New research led by Rutgers University suggests that cranberry juice cocktail has a unique “anti-adhesion” property, making it effective in protecting the body from harmful bacteria. This study is the first of its kind to find that the cranberry’s anti-adhesion benefits are actually derived from the unique structure of its natural condensed tannins, called proanthocyanidins, or PACs. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in some foods that often have a bitter-taste.
Researchers examined two types of PACs, A-type and B-type. Cranberries have a rare combination of A-type PACs, contributing to its unique “anti-adhesion” properties. Cranberry juice cocktail showed anti-adhesion activity following a single serving, something that was not seen with any other food that was tested.
These latest findings support previous research that suggested the benefits of a glass of cranberry juice cocktail starts within two hours of consumption and can last for up to ten hours.
To further examine the many health benefits of cranberries, the National Institute of Health (NIH) is funding eleven cranberry studies.
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