Female Athletes: Cranberry Juice Proven To Reduce Cancer

When Femcompetitor Magazine has taken Female Submission Wrestlers out to lunch or dinner after an event, one of the many admirable qualities the women possess is their ability to stay with a diet regime that is good for their health.

Maintaining good health can at times be complex.

Sometimes the simplest answers to the most complex of questions is right in front of us.

We can see the forest for the trees especially if the answer is growing on the vine.

In our never ending quest to find good health there is so much research that has been done and needs to be done, yet in the meantime if we spent more of our time drinking cranberry juice, good health to us.

The harvesting process for this remarkable fruit is as fascinating as the fruit itself.

Cranberries are harvested in the fall when the fruit takes on its distinctive deep red color. The season usually runs from September through the first part of November. To harvest cranberries, the beds are flooded with six to eight inches of water above the vines.

A harvester is driven through the beds to remove the fruit from the vines.

For the past 50 years, water reel type harvesters have been used. Harvested cranberries float in the water and can be corralled into a corner of the bed and conveyed or pumped from the bed.

From the farm, cranberries are taken to receiving stations where they are cleaned, sorted, and stored prior to packaging or processing.

So why are these red roses considered a miracle fruit?

The fantastic educational site organicfacts.net is extremely helpful in answering that question.

The health benefits of cranberry juice include relief from urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart disease.

Cranberries are also beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived plant compounds, are present in cranberries and have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems as well.

Let’s break down some of these health benefits in a little more detail.

If you have ever suffered through a severe urinary tract infection it can make you wish, beg or bribe someone to take your place.

Urinary tract infections refer to the existence of certain micro-organisms in the urine that exceed normal levels.

Studies have shown that the cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins that possess anti-clinging properties, which prevent the bacteria from binding itself to the cells on the walls of the bladder. These compounds prevent these bacteria from multiplying and further and flush them out of the body through urination.

Research shows that drinking cranberry juice regularly can help prevent recurring UTIs in middle-aged women and pregnant women. Regular intake of cranberry juice has also been proven beneficial for patients undergoing other treatments in the hospitals as a guard against the urinary tract diseases.

There’s more.

Cancer is probably in the top five of the most frightening words that a doctor can confirm with her patient. Where there is cancer, there are often tumors.

The anti-tumor benefits offered by cranberry juice is attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds within the fruit. 

Studies have suggested that regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon, prostate and other cancerous tumors. Cranberry juice contains a high amount of salicylic acid which can help reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and eliminate tumors.

The proanthocyanidins found in cranberries can inhibit the growth of various cancer cells.

Studies have suggested that diets rich in flavonoids play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of cancer and cancer mortality. Cranberry juice contains anti-carcinogenic components that interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those associated with colon and prostate cancer.

According to studies, proanthocyanidins can stop micro-tumors from developing in the blood vessels. Regular consumption of cranberry juice prevents the rapid growth of tumors. Chemicals in cranberries also prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.

Let’s get another viewpoint that supports the positive message that we’ve just heard from another source. The educational site livestrong.com they share that the antioxidants found in cranberries conquer free radicals, which are particles that damage DNA and may contribute to heart disease, cancer and other conditions.

They cite a very important study published in the journal “Planta Medica” in June 1996 showed that cranberries exhibit anti-cancer properties. In addition, “The Journal of Nutrition” reports that phytochemicals found in cranberry fruit may help prevent the development of prostate, lung, breast, colon and other tumors. The Cranberry Institute states that although the results of these studies are preliminary, compounds in cranberries may prove to be beneficial in fighting cancer.

Let’s now talk about another benefit of this magical fruit and drink that can help us stay in good condition.

Cranberry juice can help lower the risk of heart related ailments and assist in sustaining good cardio vascular health.

The flavonoids present in cranberries have antioxidant properties and may decrease the threat of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the arteries are narrowed due to the build-up of fat, calcium, and cholesterol found in the blood. This obstructs the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the various parts of the body and may lead to potentially fatal outcomes like heart attacks and strokes. These compounds have been shown to delay and suppress the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and beneficially stimulate the blood platelets.

Livestrong.com relates, “A pilot study unveiled at the 2003 American Chemical Society meeting reported consumption of cranberry juice increases high-density lipoprotein — the good cholesterol — which supports heart health. According to the Cranberry Institute, cranberries contain high concentrations of flavonoids, which can help prevent heart disease and promote circulation. In addition, the phenols in cranberries may help prevent the formation of blood clots that cause strokes.”

Most female athletes are very informed about what foods are good for them but sometimes it’s easy to forget the how and why.

The benefits of cranberries extensively speaks to the how and why.

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Sources: brainyquote.com, Wikipedia, fciwomenswrestling2.com, FCI Elite Competitor, photos thank you Wikimedia Commons.

https://www.organicfacts.net/…benefits/…/health-benefits-of-cranberry–juice…

http://www.livestrong.com/article/277392-what-are-the-benefits-of-pure-cranberry-juice/

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-18137/remember-cranberry-juice-5-reasons-to-drink-more-of-it.html