Researchers at the University of Illinois in the US have been studying the health effects of wild blueberries and cranberries since 1994. In preliminary studies, they found blueberry flavonoids inhibit enzymes involved in the initial stages of cancer development. The University of Illinois research team, led by Dr. Mary Ann Smith, also studied the effects of the proanthocyanidins, another class of phytochemicals, which preliminary research indicates may be beneficial to cardiovascular health. Proanthocyanidins are also found in cranberries. For years, the lay public and medical community alike believed drinking cranberry juice decreased the risk and helped alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections.
Folk medicine advises cranberry juice for urinary infections and kidney stones.
Evidence, however, was lacking until a Harvard University study proved that regular consumption of cranberry juice does in fact help maintain urinary tract health. It appears that cranberry juice inhibits E. coli ability to stick to the urinary track wall and cause urinary tract infections. According to researchers, you don't need to buy the health food variety of berries, which are often expensive, to get the benefits. Fillings in cakes, pies, jams and other foods offers some of the same benefits. The next time you go to the supermarket, don't pass up that blueberry jam so popular in Japan.