The cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), also known as the North American large cranberry, belongs to the Ericaceae family, like blueberries. These berries are primarily cultivated in the United States and Canada, with harvests taking place in the fall.
Native Americans have long used cranberries for medicinal purposes, treating urinary tract infections, wounds, digestive issues, and kidney disorders. Packed with vitamin C, they were a staple for New England sailors on long voyages to prevent scurvy.
In the kitchen, fresh or dried cranberries star in both savory and sweet dishes—think Thanksgiving turkey with cranberry sauce—as well as juices and cocktails like the cosmopolitan.
Like most fruits, cranberries are fat-free and a good source of fiber. Their tangy, astringent flavor comes from tannins, potent antioxidants.
Dried cranberries lose their water-soluble vitamin C, but they offer more concentrated fiber and carbohydrates compared to fresh berries.
Though not widely consumed before the 2000s, cranberries are now linked to preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). They contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), antioxidants that may prevent bacteria like Escherichia coli from adhering to urinary tract cells.
Research indicates an anti-adhesion effect at 36 mg/day of PACs, equivalent to about 25g dried cranberries, 30g fresh or frozen berries, 40g fruit purée, or 300ml cranberry drink.
“Experimental data obtained in vitro show that the proanthocyanidins present in cranberries have an inhibitory effect on the adhesion of certain bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections (E. coli) to urinary epithelial cells. However, the clinical data available to date do not allow us to conclude that cranberry consumption has a preventive effect on urinary tract infections. Such an allegation would be abusive in the light of current knowledge. (…). Considering the potential interest that the cranberry could constitute if its effect on the prevention of urinary tract infections were proven, ANSES will continue to follow the scientific news on this subject.”
Excerpt from the ANSES (National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) note dated May 4, 2011: Cranberries and urinary tract infections: state of scientific knowledge.
Stéphanie Bonifassi, Dietitian Nutritionist, Saint Paul de Vence
