Weiss, E. I., Houri-Haddad, Y., Greenbaum, E., Hochman, N., Ofek, I., and Zakay-Rones, Z. Cranberry juice constituents affect influenza virus adhesion and infectivity. Antiviral Res. 2005;66(1):9-12. View abstract. The best cranberry powder will have a vivid pinkish color by nature without additional artificial colorants. The aroma of a high-quality cranberry powder is fruity, and it should smell like fresh cranberries! If you know about cranberries, just by smelling the powder, you will be able to tell about its quality immediately. If the cranberry powder does not smell like much, chances are high; it will not taste like much. Just for the record, good quality cranberry powder should taste a bit tangy and sour, and by no means should it taste sweet. If it does, then you can conclude with 100% certainty that it has added sugar. On the other hand, tasteless cranberry powder may indicate low-quality cranberries, an old product, or a low-quality processing method. Kontiokari, T., Salo, J., Eerola, E., and Uhari, M. Cranberry juice and bacterial colonization in children--a placebo-controlled randomized trial. Clin Nutr 2005;24(6):1065-1072. View abstract. Goodfriend, R. Reduction of bacteriuria and pyuria using cranberry juice. JAMA 8-24-1994;272(8):588-590. View abstract. The researchers detected improvements in FMD measurements both immediately after first cranberry powder consumption and one month later. The researchers also found a correlation between FMD improvements and increases in polyphenol metabolites in blood and urine samples.

Avorn J. The effect of cranberry juice on the presence of bacteria and white blood cells in the urine of elderly women. What is the role of bacterial adhesion? Adv Exp Med Biol 1996;408:185-6. View abstract.Singh I, Gautam One interesting finding from the study was the pattern of metabolites seen in blood samples was different after one month of cranberry consumption compared to the pattern detected on day one after the first dose. The researchers hypothesize this change is potentially a sign of how chronic cranberry consumption may alter gut bacteria populations, as the microbiome is known to play a major role in polyphenol metabolism. Fernández-Puentes V, Uberos J, Rodríguez-Belmonte R, et al. Eficacia y perfil de seguridad del arándano americano en lactantes y niños con infección urinaria recurrente [Efficacy and safety profile of cranberry in infants and children with recurrent urinary tract infection]. An Pediatr (Barc). 2015;82(6):397-403. doi:10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.08.012

Cranberries, which are mostly carbs and fiber, contain about 90% water. They also contain vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K and manganese. Foda MM, Middlebrook PF, Gatfield CT, et al. Efficacy of cranberry in prevention of urinary tract infection in a susceptible pediatric population. Can J Urol 1995;2:98-102. View abstract.

More about cranberry

Healthier teeth and gums: The same cranberry compounds that prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract also prevent bacteria from overgrowing in your mouth, thus reducing cavities and gum disease ( 39). On the other hand, when buying a wild product, the organic label does not apply, or it is not necessary for the following reasons. Firstly, the wild berries only grow in their natural environment – the forest. Secondly, they do not need pesticides or fertilizers as the forest provides the best environment for them. Thus, having organic certification adds no value in this case. In Finland, for example, the authorities could classify all forests as organic; however, because they are wild, they cannot get official certification, as they are wild natural forests. Cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to the lining of your urethra and bladder ( 1, 2).