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Breakthrough study discovers cranberry’s ulcer fighting power

In the first clinical study of its kind, recent research
shows that people who drink cranberry juice twice a day are three times
more likely to suppress the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers than
those who do not.

In the first clinical study of its kind, recent research shows that people who drink cranberry juice twice a day are three times more likely to suppress the bacteria that cause stomach ulcers than those who do not. Written by researchers from Peking University in China and the University of California (Los Angeles) and published in the April 2005 issue of the medical journal Helicobacter, the study involved 189 adults with H. pylori infection, the bacteria that can often cause stomach ulcers, which occur when the bacteria sticks to the stomach wall and weakens its protective mucus coating. The group was split roughly in half with 97 receiving two 250 ml juice boxes of cranberry juice per day and the remaining 92 receiving the placebo. The treatment ran over 90 days. At day 35, 14 of the 97 people receiving the cranberry juice treatment were negative for H. pylori compared to five of the 92 people receiving the placebo. The same results were also seen at the 90-day stage. It’s hypothesized that cranberry juice, which is already known to promote urinary tract health through its anti-adhesion or “anti-stick” properties, also prevents H. pylori from “sticking” to the stomach wall. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs), unique compounds that give the fruit its anti-adhesion power.