(Heraldonline.com) — Three new studies have joined the growing body of research reinforcing the cranberry’s well-documented health benefits, dense nutrients, and polyphenol antioxidants. Among the studies is the recently presented data from the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Council for High Blood Pressure Research Scientific Sessions which correlates low-calorie cranberry juice consumption with improved blood pressure in adults. This, in conjunction with two new urinary tract health studies published by The Journal of Urology (Official Journal of the American Urological Association) and the Archives of Internal Medicine, joins the latest group of scientific studies that add to the cranberry’s health credentials.
Cranberries and Heart Health
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), cranberry juice may have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure due to polyphenolic antioxidant compounds found in cranberries. The study, led by Janet Novotny, research physiologist for the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, and presented at the AHA’s High Blood Pressure Research 2012 Scientific Sessions, found that participants who drank low-calorie cranberry juice as part of a healthy diet had lower blood pressure levels than those who did not.
The investigation targeted the effect of daily consumption of a low calorie cranberry juice cocktail (a rich source of polyphenol antioxidants) on blood pressure of healthy adults. After eight weeks, the USDA study found blood pressure values of those drinking the low-calorie cranberry juice had dropped significantly from an average of 121/73 mmHg to 118/70 mmHg. The placebo group showed no change.
“Hypertension affects more than 76 million U.S. adults and is an increasingly urgent issue given the aging population and the billions of dollars in total medical costs attributable to cardiovascular disease,” said Christina Khoo, Research Sciences Manager, Ocean Spray. “Understanding how the natural antioxidant benefits of cranberry juice can contribute to improved blood pressure among adults is a significant step in learning how to address and reduce the prevalence of hypertension in the U.S.”
Loading ...
Loading ...
I believe these are the same type of antioxidants found in Pomegranates. From the research I have read Pomegranates have even more blood pressure benefits than any other fruit given its high level of polyphenol antioxidants.