The Super Fruit Handbook: Cranberry Juice Alters E-coli Membrane

In the February 2006 edition of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, a published article from Terri Camesano from Worchester Polytechnic Institute Camesano showed that E. coli fimbriae exposed to cranberry juice become compressed. Fimbriae are tiny tendrils on the outer membrane of certain types of E. coli bacteria that is most responsible for the urinary tract infections. Since the fimbriae is compressed this prevents it from binding tightly to the urinary tract, thus greatly reducing its ability to remain in place long enough to begin a UTI.

Additional research from Camesano indicates that cranberry juice can transform E. coli in even more radical ways than previously understand. In a study conducted on bacteria grown in various environments of either cranberry tannins or cranberry juice, the E. coli bacteria actually transformed behavior from a gram-negative to exhibiting gram-positive behavior.

E. coli is normally a gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium, however when it was exposed to the cranberry environment, it transformed into a spherical-shaped bacterium and exhibited behavior of a gram-positive bacteria. Since positive and negative bacteria differ primarily in structure the results suggest that the cranberry can alter E. coli's membrane.

In addition, Camesano also presented preliminary findings that when E. coli is exposed to cranberry juice, the E. coli loses its ability to secrete indole. Indole is a molecule that is involved in bacterial communication called quorum sensing. This communication is used by the E. coli to determine if enough bacteria is present to launch a successful infection attack. If the E. coli can't communicate, it may not be able to launch an attack on the body.

Here are a few suggestions to get the E-coli fighting properties of the cranberry:

o Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are available straight from the farm market or the produce section of your local store during harvest season. They can also be shipped directing to your door from Internet-based companies.

o Cranberry Juice Concentrate and Ready-to-Drink cranberry juice: Cranberry juice concentrate and ready-to-drink juice are available from your local grocery store year round. This a quick and tasty way to add the cranberry to your diet.

o Dried Cranberries: Add a handful to your morning cereal or grab some for a healthy snack while taking a road trip. One source for dried cranberries is Traverse Bay Farms www.traversebayfarms.com. The company will ship them directly to your home or office.

o Cranberry Capsules: Unlike cranberry juice, cranberry capsules deliver the entire fruit including the skin and the pulp of the fruit without all of the sugar. Cranberry capsules deliver 100% of the phytochemicals of the cranberry.One source for cranberry capsules is Fruit Advantage.

If you are looking to fight urinary tract infections naturally, consider adding cranberry juice and cranberry products to your daily routine. This Women's Formula not only helps maintain a healthy urinary tract system also addresses the pressing concerns of many women including maintain health phyotoestrogen levels. Also download a free copy with of the Super Fruit Handbook at the Super Fruit Handbook website.

Russ Anderson is an avid writer about the the natural benefits of food. Download a free copy of the Super Fruit Handbook at http://www.superfruithandbook.com. To learn more about the cranberry visit http://www.traversebayfarms.com