive system diseases, prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections, anti-cancer, and protection of the mouth and teeth. Although cranberry health foods have been launched in China, only a small number of products such as cranberry jam, cakes, yogurt, and fruit drinks are on sale. The main reason is that the breeding and cultivation of cranberries has only just started in China, and cranberry raw materials still mainly rely on imports. With the discovery and research of the many health benefits of cranberries and the development of cultivation techniques, cranberries will become better known to more consumers, and cranberry products are sure to have broad market development prospects.

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