Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s) effect millions of people every year, and you may have heard cranberries are helpful for preventing a UTI and maintaining a healthy bladder, but do you know how? 

Researchers now believe cranberries contain substances that prevent infection-causing bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract walls (bladder and urethra). There are a couple of different theories about how exactly cranberries do this. Some studies show certain antioxidants in cranberries change the bacteria so they can't stick to the urinary tract. Another idea is cranberries create a Teflon-like slippery coating on the urinary tract walls that prevents E. coli, the cause of UTI's, from getting a good grip.

A couple other perks for eating cranberries or drinking cranberry juice:

Cranberries contain a unique subclass of flavonoids called proanthocyanidins (PACs). These PACs are unique, and abundant in cranberries, offering powerful antioxidant protection against free radical damage. 

Two studies have found cranberry powder can inhibit the bacterium Proteus mirabilis, a bug commonly found in complicated UTI’s. Here’s additional information about this interesting topic. 

Enjoy your cranberries!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods