We
are all aware that cranberry juice is beneficial in eliminating urinary
tract infections. However, several studies recently discovered that
cranberry is also beneficial for heart health.Hardening of arteries is a serious condition, wherein, the actual inside diametry of the artery gets reduced, due to plaque build-up within the artery wall. Hardened arteries lead to rupturing of blood vessels, initiating heart attacks.
Cranberry juice helps in improving flexibility of arteries, so that they remain sufficiently dilated so as to not obstruct blood flow. It appears that what helps in clearing urinary tract infections, also works to clear arteries and prevent accumulation of plaque, which otherwise leads to atherosclerosis or arteriosclerotic vascular disease (ASVD).
The phytonutrients present in cranberries (known as pro-anthocyanidins – PACs) help in clearing plaque debris, rather than killing bacteria, in the urinary tracts or arterial walls. Anthocyanins are also found in red or purple coloured fruits and vegetables, including blueberries and Jamaica.
According to heart surgeon, Dr. Dwight Lundell, arterial inflammation is the cause of heart disease. In fact, bacterial or viral inflammation in the arteries is another factor for heart disease.
The studies were performed with two or more glasses of cranberry juices daily. The studies showed that phyto-nutrients in cranberry improved vascular health and blood flow.
