Cranberries: Fruits

Cranberries have vitamin C and fiber, and are only 45 calories per cup. In disease-fighting antioxidants, cranberries outrank nearly every fruit and vegetable--including strawberries, spinach, broccoli, red grapes, apples, raspberries, and cherries. Source: webmd.com

Cranberries improve the health of pigs’ hearts and may do the same for humans, researchers said today. The fruit, described as a “nutrient powerhouse”, has already been shown to fight urinary infections, help prevent stomach ulcers, and protect against tooth decay. Scientists had ... suspected that antioxidant compounds called phenols in cranberries were good for the heart. This has now been born out by early results from a study of pigs fed concentrated cranberry juice powder in their diets. Source: hometestmed.com

Approximate ranges of the cranberries in sect. Oxycoccus: Red: Common Cranberry. Orange: Small Cranberry. Green: American Cranberry. Cranberries are harvested in the Autumn when the fruit takes on its distinctive deep red color. This is usually in late September and into October. To harvest cranberries, the beds are flooded with six to eight inches of water. A harvester is driven through the beds to remove the fruit from the vines. For the past 50 years, water reel type harvesters have been used. Harvested cranberries float in the water and can be corralled into a corner of the bed and conveyed or pumped from the bed. Source:en.wikipedia.org

Cranberries have long been known to ward off urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to unique compounds in thefruit called proanthocyanidins, or PACS. PACS offer an anti-adhesion mechanism that prevents harmful E. colibacteria from adhering to the urinary tract wall. Cranberries may be a useful tool for helping women tomaintain a healthy urinary tract, naturally. Source: todaysseniorsnetwork.com

Cranberries are widely known for their unique "anti-adhesion" activity that protects the body from certainharmful bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), stomach ulcers and gum disease. This anti-adhesionactivity is primarily due to a natural compound in the fruit called proanthocyanidins (PACs). Cranberry's PACscontain a unique A-type structure, while most other foods contain only the more-common B-type PACs. It iscranberry's A-type PACs that are responsible for this anti-adhesion mechanism of action. Source: sev.prnewswire.com

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass., Jan 25, 2006 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- New data shows that proanthocyanidins, or PACs,found in cranberries inhibit the growth of lung tumors and colon and leukemia cells in vitro. That's according to a new study published in this month's issue of The Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. The study, led by University of Massachusetts Dartmouth researcher Catherine C. Neto, Ph.D., is one of the first studies to find that the cranberry's anti-cancer activity may come from the unique structure of its PACs. Cranberry's PACs contain a unique A-type structure, while most other fruit contains only the more-common B-type PACs. Source: npicenter.com

Like blueberries, cranberries provide a suite of health benefits. A study conducted at Cornell University tested the antioxidant and anti-proliferative potential of common fruits, and found cranberries had the highest total phenolic content, total antioxidant activity. Another study out of the University of Scranton in Scranton, PA found cranberries had the highest total phenol levels of 20 fruits commonly consumed in the American diet. Source: wildernessfamilynaturals.com

FUSION Fruit Bars -- 100% all natural nutrition bars are loaded with a combination of real fruit chunks such as Blueberries, Cranberries, Apple, Strawberries and more with no fillers, no preservatives, nothing artificial, and contains only REAL and all natural ingredients. FUSION Fruit Bars are ... sweetened by 100% natural sweeteners and contain a blend of Acai, Pomegranate and other fruit ingredients. Source: stockhouse.com each fireworks is a different story Northland is a vertically integrated grower, processor and marketer of cranberries. The company processes and sells Northland brand 100% juice cranberry blends, Seneca brand juice products and other fruit juices, Northland brand fresh cranberries and other cranberry products. Easy to print version Source: geocities.com

White cranberry juice drinks are made from regular cranberries that have been harvested after the fruits are mature, but before they have attained their characteristic dark red color. Yields are lower on beds harvested early and the early flooding tends to damage vines, but not severely. Source: en.wikipedia.org

Due to the fact that cranberries are extremely tart, they are usually combined with another fruit when cooking or processing. Beware of straight cranberry juice as a lot of sugar may have been added to make the juice more palatable! Source: seasonalrecipes.com

Monthly Buffet Dinner Pineapples and cranberries pair well together in this non-traditional cranberry sauce which can be flavored with freshly grated ginger or lemon zest. (The zest is the outer peel of a citrus fruit.) Source: vegofwa.org

Tart, jewel-like, cranberries, along with oranges, are the fruit-consolation crop of the otherwise drab (produce-wise) winter season. Prettier than any holiday decoration, they deserve a life beyond a mere once-a-year Thanksgiving condiment. Source: passionatevegetarian.com

(lycos)

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Physico-chemical and antioxidant properties of cornelian cherry fruits (Cornus mas L.) grown in Turkey

Serpil Turala and Ilkay KocaCorresponding

Ondokuz Mayis University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Food Engineering, Samsun 55139, Turkey

Abstract

Cornus mas L. is a naturally growing dogwood species in Anatolia. In present study, physical, chemical and antioxidant properties of cornelian cherry fruits were studied. The fruit weight was in the range of 0.39–1.03 g, fruit length 14.24–22.20 mm, fruit width 9.59–13.21 mm, flesh/seed ratio 1.34 to 6.72. Hunter L values of the samples ranged between 10.82 and 19.69, and a value was between +6.25 and +15.59, and b value was between +3.46 and +6.64. In addition to the levels of dry matter, soluble solids, pH, total acidity, total sugar content, reduced sugar content, unreduced sugar content, ascorbic acid, total anthocyanin and total phenolics were within the range of 15.88–28.19%, 12.50–21.00%, 3.11–3.53, 1.10–2.53%, 76.80–154.00 g kg−1, 52.80–120.00 g kg−1, 0.00–32.30 g kg−1, 0.16–0.88 mg g−1, 1.12–2.92 mg g−1 and 2.81–5.79 mg g−1, respectively. On the other hand, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and EC50 values were between 16.21 mmol g−1 and 94.43 mmol g−1, 0.29–0.69 mg mL−1. Anthocyanin extracts of the fruits were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV–vis detection. Pelargonidin 3-glucoside was the main pigment found in cornelian cherry fruits. (sciencedirect.com)

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Cloudberry: an important source of ellagic acid, an anti-oxidant

Thiem B, Berge V.

Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Pozńa, Poland.

Cloudberry, Rubus chamaemorus L. (Rosaceae) is an herbaceous plant with a boreal, circumpolar distribution. Its fruit is of economic importance in northern Scandinavia; furthermore, this plant is of significance in Norwegian tradition. We present a review of its biology, secondary metabolites as well as cloudberry applications. The compounds of primary interest in cloudberry are vitamin C and ellagotannins with a high level of ellagic acid that exhibits biological activities. Ellagic acid, a dietary phenolic, offers considerable promise as anticarcinogen, antimutagen and antioxidant. The ellagic acid content in cloudberries could have health benefits. (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

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Coconut (Cocos nucifera)

Your source for accurate onformation on the health and nutritional aspects of coconut, coconut oil, palm, palm oil, and related subjects.

The Tree of Life

The scientific name for coconut is Cocos nucifera. Early Spanish explorers called it coco, which means "monkey face" because the three indentations (eyes) on the hairy nut resembles the head and face of a monkey. Nucifera means "nut-bearing."

The coconut provides a nutritious source of meat, juice, milk, and oil that has fed and nourished populations around the world for generations. On many islands coconut is a staple in the diet and provides the majority of the food eaten. Nearly one third of the world's population depends on coconut to some degree for their food and their economy. Among these cultures the coconut has a long and respected history.

Coconut is highly nutritious and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is classified as a "functional food" because it provides many health benefits beyond its nutritional content. Coconut oil is of special interest because it possesses healing properties far beyond that of any other dietary oil and is extensively used in traditional medicine among Asian and Pacific populations. Pacific Islanders consider coconut oil to be the cure for all illness. The coconut palm is so highly valued by them as both a source of food and medicine that it is called "The Tree of Life." Only recently has modern medical science unlocked the secrets to coconut's amazing healing powers.

Coconut In Traditional Medicine

People from many diverse cultures, languages, religions, and races scattered around the globe have revered the coconut as a valuable source of both food and medicine. Wherever the coconut palm grows the people have learned of its importance as a effective medicine. For thousands of years coconut products have held a respected and valuable place in local folk medicine.

In traditional medicine around the world coconut is used to treat a wide variety of health problems including the following: abscesses, asthma, baldness, bronchitis, bruises, burns, colds, constipation, cough, dropsy, dysentery, earache, fever, flu, gingivitis, gonorrhea, irregular or painful menstruation, jaundice, kidney stones, lice, malnutrition, nausea, rash, scabies, scurvy, skin infections, sore throat, swelling, syphilis, toothache, tuberculosis, tumors, typhoid, ulcers, upset stomach, weakness, and wounds.

Coconut In Modern Medicine

Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
  
• Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
  
• Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
  
• Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
  
• Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
  
• Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
  
• Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
  
• Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
  
• Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
  
• Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
  
• Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
  
• Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
  
• Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
  
• Helps protect against osteoporosis.
  
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
  
• Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
  
• Improves digestion and bowel function.
  
• Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
  
• Reduces inflammation.
  
• Supports tissue healing and repair.
  
• Supports and aids immune system function.
  
• Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
  
• Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
  
• Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
  
• Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
  
• Functions as a protective antioxidant.
  
• Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
  
• Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
  
• Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
  
• Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
  
• Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
  
• Reduces epileptic seizures.
  
• Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
  
• Dissolves kidney stones.
  
• Helps prevent liver disease.
  
• Is lower in calories than all other fats.
  
• Supports thyroid function.
  
• Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
  
• Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
  
• Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
  
• Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
  
• Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
• Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
  
• Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
  
• Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
  
• Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
  
• Provides protection form damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation form the sun.
  
• Helps control dandruff.
  
• Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetable oils do.
  
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
  
• Is completely non-toxic to humans.
  

See Research to read some of the published studies regarding the above mentioned uses of coconut products.

Coconut Oil

While coconut possesses many health benefits due to its fiber and nutritional content, it's the oil that makes it a truly remarkable food and medicine.

Once mistakenly believed to be unhealthy because of its high saturated fat content, it is now known that the fat in coconut oil is a unique and different from most all other fats and possesses many health giving properties. It is now gaining long overdue recognition as a nutritious health food.

Coconut oil has been described as "the healthiest oil on earth." That's quite a remarkable statement. What makes coconut oil so good? What makes it different from all other oils, especially other saturated fats?

The difference is in the fat molecule. All fats and oils are composed of molecules called fatty acids. There are two methods of classifying fatty acids. The first you are probably familiar with, is based on saturation. You have saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats. Another system of classification is based on molecular size or length of the carbon chain within each fatty acid. Fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached. In this system you have short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), and long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Coconut oil is composed predominately of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), also known as medium-chain triglycerides (MCT).

The vast majority of fats and oils in our diets, whether they are saturated or unsaturated or come from animals or plants, are composed of long-chain fatty acids (LCFA). Some 98 to 100% of all the fatty acids you consume are LCFA.

The size of the fatty acid is extremely important. Why? Because our bodies respond to and metabolize each fatty acid differently depending on its size. So the physiological effects of MCFA in coconut oil are distinctly different from those of LCFA more commonly found in our foods. The saturated fatty acids in coconut oil are predominately medium-chain fatty acids. Both the saturated and unsaturated fat found in meat, milk, eggs, and plants (including most all vegetable oils) are composed of LCFA.

MCFA are very different from LCFA. They do not have a negative effect on cholesterol and help to protect against heart disease. MCFA help to lower the risk of both atherosclerosis and heart disease. It is primarily due to the MCFA in coconut oil that makes it so special and so beneficial.

There are only a very few good dietary sources of MCFA. By far the best sources are from coconut and palm kernel oils. (coconutresearchcenter.org)

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