Cranberries
While you stuff yourself at the big table - don't forget the cranberries. Science Specialist Ed Yeates says seven years of studies at Weber State University now confirm cranberries inhibit the growth of ecoli bacteria.
While you may worry about trying to keep unseen bugs out of your Thanksgiving foods, there's one item on this table you can use just as is.. Cranberries apparently are all your grandmother said they were - a potent bug fighter with a lot of clout.
As a grandson, Dr. Edward Walker remembers those tales. Now, years later, he's finally discovered who inside this berry is really the hero.
Dr. Edward Walker, Chemistry, Weber State University: "AND THAT'S WHEN WE FINALLY BUMPED INTO WHAT ARE CALLED O.P.C. "
In simple terms, OPC's in cranberries keep ecoli bacteria from sticking to cells. If they can't stick, they can't do their dastardly deeds. Dr. Walker not only isolated the compound but his research team conducted double blind studies with volunteers.
Dr. Walker: "AND WE FOUND THAT SEVEN OUT OF TEN WOMEN IMPROVED AND HAD FEWER ACTIVE URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ON THE ACTIVE CRANBERRY THAN COMPARED TO A PLACEBO."
In addition to human trials, Dr. Walker's team continually tested the OPC compounds on cells in the lab and every time - the bacteria would lose its grip or adhesion and fall off the cells.
Ed Yeates, Science Specialist: "THE PROBLEM WITH ANY NATURAL FOODS INCLUDING CRANBERRIES IS THAT IN ORDER TO GET THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD YOU NEED YOU WOULD HAVE TO CONSUME THIS BEAKER FULL OF CRANBERRIES TWICE A DAY."
But if you could concentrate the cranberries into a powder you would need much less. The powder could go into a capsule or you could dissolve it in water as a drink like Kool-Aid. And that's what researchers would like to see happen to this bittersweet holiday berry.
