
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.