Special edition: Botanicals
Cranberry
As the biggest selling 'botanical', cranberries boast a long list of health benefits, most famously and well-studied being its ability to fight urinary tract infections (which has led to almost one third of parents in the US giving it to their children). In addition, studies have shined light on cranberry’s effects on the Helicobacter pylori bacterium, which causes peptic ulcers and gastritis—and is the only bacteria that can survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. Other studies have reported that a proanthocynanidin-rich cranberry extract inhibited the growth of a cancer in glandular tissue cells, as well as cranberry extracts may prevent colon cancer via an anti-inflammatory mechanism. Furthermore, a 2009 study found that consumption of low-sugar, high-fiber sweetened dried cranberries led to better glucose peaks and lower insulin peaks.