Daily consumption of cranberries contributes to the proper functioning of the heart according to new research. But quantity matters just as much, as men in the small study who consumed 100 grams a day noticed significant improvements in heart function a month later.
According to the researchers, particularly important is their antioxidant effect, which benefited the swelling of arteries by 1.5% within just two hours of consumption.
Study procedure
Researchers from King's College London followed 45 men aged 18 to 45 for a month to see how eating cranberries affected their blood pressure, heart rate and arteries. Participants consumed the fruit in powder form, which was equivalent to 100 grams of fresh cranberries.
Comparing the results to a control group that consumed a placebo, they found that those who consumed cranberries on a daily basis saw their arteries widen by 1.1% after one month, improving blood pressure.
However, no improvements in heart rate, cholesterol and blood sugar levels were observed.
Professor Christian Heiss, a cardiovascular specialist at the University of Surrey who was involved in the study, said of the findings that they "provide strong evidence that cranberries can have a significant impact on cardiovascular health even in people at low cardiovascular risk." In particular, it explains by saying that "this study further highlights that specific metabolites present in the blood after cranberry consumption are associated with these beneficial effects."
Furthermore, following analysis of blood and urine samples, 13 chemicals present in cranberries were shown to promote flow-mediated dilation (FMD). The research team hypothesizes that the antioxidants - known as polyphenols - found in cranberries are responsible for improving artery health.
They note, however, that further study is needed.
Other benefits of eating cranberries that have been research-proven include preventing urinary tract infections and reducing the risk of gingivitis, stomach ulcers and cancer. However, doctors recommend eating cranberries, raw or mixed with nuts, rather than their juice, which usually contains a lot of sugar.
Source: ygeiamou.gr
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