Content uploaded by Dr Shashank Tiwari
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Dr Shashank Tiwari on Oct 14, 2023
Content may be subject to copyright.
1
© Copyright IT Medical Team | This arcle is available in: hps://www.itmedicalteam.pl/health-science.html
2023
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
IT Medical Team
https://www.itmedicalteam.pl/
Research Article
Health Benets of Cranberries: An In-Depth
Overview
Abstract
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon), small red berries with a disncve tart avour,
have capvated human aenon for centuries due to their potenal health benets
and culinary versality. This abstract provides a concise overview of the comprehensive
exploraon of cranberries, including their nutrional composion, bioacve
compounds, health-promong properes, potenal therapeuc applicaons, and
culinary uses.
Cranberries boast a rich nutrional prole, containing essenal vitamins, minerals,
dietary ber, and an array of bioacve compounds such as anoxidants, anthocyanins,
and proanthocyanidins. These compounds contribute to the anoxidant and an-
inammatory eects of cranberries, potenally reducing the risk of chronic diseases
and supporng overall well-being.
One of the standout qualies of cranberries is their impact on urinary tract health.
The presence of proanthocyanidins inhibits bacterial adhesion to urinary tract walls,
oering protecon against urinary tract infecons. Addionally, cranberries may have
posive eects on cardiovascular health, diabetes management, oral health, and more.
While research on these potenal therapeuc applicaons is on-going, cranberries'
diverse benets have piqued scienc interest.
Culinary enthusiasts have harnessed the unique avour of cranberries in an array
of dishes. From classic cranberry sauces to innovave desserts, these berries infuse
dishes with color, taste, and nutrional value. As our understanding of cranberries
deepens, their role as a funconal food that bridges the gap between health and taste
becomes more evident.
In conclusion, cranberries hold a special place in both the realm of nutrion and culinary
arstry. Their potenal to promote health, prevent ailments, and elevate gastronomic
experiences makes them a jewel in nature's bounty. Through this comprehensive
exploraon, we uncover the myriad facets of cranberries, celebrang their role as a
source of both wellness and avour.
Keywords: Cranberries; Vaccinium Macrocarpon; Bioacve compounds; Health
benets; Anoxidants; Urinary tract health; Cardiovascular health; Culinary uses;
Potenal therapeuc applicaons; Nutrion; Funconal food; Proanthocyanidins;
Anthocyanins; Flavonoids; Tartness; Culinary versality
Dr. Shashank Tiwari1*, Shreya
Talreja2
1 Professor Director Academics & Research
India
2 Assistant Professor Department of
Pharmaceucal Chemistry Lucknow
Model College of Pharmacy, Lucknow, UP,
India
*Corresponding author:
Dr. Shashank Tiwari
shashank6889@gmail.com
Professor Director Academics & Research,
India
Citation: Tiwari S, Talreja S (2023) Health
Benets of Cranberries: An In-Depth
Overview. Health Sci J. Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057.
Introducon
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are more than just
vibrant red berries; they are a testament to the harmonious
fusion of taste and wellness that nature has to oer. Revered
by indigenous cultures for centuries and embraced by modern
research, cranberries have journeyed from tradional remedies
to the forefront of health-conscious diets. This introducon
Received: 03 Sep-2023, Manuscript No. Iphsj-23-14047; Editor assigned: 05- Sep -2023, Pre-
QC No. Iphsj-23-14047(PQ); Reviewed: 19- Sep-2023, QC No. Iphsj-23-14047; Revised: 23-
Sep-2023, Manuscript No. Iphsj-23-14047 (R); Published: 30-Sep-2023, DOI: 10.36648/1791-
809X.17.9.1057
sets the stage for a comprehensive exploraon of cranberries,
delving into their nutrional composion, bioacve compounds,
health benets, culinary versality, and potenal therapeuc
applicaons.
Cranberries are an embodiment of nature's arstry, capvang
the eye with their rich red hue and the palate with their unique
blend of tartness and sweetness. Beyond their sensory appeal,
2023
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
2This arcle is available in: hps://www.itmedicalteam.pl/health-science.html
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
cranberries boast a nutrient prole that rivals their visual allure.
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and bioacve compounds such
as anoxidants, avonoids, and proanthocyanidins, these berries
oer a wealth of potenal health benets.
Their role as a guardian of urinary tract health, potenal
contribuons to cardiovascular well-being, and intriguing
therapeuc applicaons make cranberries a subject of scienc
invesgaon and culinary exploraon. From classic cranberry
sauces that adorn fesve tables to innovave culinary creaons
that ulize their dynamic avours, these berries have secured
their place in kitchens around the world.
As we embark on this journey through the realm of cranberries,
we uncover their intricate layers - from their humble beginnings
as a staple in Nave American diets to their present-day status as
a super food of interest. This exploraon not only celebrates the
culinary versality of cranberries but also reveals the potenal
they hold to enhance our health and well-being. Through the
following secons, we will unveil the nutrional treasures hidden
within cranberries, examine their bioacve compounds and
health benets, consider their possible therapeuc applicaons,
and savour the creave culinary possibilies they oer [1-3].
In an era where the pursuit of holisc well-being is paramount,
cranberries present themselves as a tantalizing opon for those
seeking both avour and nourishment. As we delve deeper into
the realm of cranberries, we invite you to discover the intricate
interplay of taste, health, and culinary innovaon that these
remarkable berries bring to our lives (Figure 1).
Nutrional composion of cranberries
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are small, round, vibrant
red berries known for their disnct tart avour and potenal
health benets. These berries are not only low in calories but
also oer an array of essenal nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and
bioacve compounds that contribute to their nutrional value
and potenal health-promong properes [4].
Macronutrients
Cranberries are primarily composed of water, making up about
87-90% of their weight. The macronutrient content in a 100-gram
serving of raw cranberries includes:
• Calories: Approximately 46 kcal
• Carbohydrates: About 12.2 grams
• Dietary Fiber: Around 4.6 grams
• Sugars: Approximately 4 grams
• Protein: Approximately 0.4 grams
• Fat: Less than 0.2 grams
Vitamins
Cranberries are a good source of various vitamins, parcularly
vitamin C (ascorbic acid), which is known for its anoxidant
properes. Other vitamins present in cranberries include:
• Vitamin E: A fat-soluble anoxidant that plays a role in
maintaining healthy skin and immune funcon.
• Vitamin K: Essenal for proper blood clong and bone
health.
• Vitamin A: Important for vision, immune funcon, and skin
health.
• Vitamin B-complex: Including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboavin),
B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), and B9
(folate), which collecvely support energy metabolism,
cellular processes, and overall health.
Minerals
Cranberries contain several essenal minerals that contribute to
their nutrional value and health benets. Some of the prominent
minerals in cranberries include:
• Potassium: Important for maintaining uid balance, nerve
funcon, and muscle contracons.
• Manganese: Involved in bone health, metabolism, and
anoxidant defense [5].
• Copper: Required for various enzymac reacons and the
formaon of connecve ssues.
• Calcium and Magnesium: Both essenal for bone health
and various physiological funcons.
Phytochemicals and anoxidants
Cranberries are rich in bioacve compounds that contribute to
their potenal health benets. These compounds include:
• Flavonoids: Quercen, myricen, and kaempferol, which
possess anoxidant and an-inammatory properes.
• Phenolic acids: Including hydroxycinnamic acids and ellagic
acid, which contribute to the overall anoxidant capacity of
cranberries?
• Proanthocyanidins (PACs): These compounds are parcularly
known for their role in prevenng urinary tract infecons by
inhibing bacterial adhesion to urinary tract walls.
• Anthocyanins: Responsible for the vibrant red color of
cranberries and possess anoxidant and an-inammatory
properes [6].
Figure 1 Image of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon).
2023
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
3
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
© Under License of Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Other bioacve compounds
Cranberries also contain unique compounds with potenal health
benets
• A-type proanthocyanidins: Responsible for the an-
adhesive properes that prevent certain bacteria from
adhering to cell surfaces, such as in the urinary tract.
• Organic acids: Citric acid and quinic acid contribute to the
tart taste of cranberries and may have potenal health
benets.
Cranberries stand out as nutrionally rich fruits, oering a
wide array of vitamins, minerals, and bioacve compounds
that contribute to their potenal health benets. Incorporang
cranberries into the diet can provide anoxidants, support
urinary tract health, contribute to cardiovascular well-being, and
oer other health-promong eects. As part of a balanced diet,
cranberries can be a valuable addion to support overall health
and vitality.
Bioacve compounds of cranberries
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are renowned for their
remarkable health benets, largely aributed to their rich
content of bioacve compounds. These compounds, oen found
in plants, exhibit various physiological eects that contribute to
the potenal posive impact of cranberries on human health.
Below, we delve into the key bioacve compounds found in
cranberries and their potenal health-promong properes:
Proanthocyanidins (PACs)
Proanthocyanidins are avonoid compounds found abundantly
in cranberries [7-14]. They possess strong anoxidant properes
and have been linked to various health benets, including:
Urinary tract health: A unique characterisc of cranberry PACs
is their ability to prevent bacterial adhesion to the urinary tract
lining, reducing the risk of urinary tract infecons (UTIs) by
inhibing the aachment of E. coli bacteria.
Anthocyanins
These pigments are responsible for the vibrant red color of
cranberries and are potent anoxidants. Anthocyanins have been
associated with:
Anoxidant eects: They help protect cells from oxidave
stress, potenally reducing the risk of chronic diseases such
as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerave disorders, and
certain cancers.
An-inammatory properes: Anthocyanins may contribute
to migang inammaon, which is linked to various health
condions.
Flavonoids
Cranberries contain various avonoids, including quercen,
myricen, and kaempferol. Flavonoids oer numerous health
benets:
Anoxidant acvity: Flavonoids help neutralize harmful free
radicals in the body, reducing cellular damage.
An-inammatory eects: They may assist in managing
inammaon, which is a common factor in chronic diseases.
Phenolic acids
Cranberries contain hydroxycinnamic acids and ellagic acid.
Phenolic acids contribute to the overall anoxidant capacity of
cranberries and oer:
Anoxidant protecon: These acids play a role in scavenging free
radicals, supporng cellular health.
Organic acids
Cranberries contain organic acids, including citric acid and quinic
acid. These compounds contribute to the characterisc tart taste
of cranberries and have potenal health benets:
Urinary Health: Organic acids create an acidic environment in the
urine, which can help prevent the growth of certain bacteria in
the urinary tract [15].
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an essenal nutrient present in
cranberries. While not a unique compound to cranberries, its
presence adds to the health benets:
Anoxidant support: Vitamin C is a potent anoxidant that
aids in protecng cells from oxidave damage and supports the
immune system.
Fiber
Although not a tradional bioacve compound, dietary ber is
abundant in cranberries and oers digesve benets:
Digesve Health: Fiber supports regular bowel movements, aids
in digeson, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Unique A-type PACs
Cranberries also contain A-type proanthocyanidins, which
contribute to their an-adhesive properes, prevenng certain
bacteria from adhering to surfaces in the body, such as the
urinary tract.
Harnessing the health benets of cranberries
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are celebrated not only for
their tart avour but also for the array of health benets they
oer. Packed with essenal nutrients and bioacve compounds,
cranberries have gained aenon for their potenal to promote
well-being and combat various health challenges. Let's delve into
the signicant health benets associated with cranberries:
Urinary tract health
Cranberries are perhaps best known for their role in supporng
urinary tract health. The presence of proanthocyanidins (PACs) in
cranberries inhibits the adherence of bacteria, primarily E. coli,
to the walls of the urinary tract. This property may help prevent
urinary tract infecons (UTIs) and reduce the frequency of their
recurrence [16, 17].
2023
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
4This arcle is available in: hps://www.itmedicalteam.pl/health-science.html
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
Anoxidant defense
Cranberries are a rich source of anoxidants, including vitamin
C, anthocyanins, and avonoids. Anoxidants play a crucial role
in neutralizing harmful free radicals, which are linked to cellular
damage and the development of chronic diseases. Regular
consumpon of cranberries can contribute to overall oxidave
stress reducon.
Cardiovascular support
Cranberries may contribute to heart health due to their potenal
to:
Lower blood pressure: Some studies suggest that cranberries
could help reduce blood pressure, a signicant risk factor for
cardiovascular diseases.
Improve lipid proles: The bioacve compounds in cranberries
might have a posive impact on cholesterol levels by increasing
"good" HDL cholesterol and reducing "bad" LDL cholesterol.
An-inammatory properes
Inammaon is associated with various chronic diseases. The
bioacve compounds in cranberries, such as anthocyanins
and avonoids, exhibit an-inammatory eects, potenally
contribung to the management and prevenon of inammatory
condions.
Digesve health
The dietary ber content of cranberries supports digesve health
by promong regular bowel movements and aiding in digeson.
Fiber also helps maintain a healthy gut environment and supports
the growth of benecial gut bacteria.
Oral health
Cranberries' bioacve compounds may play a role in promong
oral health
Reducing plaque formaon: Some research suggests that
cranberry compounds could hinder the adhesion of oral bacteria
to teeth, potenally reducing plaque formaon and the risk of
cavies.
Gum Health Cranberries' an-inammatory properes may also
contribute to gum health by reducing inammaon in the mouth.
Potenal diabetes management
Emerging research indicates that cranberries may play a role in
managing diabetes:
Blood sugar regulaon: Cranberries' bioacve compounds might
contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels, beneng individuals
with diabetes or those at risk.
Cognive health
Anoxidant-rich foods, including cranberries, have been
associated with improved cognive funcon and a reduced risk
of neurodegenerave disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
Cancer prevenon: Some studies suggest that the anoxidants
and bioacve compounds in cranberries might have ancancer
properes by inhibing the growth of cancer cells and reducing
oxidave stress.
Weight management: Cranberries are low in calories and rich in
ber, making them a sasfying and nutrient-dense snack that can
support weight management goals.
Cranberries stand as a remarkable example of nature's gis,
oering a diverse range of health benets. Whether it's their
unique ability to support urinary tract health, their anoxidant-
rich prole, or their potenal to aid in managing various health
condions, cranberries have earned their place as a super
food with potenal prevenve and therapeuc properes.
Incorporang cranberries into a balanced diet can be a delicious
and rewarding way to support overall well-being.
Potenal therapeuc applicaons of cranberries
Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are not only popular for
their culinary versality and vibrant avor but also for their
potenal therapeuc properes. Emerging research suggests
that the bioacve compounds in cranberries could have a posive
impact on various health condions. While further studies
are needed to fully validate these applicaons, here are some
potenal therapeuc uses of cranberries:
Tract infecons (UTIs) prevenon
Cranberries are widely recognized for their potenal to
prevent and manage urinary tract infecons. The presence of
proanthocyanidins (PACs) in cranberries hinders the adherence
of E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls, reducing the risk
of infecon. Cranberry products, such as juice or supplements,
might be benecial in prevenng recurrent UTIs, parcularly in
individuals prone to such infecons [17].
Cardiovascular health
Cranberries' anoxidant and an-inammatory properes may
contribute to cardiovascular health:
• Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: Regular consumpon of
cranberries may help lower blood pressure and improve
lipid proles, reducing the risk of heart disease.
• Endothelial Funcon: Some studies suggest that cranberries
could enhance endothelial funcon, promong healthy
blood vessel funcon.
Diabetes management
Cranberries' potenal to regulate blood sugar levels and improve
insulin sensivity may oer benets for individuals with diabetes
or those at risk of developing the condion.
Oral health
Cranberries' bioacve compounds might have applicaons in oral
health:
Cavity prevenon: Cranberries could inhibit the adherence of oral
bacteria to teeth, potenally reducing the formaon of cavies.
Gum health: An-inammatory properes might contribute
to improved gum health by reducing inammaon and risk of
periodontal disease.
2023
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
5
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
© Under License of Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License
Cancer prevenon
While research is preliminary, some studies suggest that the
anoxidant and an-inammatory properes of cranberries might
have a role in prevenng certain types of cancer by inhibing the
growth of cancer cells and reducing oxidave stress.
Gastrointesnal health
Cranberries' ber content and an-inammatory properes
could potenally benet individuals with gastrointesnal
disorders by supporng regular bowel movements and alleviang
inammaon.
Cognive funcon
The Anoxidants in Cranberries Might Have a Posive
Impact on Cognive Health, Potenally Reducing the Risk of
Neurodegenerave Disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
An-Inammatory eects
Cranberries' bioacve compounds have the potenal to migate
inammaon, which is a common factor in many chronic diseases.
Immune support
The anoxidants in cranberries, including vitamin C, can
contribute to a strengthened immune system, supporng the
body's defense against infecons.
Skin health
Anoxidants and other bioacve compounds in cranberries
might promote skin health by combang oxidave stress and
inammaon, contribung to a healthier complexion.
Cancer therapy support
Emerging studies suggest that cranberries might enhance the
eecveness of certain cancer therapies, potenally minimizing
treatment side eects and improving overall outcomes. However,
more research is needed in this area.
Conclusion
In the world of nutrion and gastronomy, cranberries (Vaccinium
macrocarpon) stand as a shining example of nature's bounty.
From their vibrant red hue to their potenal health benets,
cranberries have captured the aenon of both culinary
enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. This review
has explored the mulfaceted aspects of cranberries, shedding
light on their nutrional composion, bioacve compounds,
health benets, potenal therapeuc applicaons, and culinary
versality.
Cranberries are more than just a fruit; they are a rich source of
vitamins, minerals, ber, and an array of bioacve compounds.
Their anoxidant properes, conferred by compounds like
anthocyanins, avonoids, and proanthocyanidins, make them
potent defenders against oxidave stress and its associated
health risks. Addionally, their role in urinary tract health,
cardiovascular well-being, diabetes management, and potenal
cancer prevenon posions them as funconal foods with far-
reaching implicaons.
In the realm of culinary arstry, cranberries shine brightly. From
their classic role in cranberry sauces and baked goods to their
creave integraon in salads, beverages, and desserts, they add
a burst of avor, color, and texture. Their tangy and slightly sweet
prole can turn an ordinary dish into an extraordinary culinary
masterpiece.
However, it's important to note that while cranberries oer a
plethora of potenal benets, their consumpon should be part
of a balanced diet, complemenng a range of nutrient-rich foods.
Addionally, individual responses to cranberries may vary, and
consultaon with healthcare professionals is advised, especially
for those with specic health condions or concerns.
In conclusion, cranberries embody a harmonious blend
of nutrion, taste, and potenal wellness benets. As our
understanding of these vibrant berries connues to grow through
ongoing research, we are reminded of the beauty of nature's
oerings and the journey to harness their benets for our
health and enjoyment. So, whether you're savoring a spoonful
of cranberry sauce, relishing a cranberry-infused dessert, or
embracing the potenal health benets, cranberries prove
themselves as a true culinary and nutrional treasure.
Acknowledgement
The author would like to thank all his mentors. The notes
compiled here are collected over a period of me and may have
been reproduced verbam. Apologize to all researchers if in-
advertently failed to acknowledge them in the references.
2023
Vol. 17 No. 9: 1057
6This arcle is available in: hps://www.itmedicalteam.pl/health-science.html
Health Science Journal
ISSN 1791-809X
References
1 Vercauteren J (2009) Composions of slbenic polyphenolic
derivaves, their preparaons, and their use in the treatment of
disease and aging. Demande 2923717 AL.
2 Wang M, Li J, Shao Y, Huang T-C, Huang M-T et al. (2000) Anoxidave
and cytotoxic components of high bush blueberry (Vaccinium
corymbosum L. in phytochemicals and phyto pharmaceucals.
Champaign, IL: AOCS Press 271-277.
3 Weiss EI, Lev-Dor Kashman Y (1998) Inhibing interspecies
coaggregaon of plaque bacteria with cranberry juice constuent. J
Amer Den Assoc 129: 1719-1723.
4 S Yoo, RM Murata, S Duarte (2011) Anmicrobial Traits of Tea- and
Cranberry-Derived Polyphenols against Streptococcus mutans.
Caries Res 45: 327-335.
5 Puupponen-Pimia R, Nohynek L, Meier C, Kahkonen M, Heinonen
A et al. (2001) Hopia and K.-M. Oksman-Caldentey. Anmicrobial
properes of phenolic compounds from berries. J Applied Mic 90:
494-507.
6 Roopchand DE (2013) Food-compable method for the ecient
extracon and stabilizaon of cranberry pomace polyphenols. J Food
Chem 141: 3664-3669.
7 Sovak M, Seeram NP, Adams LS, Hardy ML, Heber D (2001) Total
cranberry extract vs. its phytochemical constuents: ant proliferave
and synergisc. Grape extract, resveratrol, and its analogs: a review.
J Med Food 4: 93-105.
8 Dohadwala MM, Holbrook M, Hamburg NM, Shenouda SM, Chung
WB et al. (2011) Eects of cranberry juice consumpon on vascular
funcon in paents with coronary artery disease. Am J Clin Nutr.
93:934-940.
9 Tiwari S, Talreja S (2020) An overview on coronil drug. J Global Trends
in Pharm Sci 8242-8247.
10 Flammer AJ, Marn EA, Gossl M, Widmer RJ, Lennon RJ (2013)
Polyphenol-rich cran-berry juice has a neutral eect on endothelial
funcon but decreases the fracon of osteocalcin-expressing
endothelial progenitor cells. Eur J Nutr 52:289-296.
11 Wilson T, Luebke JL, Morcomb EF, Carrell EJ, Leveranz MC (2010)
Glycemic responses to sweetened dried and raw cranberries in
humans with type 2 diabetes. J Food Sci 75:H218-23.
12 Reed JD, Krueger CG, Vestling MM (2005) MALDI-TOF mass
spectrometry of oligomeric food polyphenols. Photochemistry
66:2248-2263.
13 Saura-Calixto F (2012) Concept and health-related properes of
nonextract-able polyphenols: the missing dietary polyphenols. J
Agric Food Chem 60: 11195-200.
14 Saura-Calixto F, Serrano J, Goni I (2007) Intake and bio accessibility of
total polyphenols in a whole diet. Food Chem 101: 492-501.
15 Perez-Jimenez J, Fezeu L, Touvier M, Arnault N, Manach C (2011)
Dietary intake of 337 polyphenols in Frenchadults. Am J Clin Nutr
93: 1220-8.
16 Sharma D, Tiwari S (2012) Use of cranberry in Urinary Tract Infecon
of E coli Int J of Pharm & Life Sci.(IJPLS) 3: 1784-1786.
17 Shashank T, Shreya T (2020) Human immune system and importance
of immunity boosters on human body: a review. J Global Trends in
Phar Sci 8641-8649.