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Cranberry Juice to the Rescue
by Jeanie Crabtree, C. AC
Cranberry juice was first made by American settlers in 1683.
It is a love it or hate it beverage. For those who like it,
it has a number of health benefits. Here are some examples of how it can help you and your family.
Emulsifies Fat
This is for all of you that have some excess fat to lose.
According to Nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D.,
C.N.S., Cranberry juice contains high levels of organic
acids, which have an emulsifying effect upon fat deposits.
She generally suggests it along with some flax seed or flax
seed oil.
Urinary Infections
When it comes to urinary tract infections caused by a strain
of E coli bacteria, cranberry juice compounds may help. Some
of the compounds in the juice block the bacteria from
sticking to the cells in the body, so that the body can more
easily flush the bacteria out.
Respiratory Infections
Study results in 2002 suggest that cranberry juice may
inhibit a type of bacteria that is a common cause of ear and
respiratory infections in children. This is according to
researchers at the annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases
Society of America.
In this study it was found that cranberry juice can inhibit
certain strains of Haemophilus influenzae, a type of
bacteria found in the nose and throat of 75% of healthy
children and adults. The bacteria can also cause infections,
and may be responsible for up to 40% of bacterially-derived
middle ear infections.
Researchers also found that the juice could
prevent certain strains of the bacteria from sticking to red
blood cells or mouth cells, a step that can allow the
bacteria to linger in the body. It seemed that the juice
inhibited the bacteria's pili, the hair-like structures that
allow them to adhere to surfaces. The juice had no effect on
strains of Haemophilus influenzae that lacked pili.
While the results took place in test tubes, this certainly
would be something to keep in mind for children and adults
who get throat and ear infections.
Don't Over Do the Juice!
I do want to warn you that excessive consumption of juices.
Drinking too much fruit juice can contribute to obesity, the
development of cavities (dental caries), diarrhea, and other
gastrointestinal problems, such as excessive gas, bloating
and abdominal pain. Children especially, as their bodies are
smaller for the amount of juice ingested.
Medicinal Drink Recipe
Consider this more of a medicinal drink than a beverage, and
you will do fine. Probably a cup for an adult, and a half
cup for a child twice a day, until symptoms abate.
1 tea bag of Green Tea or Chai Green Tea
(Chai green tea contains ginger, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg,
and clove along with green tea)
2 cups unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Bring one pint of water to a rolling boil. Insert your tea
bag and steep 3 to 6 minutes. Pour into a one quart
container. Add two cups of unsweetened Cranberry Juice.
Store in the refrigerator and use within three days.
You can drink this cold or warm it up. If you have
used regular green tea you can add a very small pinch of any
of the spices mentioned above that is in the Chai tea, for
more flavor.
What's Related:
Smart Eating for Life
My Child is Obese: What Can I Do to Help Her?
Ear Infections and Antibiotics
Mommy, I'm Thirsty!
About the Author:
As a Health professional, Jeannie Crabtree C.Ac. shares
secrets about what to do about health challenges today.
Solutions, Tips, Research and Nutrition discussed in the
Newsletter Healthy Solutions. Get your tips started by
visiting http://www.health-doc.com.
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