Cranberry producers have welcomed the results of new studies which support the fruit’s health claims.
Trials, carried out in Canada and the UK, suggest the cranberry has “good” cholesterol, aiding heart health and improving circulation.
Combined with the fruit’s well known antioxidant and bacterial anti-adhesion properties, the new studies will help further raise its profile among food and beverage manufacturers, said Ocean Spray’s Ingredient Technology Group.
A study by Laval University in Quebec showed cranberry improved circulation by increasing the level of HDL, or “good” cholesterol. Meanwhile, research by the William Harvey Research Institute in the UK found a serving of cranberry juice each day could be as good for the heart as red wine.
Dr Joe Speroni, director of research at Ocean Spray, said: “The new findings represent another breakthrough for the cranberry and Ocean Spray, giving our portfolio of ingredients an additional healthy boost.”
