L21-Cranberry Research


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Cranberry Research - Diabetes

	This multi-phased research project will study the impact of the consumption of low calorie cranberry juice on individuals with coronary vascular disease and diabetes. While consumption of fruits and vegetables can help mitigate diabetic symptoms, the high sugar content of most fruit juices is problematic for diabetics. However, cranberries and the pure juice produced from them have an extremely low caloric content. Cranberry juice consumption provides several potential health benefits. It has been demonstrated to protect consumers from development of urinary tract infections, and may help protect against cardiovascular disease because it is rich in antioxidants. Hence, natural cranberry juice would seem to be a healthy choice for individuals with Type 2 diabetes at risk for developing urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. The first phases of the study sought to compare the glycemic and cardiovascular response to low calorie and normal calorie cranberry juice in healthy college aged students. Participants were randomly selected to receive weight adjusted doses of different beverages, including low calorie cranberry juice. Physiological measurements of blood glucose were made before ingesting the beverages and at 30-, 60-, 120- and 180- minutes after consumption. Results suggested that for individuals who are insulin resistant, diabetic, or attempting to limit caloric intake, choosing a low calorie cranberry juice product could be beneficial. Phase III of project is examining the effects of low cranberry juice consumption in Type 2 diabetics. The initiative has generated seed-data for grantwriting and will generate peer-reviewed manuscripts bearing the names of student and faculty authors. Click here for a more detailed report.

This multi-phased research project will study the impact of the consumption of low calorie cranberry juice on individuals with coronary vascular disease and diabetes. While consumption of fruits and vegetables can help mitigate diabetic symptoms, the high sugar content of most fruit juices is problematic for diabetics. However, cranberries and the pure juice produced from them have an extremely low caloric content.

Cranberry juice consumption provides several potential health benefits. It has been demonstrated to protect consumers from development of urinary tract infections, and may help protect against cardiovascular disease because it is rich in antioxidants. Hence, natural cranberry juice would seem to be a healthy choice for individuals with Type 2 diabetes at risk for developing urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.

The first phases of the study sought to compare the glycemic and cardiovascular response to low calorie and normal calorie cranberry juice in healthy college aged students. Participants were randomly selected to receive weight adjusted doses of different beverages, including low calorie cranberry juice. Physiological measurements of blood glucose were made before ingesting the beverages and at 30-, 60-, 120- and 180- minutes after consumption. Results suggested that for individuals who are insulin resistant, diabetic, or attempting to limit caloric intake, choosing a low calorie cranberry juice product could be beneficial. Phase III of project is examining the effects of low cranberry juice consumption in Type 2 diabetics.

The initiative has generated seed-data for grantwriting and will generate peer-reviewed manuscripts bearing the names of student and faculty authors. Click here for a more detailed report.

		L-21 Project Information Cranberry Research Target audience: Phase II involved 321 students and Phase III, 7 students and professionals at Winona Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Rutgers Univerity Video: Click the Q to view a fall 2006 student-produced video on research