LiTechSci

I thought this would be a good to post on, since Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

At the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, a group of researchers from Worcester Polytechnical Institute released information on the effects cranberries on E. Coli. They found that tannins found only in cranberries prevent E. Coli bacteria from attaching to cells within the human body, a necessary step for E. Coli to cause infection.

Cranberry prevents infection in a couple of ways. Cranberry juice creates a barrier that keeps the bacteria away from urinary tract lining and causes the tendrils on the bacteria to shrivel, making it harder for the bacteria to attach itself. To further demonstrate the effect of cranberry on E. Coli, bacteria grown in cranberry juice cannot produce biofilm, which is needed for infection.

Early results show that the more cranberry products you consume, the stronger their effects are on E. Coli. So, make sure you get an extra serving of the maroon canned goo this Thanksgiving.

Reference: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-11/wpi-csg111307.php

Posted by Administrator under Science |