Drinking Cranberry Juice Protects Against Urinary Tract Infections
Blueberries are considered the “super fruit” and even many call the “fruits of the 21st century” for its proven health benefits, among which include an antibiotic effect, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
In addition to its antioxidant action by its high content of anthocyanins and carotenoids, also includes a significant amount of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system or defenses of the body and helps reduce the risk of degenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases and even cancer .
A study by the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (USA) has figured out how the components of cranberry juice are able to combat the bacterium Escherichia coli “(” E. coli “) preventing their reproduction and development of disorders such as infections tract.
The study authors found that the protective substances of cranberry juice were able to coat the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion eight hours after consuming the drink.
The research, presented at the 240th Annual Meeting of the American Chemical Society (CAN), which is held these days in Boston (USA), had samples of several volunteers who gave their urine samples before and after consumption of juice blueberries.
Thus, U.S. scientists discovered how the ‘E. Coli ‘was able to adhere to urinary tract walls and thin form “biofilms” that make it easier for bacteria to thrive in the body.
In this sense, the study concluded that cranberry juice has the ability to prevent the ‘E. Coli “cells adhere to the tract and form said” biofilm “. Thus, it is easier for the bacteria to be ejected with the urine and reduce the risk of infection.
In fact, the study authors found that the protective substances of cranberry juice were able to coat the urinary tract and prevent bacterial adhesion eight hours after consuming the drink.
Women more prone to these disorders
“This discovery has important implications, considering the magnitude of the costs they generate these infections to the healthcare system,” says study leader, Terri Anne Camesano.
According to official estimates, each year there are around eight million physician visits by an infection in the urine, which generate expenditures of 1. EUR 260 million to health services.
Women are more prone to these disorders, in fact, it is estimated that at least one in three women experience one or more urinary tract infections throughout their lives.
The statistics also show that only half of women with this infection seek medical advice to relieve milder symptoms such as burning or incontinence.