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Cranberry (Cornus mas) is a fruit that has been used in Asian and European traditional medicine for centuries. It is a species of Cornus L. family; This family is a plant group with nearly 65 species, rich in vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances with beneficial properties for human health, widely found in central and southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia.

In addition to containing many organic acids, it is also a rich source of vitamins (C, A, B1 and B2) and microelements (potassium, calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, pectins).

Rich phytochemical structure of ripe cranberry fruit has been shown to have beneficial effects in bladder and kidney diseases as well as many diseases. Thanks to the actocyanin and polyphenols in it, its positive effects on insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, various cancers and bladder diseases have been proven.

Cranberry, which can be consumed as a fresh fruit or dried, has been used in traditional medicine for over a thousand years. The different molecules it contains have antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been shown to have a cytotoxic (cell-killing) effect on cancer cells.

In different studies, it has been revealed that cranberry has an antimicrobial effect on 13 different pathogens, especially E.Coli, which is the main cause of urinary tract infection. Cyanidin 3-O-galactoside and pelargonidin 3-O-galactoside found in the structure of cranberry are shown as the main anthocyanin molecules that provide this effect. The fact that these two molecules are found in higher concentrations in cranberries than in other fruits ensures that the antimicrobial effect of cranberry is higher. In addition, flavonoids, flavonols, phenolic acids and tannin in cranberry strengthen this effect of cranberry.

Consumption of cranberry also prevents recurrence of urinary tract infections by increasing the urinary acid level. At the same time, it has been proven that Proanthocyanin (PAC), which is one of the anthocyanins found in cranberry, selectively destroys E.coli, which is the most common cause of urinary tract infections.

Cranberry is one of the most important fruits to be consumed in terms of urinary tract health with its antimicrobial properties. It provides additional contribution to the body with its antioxidant activity, protective effects on liver, kidney and heart.

In the light of this information, we recommend consuming 1 handful of cranberry fruit or 2 glasses of cranberry juice a day.

TOBB ETÜ HOSPITAL

DIETICIAN CIGDEM BOLUK