Cranberry Health Benefits
For centuries the cranberry has been recognized for its inherent health benefits but only recently has it been scientifically studied. The North American Cranberry is the only fruit in the world with a health claim. Since 1984, there have been a number of discoveries on the health benefits of cranberries and the list is growing. Perhaps the most widely recognized heath benefit for cranberries is their anti-adhesion effect on certain bacteria. Decas Botanical Synergies cranberry-based powders contain natural cranberry compounds called proanthocyanidins (PACs). PACs are the compounds believed responsible for the anti-stick mechanism that allows cranberry to help maintain urinary tract, gut, and oral health. Cranberry PACs disable harmful bacteria in the body so the "bugs are simply swept away."

Not all PACs are the same. Though many plant sources contain PACs, a recent study titled "A-type Cranberry Proanthocyanidins and Uropathogenic Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity" Neto, et. al., and published in Phytochemistry (2005) has shown that North American cranberry A-link PACs are the only PACs that provide bacterial anti-adhesion activity.

Cranberry is most well known for its ability to support urinary tract health, but ever increasing dossier of emerging science has shown that cranberries may also provide health benefits throughout the body. Its dual anti-adhesion and antioxidant properties have established the cranberry status as the healthy berry.

Studies Dossier - Download in PDF Format

PACs (Proanthocyanidins)
Proanthocyanidins (PACs) are a class of biologically active flavonoids found throughout the plant kingdom, and are one of the most potent antioxidants in nature. Typically concentrated in the bark of trees and in the outer shells of fruits and seeds, proanthocyanidins serve to protect plants against oxidative elements such as oxygen and sunshine.

PACs are the phytochemical responsible for many of the health benefits associated with cranberries. Science has shown that cranberries contain unique A-type PACs that provide bacterial anti-adhesive properties and help promote urinary tract, gastrointestinal, oral health, etc. PACs are the "power of the cranberry." When choosing a cranberry ingredient, think PACs and clinical support first.

Cranberry Health Claim
On December 3, 2004 the French Food Authority (AFSSA) approved a health claim for the North American Cranberry PACs. The claim states that any product containing North American Cranberry PACs can "help reduce the adhesion of certain E. coli bacteria to the urinary tract walls."