Study Discovers Cranberry’s Ulcer Fighting Power

Breakthrough Study Discovers Cranberry’s Ulcer Fighting Power
24 July 2005

With approximately 80 percent of stomach ulcers caused by bacteria, a recent clinical study in China, suggests that drinking cranberry juice daily could help reduce infection.

Stomach ulcers are a major medical problem in New Zealand. Approximately $63 million – more than 10 percent of Pharmac’s pharmaceutical budget - is spent on stomach ulcer-related healthcare each year with nearly 728,000 prescriptions filled for stomach ulcer related medication.

The research was conducted by the School of Oncology at Peking University, China.

In the first clinical study of its kind, the research shows that people who drink Ocean Spray cranberry juice twice a day are three times more likely to suppress the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers than those who do not.

Published in the March 2005 issue of the United States medical journal Helicobacter, this is the first clinical study to examine the effects of cranberry juice on the bacteria that most often cause stomach ulcers.

Already known to promote urinary tract health through its anti-adhesion, or ‘anti-stick’ properties, this study further supports cranberry’s unique role in providing health benefits in other parts of the body.

Stomach ulcers occur when these bacteria stick to the stomach wall and weaken its protective mucus coating. Research shows that cranberry proanthocyanidins (PACs) are unique compounds that give the fruit this anti-adhesion power, preventing the bacteria from “sticking” to the stomach wall as it does in the urinary tract and the mouth.

Ocean Spray is an agricultural cooperative owned by more than 650 cranberry growers in the United States and parts of Canada, as well as more than 100 Florida grapefruit growers. Ocean Spray was formed 75 years ago. Ocean Spray has been sold in New Zealand for a decade.

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