As the New Year kicks off and resolutions become reality, cranberry juice lovers can feel good knowing their favorite cranberry products are the perfect solution to a healthy 2014. A recent study published in Nutrients, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by MDPI, identified a correlation between cranberry juice consumption and healthy body composition. The study joins the list of mounting evidence highlighting the fruit's exceptional health benefits, giving consumers one more reason to feel good about enjoying the festive fruit every day, everywhere, every way.

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The "skinny" on cranberry juice: New study shows cranberry juice drinkers are more likely to be normal weight, have significantly lower waist circumference. For more information on the health benefits of cranberries, visit www.cranberryhealth.com. (Photo: Business Wire)

Using the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data, researchers found that adult (19+ years of age) cranberry juice consumers who drink an average of two glasses (14 fl. oz.) of cranberry juice over two non-consecutive days have better cardiometabolic profiles (markers for cardiovascular disease) than those who do not consume the beverage. 1

Of note was the association between cranberry beverage consumption and lower waist circumference, as well as the tendency to be less overweight or obese when compared to non-consumers. Additionally, of the groups evaluated, each demonstrated significantly lower risk of having high C-reactive protein levels, a marker of infection and inflammation, suggesting that cranberry juice consumers who may be more likely to have a healthy lifestyle may benefit further from incorporating cranberry juice into their diet.

While studies have observed similar associations with 100% juice, this study is among the first to observe a correlation between healthy body composition and cranberry juice cocktail specifically.

"The correlation between cranberry juice consumption and its nutritive benefits are clear," said Kiyah J. Duffey, Ph.D., Virginia Tech, first author on the paper. "While the data are preliminary, the results suggest that cranberry juice cocktail can provide positive benefits and be part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle."

An Exceptional Fruit in Many Forms

In addition to the juice research, a study from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine adds new dimension to the benefits of dried cranberries - a snack that has gained worldwide popularity since the introduction of Craisins® Dried Cranberries more than two decades ago.

Long associated with urinary tract health, researchers identified a correlation between dried cranberry consumption and reduced incidence of urinary tract infections in susceptible women. 2

After consuming a daily serving of dried cranberries for two weeks, more than half of the patients did not experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) within six months. The mean UTI rate per six months also decreased significantly providing further support that cranberries, in dried or juice form, contribute to whole body health.

While more than 50 years of research has documented the effects of cranberry juice consumption on urinary tract health, the study, published in Nutrition Journal, is among the first to connect dried cranberry consumption with improved urinary tract health. Researchers continue to investigate nutritional approaches to treating UTIs because of the significant associated healthcare costs - upwards of $8.28 billion.3

Urinary tract infections are the second most common bacterial infection and present a public health challenge. There are more than 15 million UTI cases in the U.S. each year, and their treatment contributes to antibiotic resistance.

A "Nutrient Powerhouse"

This research, along with the finding from NHANES, joins a substantial bank of emerging scientific evidence pointing towards the whole body health benefits of cranberries, including cardiovascular, gastro-intestinal and general health and well-being.

So what fuels this little fruit?

Cranberries are power-packed with polyphenols, the same nutrients found in wine, tea and certain other fruits. In fact, they contain more polyphenols per serving than many other popular fruits - 100 grams of cranberries (or three and a half ounces) contain more polyphenolic antioxidants than the equivalent amount of strawberries, broccoli, white grapes, bananas or apples.4

But the real power behind this tiny fruit can be attributed to the cranberry's unique proanthocyanidins or PACs, natural compounds which help to cleanse and purify the body by keeping certain bacteria from sticking.

Cranberries also contain flavonoids, a type of polyphenol found in colorful fruits and vegetables linked to improved cardiovascular and cellular health as well as reduced inflammation.

Enhancing Diets Worldwide

Because of the dense nutrients found in cranberries, scientists believe there's a unique role for the fruit in helping to enhance diets and fulfill nutritional requirements worldwide. In fact, according to the NHANES study, simply adding eight ounces of cranberry juice or one serving of dried cranberries to consumers' diets per day would nearly double the U.S. population's intake of flavonoids. 5

"There is value in incorporating polyphenol-rich foods like cranberries into the diet," added Duffey. "Whether it's juice or dried, we're seeing compelling evidence connecting cranberry consumption to overall health."

Duffey presented her findings at a satellite session at the American Society for Nutrition's 2013 Advances and Controversies in Clinical Nutrition Conference in Washington, D.C. in December. Joined by a panel of experts from policy, academia and industry, the team convened to review new and existing evidence underscoring the positive effects of cranberry consumption in advance of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

To review the studies referenced above, or for more information on the health benefits of cranberries, visit www.cranberryhealth.com.

About Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray is a vibrant agricultural cooperative owned by more than 700 cranberry and grapefruit growers in the United States, Canada and Chile who have helped preserve the family farming way of life for generations. Formed in 1930, Ocean Spray is now the world's leading producer of cranberry juices, juice drinks and dried cranberries and is the best-selling brand in the bottled juice category. The cooperative's cranberries are currently featured in more than a thousand great-tasting, good-for-you products in over 50 countries worldwide. With more than 2,000 employees and nearly 20 cranberry receiving and processing facilities, Ocean Spray is committed to managing our business in a way that respects our communities, employees and the environment. In fiscal year 2013, Ocean Spray posted record-high gross sales of $2.2 billion and net proceeds of $380 million. For more information visit www.oceanspray.com or our corporate blog at www.insidethecranberry.com.

1 Duffey KJ, Sutherland LA. Adult Cranberry Beverage Consumers Have Healthier Macronutrient Intakes and Measures of Body Composition Compared to Non-Consumers: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2008. Nutrients. 2013; 5(12):4938-4949.

2 Burleigh AE, Benck SM, McAchran SE, Reed JD, Krueger CG and Hopkins WJ. (2013) Consumption of sweetened, dried cranberries may reduce urinary tract infection incidence in susceptible women - a modified observational study. Nutrition Journal 2013, 12:139.

3 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Total Expenses and Percent Distribution for Selected Conditions by Type of Service: United States, 2010. Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

4 Bhagwat SA, Haytowitz DB, Holden JM. USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods, Release 3.1, 2013. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Nutrient Data Laboratory Home Page: https://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docshtm?docid=6231

5 Chun OK, Floegel A, Chung SJ, Chung CE, Song WO, et al. (2010) Estimation of antioxidant intakes from diet and supplements in U.S. adults. J Nutr 140: 317-324.

Weber Shandwick for Ocean Spray
Rachel Walt, 617-520-7254
rwalt@webershandwick.com