The old wives tale that is actually true! Important review rules drinking cranberry juice can prevent STDs
- Researchers in Australia looked at 50 recent studies involving nearly 9,000 people
- Eexperts believe it is due to a high concentration of the antioxidant proanthocyanidin
It is the story of the old woman that has divided opinion for decades.
Cranberry juice may actually help stop urinary tract infections (UTIs), according to the largest review of evidence to date.
A global study of the benefits of cranberries found that cranberries — in juice or supplement form — reduced the risk of repeated urinary tract infections in women by more than a quarter.
Children and people prone to infections after medical procedures had the risk reduced by 53 percent, according to the large review.
They weren’t effective in the elderly, pregnant women or people with bladder emptying problems, researchers found.
A global study of the benefits of cranberries found that cranberries — in juice or supplement form — reduced the risk of repeated urinary tract infections in women by more than a quarter. Children and people prone to infections after medical interventions had 53 percent chance cut, according to major review
Experts believe this is due to their high concentration of the antioxidant proanthocyanidin, which prevents the most common UTI-causing bacteria – Escherichia coli (E.coli) – from sticking to the bladder wall.
Researchers from Flinders University, Australia, looked at 50 more recent studies involving nearly 9,000 participants in the latest review, published in Cochrane.
Professor Jonathan Craig, from Flinders University, said: ‘This is a review of the totality of the evidence and as new evidence emerges new findings may emerge.
“In this case, the new evidence shows a very positive finding that cranberry juice can prevent a urinary tract infection in susceptible people.”
UTIs are common and can affect the urinary tract, bladder, and kidneys, with symptoms such as burning when urinating and having to go more often.
They are often treated with a short course of antibiotics, although they are not always necessary.
Researchers warned that the berries cannot cure an established urinary tract infection, so anyone who gets one should seek help from a GP or pharmacist.
Dr. Gabrielle Williams, who led the study, said: ‘UTIs are terrible and very common – about a third of women get one, as do many older people and also people with bladder problems from spinal cord injury or other conditions.
“Even in 1973 my mother was told to try cranberry juice to prevent her terrible and frequent urinary tract infections, and for her it has been a life saver.
‘Despite my complaining in her ear about evidence, she continued to take it daily, first as the nasty sour juice and in recent years as the easy-to-swallow capsules. Once she stops, the symptoms are back.
“As usual, it turns out Mom was right! Cranberry products may help some women avoid urinary tract infections.”