The majority of discussions about gut health center on probiotics, fiber, or yogurt. Cranberries seldom ever make an appearance. According to the research, dried cranberries reduce harmful germs and enhance beneficial ones. Consuming dried cranberries has been connected to an increase in Bacteroidetes, which are beneficial bacteria. Consuming them has also been demonstrated to reduce Firmicutes, bacteria linked to adverse health outcomes, such as poor energy absorption in obesity.
Polyphenols, which are plant chemicals that have long been hailed for their antioxidant qualities, are abundant in cranberries. Studies show that these polyphenols also have prebiotic properties, which helps to maintain more diversity and resilience in the gut and improve the microbial composition.
Cranberry fiber holds equal significance. It ferments into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and feeds gut bacteria whether it is eaten as juice, sauce, or dried fruit. These metabolites are essential for boosting immunity and lowering inflammation.
The finding that cranberries seem to affect the ratio of gut flora is arguably the most startling. Consuming easily accessible dried cranberries, such as US Cranberries, raises levels of Bacteroidetes, which are frequently linked to favorable health outcomes, while lowering Firmicutes, which have been linked to obesity and poor energy metabolism. This change goes beyond simply increasing the amount of fiber in the diet. Long-term health effects may result from this specific microbial rebalancing.
According to new research, cranberry polyphenols may help fortify the intestinal barrier, which is the thin wall that keeps dangerous substances from entering the circulation. A strong barrier lowers the chance of long-term inflammation linked to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and neurological disorders.