Cranberries May Help Many Ailments Scientists from Tel Aviv University have discovered that the proanthocyanidins (PCOs) in cranberries can stop the ulcer-causing bacteria H. pylori adhering to the stomach lining, in the same way that they prevent bacteria sticking to the urinary tract - preventing or reducing cystitis. This specific anti-adhesion action of PCOs comes from an ability to wrap themselves around bacteria, putting out of action the microscopic protrusions normally used for grabbing on to moist linings in the body. Cranberry PCOs could also be useful in the mouth. Work published in the Journal of the American Dental Association indicated their anti-adhesion effect could help stop the mouth bacteria F. nucleatum from sticking to teeth and triggering periodontal gum disease. Future studies could ascertain the usefulness of cranberry products in preventing anything from middle ear infections to prostatitis, and, in the process, reduce reliance on antibiotic drugs. But the possible health benefits locked inside the fruit of the cranberry bush do not end there. Early laboratory results from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse in America reveal cranberry juice to be an effective antioxidant capable of stopping changes in cholesterol, which in humans may reduce the risk of blocked arteries. As the juice works its protective magic, oil from the cranberry seed may also prove useful. It contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, normally found in fish oil, along with rich sources of vitamin E; medical circles think that such compounds could help reduce the risk of blood clots and even some cancers