The Berry

What are some of the health benefits of the cranberry?

Health benefits of the cranberry Cleanse & Purify for Urinary Tract Health / Cystitis
Cranberries contain a unique combination of proanthocyanins, polyphenol antioxidants, and other compounds that are not commonly found in other food sources (and thus not easy to get elsewhere). Clinical trials over decades of research have shown that these cranberry compounds help prevent certain bacteria from sticking to cell walls, thereby cleansing and purifying the body of this harmful bacteria, and helping to maintain urinary tract health.

Ocean Spray® Light Cranberry Classic™ fruit drink and Ocean Spray® 50% Less Sugar Craisins® dried cranberries each provide 125mg polyphenol antioxidants per serve with low / reduced sugar content, and help cleanse & purify the body.

Fiber
Cranberries provide vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Craisins® Dried Cranberries are a delicious wholesome snack that are cholesterol-free and a source of fiber. 50% Less Sugar Craisins® Dried Cranberries are an excellent source of fiber with 10g of dietary fiber in every serve.

Nutrient Density
Australian & New Zealand Dietary Guidelines recommend incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet, including fruits. In fact, the Dietary Guidelines recommend that consumers eat up to 2 cups of fruit daily.

Cranberry products can help consumers meet daily fruit intake recommendations. Cranberries contain essential vitamins, dietary fiber, polyphenol antioxidants, and other naturally occurring compounds with potential health benefits. Each ¼ cup serving of Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries provides 1 fruit serve, 125mg of polyphenol antioxidants, and a source of fiber as a convenient, on-the-go dried cranberry fruit.

Low Sugar Content and Tart Taste

Naturally-Low Sugar Content and Tart Taste

Unlike other berries and most fruit, cranberries are naturally low in sugar and high in acidity, making them extremely tart (similar to lemons). Thus, cranberry products are typically sweetened to improve their palatability. In fact, some prominent health organizations internationally support this action, so that consumers can benefit from the unique nutrients cranberries offer. [i.e. U.S. Dietary Guidelines recognize “[t]here is room for Americans to include limited amounts of added sugars in their eating patterns, including to improve the palatability of some nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits and vegetables that are naturally tart (e.g., cranberries and rhubarb).” So, while some cranberry products may contain added sugar, they can still be part of a healthy diet.

Being so low in naturally occurring sugar also gives cranberries the advantage of being a more versatile fruit. For comparison, cranberries have 4 grams of sugar per cup, while grapes have 23 grams, pomegranates have 24 grams, and apples have 13 grams. Their natural low-sugar and high-nutrition profile means that cranberries can be offered in a variety of products and recipes that are sweetened to varying levels and in different ways. Ocean Spray® offers a variety of traditional, low-sugar, and no added sugar products for consumers to enjoy the benefits of cranberries in the way that best meets their needs.

Click here for a list of health references and sources.