A few weeks ago my parents and a couple of their friends set out for an adventurous senior vacation to Wisconsin.  Like any good son, I had all the usual qualms as my mind reeled with visions of my parents speeding through Chicago toward the Wisconsin Dells.  As my parents, who were smiling and waving, backed out of the driveway, questions of doom took hold of me.  Do they have their eye glasses, medications, koozie cups, sunglasses, and road maps with rest areas clearly marked?  I suddenly felt the jolt of role reversal and saw myself in my parents’ place on the day I backed out of the driveway for my first solo drive to town. 

One of the adventures my parents enjoyed was the cranberry festival in Warrens, Wisconsin, where my mother fell in love with the mighty cranberry.  So, I set out to do a little research on this jewel of a berry, and here is what I found.  Cranberries are associated with myths and facts about their potential health benefits.  What we do know is that the cranberry is high in fiber, and rich in vitamin C and potassium.  Also, it is a potent antioxidant that eradicates free radicals in the body. 

The cranberry has shown promise in reducing the H. Pylori bacteria’s ability to live in the stomach and cause ulcers.  There are many studies with combined evidence on the cranberry’s ability to prevent urinary tract infections; however, it is important to point out that while cranberries may be helpful when used in combination with other therapies such as antibiotics, cranberries may not be effective when used alone.  The mighty cranberry also shows promise for helping anti-inflammatory problems, gingivitis, high cholesterol, influenza, wound care, Alzheimer’s disease, ischemic stroke, cancer, and heart disease.

Arguably, more research is needed on the health benefits of the cranberry, but preliminary studies have already shown promise in the prevention of cancer, kidney stones, and the reduction of dental plaque and cardiovascular disease.  The list of potential benefits seems to be endless, but my favorites are the cranberry’s ability to improve memory and to reduce urine odor associated with bladder incontinence.

So, how many cranberries do you need to consume for better health?  Well, I am glad you asked!  The mighty cranberries are loaded with nutrients, and you might be surprised to learn what a punch they pack.  The daily recommendations are very doable:  one half cup of fresh berries (or about 2 ounces of dried berries); or 6 ounces of pure cranberry juice, available in health food stores.  Ocean Spray® brand cranberry cocktail may be used, but you will need to consume 10 to 12 ounces per day to get the same effect that pure cranberry juice provides.  If using 6 ounces of pure juice, I recommend mixing it with sparkling water and adding natural honey for a more refreshing drink.  Cranberry supplements are also available from health food stores and pharmacies, but why rob yourself of the taste treat that this natural food offers.  Regardless of which product you choose, you can rest assured that you are one step closer to better health.

During Thanksgiving in the 1620s, the Native Americans introduced the Pilgrims to the cranberry; since then, we have continued the tradition of including cranberries in that holiday meal.  For centuries Native Americans have understood the healing power of the cranberry, and as usual, it has taken the rest of us a little longer to catch up.  

As in all adventures, we learn something and bring a piece of the adventure back with us.  My mom really fell in love with the mighty cranberry.  She brought back cranberries in forms I never thought of: cranberry syrup, pancakes, wine, jam, candy, salsa, relish, and cranberries sweetened with orange zest.  Head out on an adventure to better health and explore the wonderful flavors of the cranberry all over again.  You might be surprised how good the cranberry is for you, but once you bite into a cranberry sweetened with orange zest—your taste buds explode with excitement as you are overcome with the taste of good health.

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about, email Howard Baker, RN BSN at  howard@howardsbaker.com.