Cranberries are an under appreciated fruit. Research has validated the old adage that drinking cranberry juice will reduce or eliminate instances of urinary tract infection, but other, more recent studies have also linked the lowly cranberry with increased benefits in fighting heart disease and cancer.

The Benefits of Cranberries in Combating Urinary Tract Infection

The proanthocyanidins in cranberries can inhibit bacteria from attaching to the wall of the urinary tract. This limits their ability to produce colonies and spread infection. Of course, your mother wouldn't be surprised by this news. She already knows that it's important to drink lots of cranberry juice if you are prone to urinary tract ailments.

Cranberries and Heart Disease

Because they contain flavonoids, studies reported by WebMD Medical News suggest that cranberries can be a weapon in the war against atherosclerosis, or what they used to call "hardening of the arteries". Flavonoids help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol clogging the walls of your arteries while increasing the level of good cholesterol in your system.

Cranberries and Cancer

Research at the University of Western Ontario cites increased ingestion of cranberries as a factor in inhibiting the development of breast cancer cells in animals. Although preliminary, this exciting research shows that diet changes can have an impact on our health and aid in fight disease.

Other Health Benefits of Cranberries

The good news doesn't stop there. Cranberries have also been associated with decreased production of cavity and plaque producing bacteria in your mouth, and in reducing the bacteria associated with peptic stomach ulcers.