Researchers Uncover New Recipe for Heart Health

Just two glasses of a low calorie, high polyphenol cranberry beverage can help protect the heart and manage blood sugar levels

Research presented at the Experimental Biology 2014 conference continues to impress scientists with the heart health benefits of just two glasses of cranberry juice. For more information, visit www.cranberryhealth.com. (Photo: Business Wire)

LAKEVILLE-MIDDLEBORO, Mass.--()--The tiny red fruit, best known for its ability to help manage painful urinary tract infections, took center stage at Experimental Biology 2014 in San Diego recently as scientists reviewed emerging research connecting cranberry consumption to improved heart health—strengthening long perceived theories about the fruit’s ability to supercharge your health.

The Heart of the Matter

The study, fielded by a collaborating team of scientists from Washington State University and Tufts University, looked at what happens when overweight but otherwise healthy individuals drank a cranberry beverage containing heart-healthy polyphenols. After two glasses (15.2 oz.), the volunteers showed healthier blood sugar levels without spikes or dips, changes often attributed to cravings or fatigue. The health benefits were sustained if they continued drinking two glasses on a regular basis.

  • After eight weeks of daily cranberry beverage consumption, individuals had increased levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps maintain artery health by sweeping up bad cholesterol.1
  • Participants also showed better blood vessel function and less oxidative stress, which can prevent inflammation, a condition often linked to heart disease, obesity, diabetes and arthritis.2
  • Researchers also noted that the cranberry beverage helped maintain blood sugar levels within normal range over the eight week study.

“We have long known about the cranberry’s impact on urinary tract health, but we’re just beginning to uncover the full range of its natural power,” said Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, Professor, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. “From maintaining healthy blood lipids to decreasing inflammation, more new evidence continues to emerge on the benefits of cranberries.”

More Breaking News about the Berry

Among the nearly dozen studies evaluating the efficacy and application of the fruit were a handful of studies on another form of cranberry—an extract. By isolating and applying the natural purifying element in cranberries – proanthocyanidins or PACs – these extract studies are making a case for how this natural compound, unique to cranberries, can improve overall health. Snapshots of the findings are below.

  • Cellular Health: Pre-clinical research from the University of Florida indicates that PACs found in cranberries may have properties that limit cancer cell growth. While further studies are warranted, the latest findings suggest great potential for the cranberry’s anticancer activity.3
  • Prebiotics: Move over yogurt! Cranberries have now been linked to prebiotic qualities, boosting the number of good bacteria living in the gut. That’s according to a team out of Washington State University who found that when cranberry extract rich in PACs was left overnight with bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract and human colon cancer cells, the PACs played an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant role, promoting the good bacteria’s activity on the colon cancer cells.4
  • Heart Protection: To explore how the natural compounds in cranberries can protect the body against harmful substances, a team of scientists from University of Prince Edward Island and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth soaked heart muscle cells in cranberry extract for six hours. The result? The cranberry extract lowered the amount of tissue-damaging enzymes, called MMPs, which have been linked to heart disease, tumor growth and arthritis.5

“While additional studies are warranted to truly understand the role of PACs in cell health and heart protection and in boosting the activity of good gut bacteria, initial research yields promising indications that cranberry PACs in the form of an extract can be leveraged as an effective way to improve whole body health,” said Christina Khoo, PhD, Director, Research Sciences, Ocean Spray.

For more information about the health benefits of cranberries, visit www.cranberryhealth.com.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world’s leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the North American bottled juice category. The cooperative’s cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 90 countries worldwide. With more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. In fiscal year 2013, Ocean Spray posted gross sales of $2.2 billion and net proceeds of $380 million. For more information visit www.oceanspray.com or our corporate blog at www.insidethecranberry.com.

1 Mathison, B.D., Kimble, L.L., McKay, D.C., Chen, C., Blumberg, J.B., Kaspar, K.L., Khoo, C. and Chew, B.C., (2014) Chronic consumption of a high polyphenol content cranberry beverage improved glucoregulation and HDL cholesterol in healthy but overweight humans. FASEBJ. 28, 831.10

2 Kimble, L.L., Mathison, B.D., McKay, D.L., Chen, C., Blumberg, J.B., Kaspar, K.L., Khoo, C. and Chew, B.P., (2014) Chronic consumption of a high polyphenol cranberry beverage protects against inflammation and improves endothelial function in healthy but overweight humans. FASEBJ. 28, 830.26

3 Mansouri, R.A., Khoo, C. and Percival, S.S., (2014) Cranberry extract initiates apoptosis in HL-60 cell line through intrinsic apoptotic pathway. FASEBJ. 28, 644.9

4 Nyugen, T., Kimble, L.L., Mathison, B.D. and Chew, B.P., (2014) Cranberry extract promotes anti-inflammatory activity of lactobacillus plantarum on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. FASEBJ. 28, 647.35

5 Hurta, R., Thomas, A,. Kim, J., Patel, K. and Neto, C., (2014) Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) extract inhibits matrix metalloproteinase expression in aortic smooth muscle cells by affecting key cell signaling pathways. FASEBJ. 28, 934.1

Contacts

Weber Shandwick for Ocean Spray
Jana Ross, 617-520-7217
jross@webershandwick.com

Release Summary

The cranberry took center stage at Experimental Biology 2014 recently as scientists reviewed research connecting cranberry consumption to improved heart health.

Contacts

Weber Shandwick for Ocean Spray
Jana Ross, 617-520-7217
jross@webershandwick.com