Cranberry Juice Promotes Heart Health

LONDONCranberry juice may help lower blood pressure and promote cardiovascular health by inhibiting Endothelin-1 synthesis, according to new research from Queen Mary University that compared the cardioprotective potential of cranberry juice and that of red wine, cocoa and green tea.

Red wine has long been associated with heart health, but this new study shows that cranberry juice is a very promising alcohol-free alternative, said Dr. Roger Corder. We have now identified oligomeric procyanidins as the specific compound in cranberries that can boost the health of blood vessels, helping to prevent blood vessel constriction, which is a leading cause of high blood pressure.

The study was published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.