At least one holiday dish was beneficial to our health.
Written by Susan Parker | Updated on May 28, 2025
Reviewed by Susan Parker
11 sources cited
Overview
It's likely that you associate a particular tangy red fruit with the holiday season. From Thanksgiving through Christmas, it makes an appearance on most dining tables at least once. But were you aware that cranberries could potentially help combat the global threat posed by antibiotic-resistant "superbugs"? This is significant news considering that both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have identified antibiotic resistance as a "global public health concern."1 To illustrate, the CDC approximates that antibiotic-resistant bacteria infect a minimum of two million individuals and lead to 23,000 deaths annually in the United States.2 Could cranberries offer a solution? Let's delve deeper...Understanding Superbugs
You might have observed that in recent years, healthcare providers have become more cautious in prescribing antibiotics. The overuse of these medications has inadvertently spurred bacteria to evolve and become more resilient. According to the Mayo Clinic, the term "superbugs" refers to bacterial strains that are resistant to most of the antibiotics currently in use. Resistant bacteria causing conditions like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections are just a few of the threats we are currently facing.3 Some experts warn that it may just be a matter of time before one of these superbugs triggers an epidemic that we are ill-equipped to handle.How Cranberries Can Offer Assistance
For a long time, researchers have praised the potent antioxidants found in cranberries, with a common belief being that they could aid in combating urinary tract infections (UTIs). Now, there is emerging evidence suggesting that cranberries might also play a role in fighting bacteria. Recent studies conducted at McGill University in Canada reveal that molecules present in cranberries can enhance bacteria's sensitivity to antibiotics. Combining both could prove beneficial.4Dealing a Blow to Dangerous Bacteria
Researchers have observed that when exposed to cranberry-derived molecules, pathogenic bacteria become more receptive to lower doses of antibiotics. Furthermore, the bacteria do not develop resistance to the antibiotics. The researchers have identified two ways in which cranberry extract amplifies bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics. Firstly, it enhances the permeability of the bacterial cell wall to the antibiotic. Secondly, it disrupts the bacteria's mechanism for blocking the antibiotic. These findings are truly promising. Additionally, cranberries offer a host of other health benefits. They are ranked just below blueberries in terms of antioxidant strength and are rich in anti-inflammatory properties. Studies also indicate that they can promote gut health and improve circulation.67 However, it's essential to note that every silver lining has its cloud. I experienced stomach upset after consuming large quantities of pure, undiluted organic cranberry juice for a week.- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6188119/
- https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/about.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/superbugs/faq-20129283
- Adv. Sci. 2019, 1802333. DOI: 10.1002/advs.201802333
- https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2019-05/mu-cjf052719.php
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/omi.2016.0167
- https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.012583
