The Superfruit: How Cranberry Juice Aids Bladder Problems

Chilled drinks bought from vending machines, shops and cafeterias are increasing in sales due to an increasing social awareness of wanting to stay healthy. This not only means a more competitive market for suppliers, but it also leads to a more diverse range of cold drinks and an increase in accessibility. Cranberry juice is just one example of an uncommon fruit juice that has found significant popularity in recent years.

Up until the 1930s, cranberries were sold fresh in the US and were associated particularly with Thanksgiving and Christmas (In the US and UK cranberry sauce is still a staple side for turkey). As demand grew and canning processes allowed better storage and transportation, other methods for promoting the selling of cranberries all the year round were explored and the cranberry juice industry was born.

Cranberry production grew into the 1980s and onward until supply began to overtake demand resulting in a peak price of $65 a barrel in 1996 and dropping to just $18 at the turn of the century. Despite this, Cranberry juice remains a beacon of natural healthy juice and is becoming more promoted as such.

One of the reasons for its popularity comes from its proven positive health impacts. Cranberry contains chemical compounds that can protect against plaque, tooth decay and kidney stones. Additionally, in 2006, scientists found that the E. Coli bacteria that can go on to cause urinary tract infections is affected when subjected to cranberry juice and is thus passed before it can develop. Interestingly, Cranberries didn't seem to plainly hinder E. Coli, they were found to completely change the structure and membrane of each bacterium, as well as stopping its ability to inter-communicate with other cells in order to launch an infection.

Cranberries are also famed for their high levels of antioxidants. This means that Cranberries have an impressive Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ranking number 8 according to the United States Department of Agriculture), and so can have a positive impact for the body's fight against calories and the aging process. There is also ongoing research into how properties in cranberries may potentially be able to stop types of cancer and help the cardio-vascular system.

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