Cranberries for Heart Disease?

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"Atherosclerosis 'popularly, if inaccurately, called "hardening of the arteries"] is the deposition of plaques containing cholesterol and lipids in 'artery] walls. Atherosclerosis causes cardiovascular 'heart and blood system] disease that lead to heart attacks and stroke. Mortality from these diseases is the leading cause of death in the U.S....'It] starts with the uptake of oxidized LDL 'low density lipoproteins, the "bad guys" in the blood] endothelial 'lining of blood vessels] macrophages, the accumulation of 'harmful] foam cells 'inside] the artery and the formation of fatty streaks...

"Research indicates that consumption of flavonoids 'including those in cranberries] in foods and beverages may decrease the risk of atherosclerosis...in vivo 'live animal] experiments with flavonoids demonstrate that 'they] are dietary antioxidants and inhibit the 'harmful] LDL oxidation, inhibit platelet 'clumping, which may lead to blockages in blood vessels]...'and may induce beneficial relaxation of blood vessels,]...and may  decrease total and LDL cholesterol. Cranberries contain both flavonoids and 'another group of beneficial substances called] hydroxycinnamic acids." Emphases added.

More to come on cranberries including their effectiveness against Pylori, which causes stomach ulcers, and more.

Cranberries for Heart Disease? Bibliography

Food Sci. & Nutr., vol. 42, 2002. J. Reed, Dept. of Animal Sciences, U. of Wisconsin-Madison, 53706