Cranberry protects the urinary tract without the use of antibiotics.
Scientists have found that cranberry has a rare property of protecting the urinary tract without the use of antibiotics. A study published in Frontiers in Nutrition (Front Nutr) showed that the proanthocyanidins contained in the berry prevent E. coli bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder and forming resistant biofilms. This means it protects the body from one of the main causes of chronic infections.
Additionally, cranberry interacts with the gut microbiota: under its influence, polyphenols are converted into active substances that enhance the antimicrobial effect. Thus, the berry not only prevents the development of inflammation but also strengthens the body's natural defense mechanisms.
The authors emphasize that the growing number of studies confirms the potential of cranberry as a natural preventive agent against urinary tract infections. However, for widespread medical use, scientists need to clarify the optimal dosages and forms of consumption—from extracts to functional beverages.
