Researchers have discovered that cranberries have five times the antioxidant content of broccoli, which means they may protect against cancer, stroke and heart disease.

The United States and Canada have been producing too many cranberries in recent years, and the Cranberry Institute, a trade association for cranberry growers in both countries, has decided that the best way to sell more cranberries is to promote their healthful virtues instead of their taste.

And based on research, much of which the industry has funded, those little shiny red berries are jewels of good nutrition, just loaded with the currently fashionable phytochemicals.

Even before the recent discovery about the antioxidant properties of cranberries, cranberries had a lot going for them. Not the least of which is the scientific confirmation of the old wives' tale about the value of cranberries in reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.

Once established only anecdotally, the tale has now been confirmed by at least eight scientific studies. Research has shown that cranberries keep E. coli from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract. Eighty to 90 percent of urinary tract infections are caused by E. coli.

But in today's fast-moving scientific world with nonstop discoveries about the virtues of most fruits and vegetables, the only way something as seasonal as a cranberry can distinguish itself is by proving its nutritional prowess on many fronts.

Since the news on urinary tract infections, additional research has suggested that cranberries may inhibit the growth of human breast cancer cells, and reduce the risk of gum disease and stomach ulcers.

And with the release of the study on antioxidants in cranberries, from the University of Scranton, this native American berry ranks right up there in the pantheon of highly beneficial fruits and vegetables.

Research at three other universities shows that cranberries decrease levels of total cholesterol and LDL, or bad cholesterol, in animals. Studies are under way to see if the high level of antioxidants in cranberries also protects against atherosclerosis.

The greatest antioxidant levels are found in fresh cranberries: processing, storage and heating reduce antioxidant levels. Compared with 19 other common fruits, cranberries have the highest level of the antioxidant phenol.

Many people prefer not to drink it in this form because it is extremely sour. Most people do not like to drink cranberry juice straight any more than they like to drink lemon juice straight, the best choices are fresh and dried cranberries. The lowest level of antioxidants is found in sweetened cranberry drinks and cranberry cocktails.

Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry November 19, 2001

Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Although most traditional cranberry juice purchased in the store likely works for urinary tract infections I would not advise using it. The juice has far too much sugar in it. The main reason is that it, like all fruit juices, is high in fructose. However, cranberry juice has another carbohydrate, the active ingredient called "D-mannose," which many independent D-Mannose studies have shown can be remarkably helpful to those experiencing or with a history of UTIs. In the past, D-mannose has been difficult to obtain due to costs and manufacturing capabilities. The pure, high-quality form has recently become commercially available as a natural supplement and you can get it now in our store. Non-toxic and safe, ClearTract D-Mannose: Supports a healthy urinary tract Is 10- 50 times stronger than cranberry! Produces rapid action in as little as 24-48 hours Does not kill friendly bacteria Is safe for long term use -- neutral pH Is 100% all natural D-Mannose and nothing else D-mannose actually adheres to the receptors on the lining of the bladder that attach to the bacteria. This forces the bacteria to slide right off and into the toilet. It is amazingly effective, but one must remember it is only a band-aid, but a far safer one than prophylactic antibiotic use or cranberry juice. So I would advise taking Clear Tract D-Mannose once or twice a day as a far superior, more effective, and less damaging alternative to cranberry juice for the prevention of mild UTIs. Related Articles: Blueberries Reverse Certain Aging Characteristics Cranberry Juice for Urinary Tract Infections Does Cranberry Juice Have Antibacterial Acitivty?