U.S. university researchers recently conducted a study to determine whether the blood sugar levels of Type 2 diabetes patients could be improved with the increased consumption of polyphenol-rich cranberries.

The joint study, by the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University, used two participant groups. Both ate a high-fat breakfast, but one group complemented the meal with dried cranberries while the other ate bananas.

Blood tests taken after breakfast showed those who ate cranberries had 'modest but notable' beneficial effects in blood sugar levels.

"These findings are very promising. It suggests there may be a buffering effect for blood sugar from eating polyphenol-rich cranberries. Which means that simply adding a serving of cranberries to a meal could help protect against spikes and dips in blood sugar that are related to internal damage of blood vessels," Dr. Arpita Basu of Oklahoma State University says in a release.

The research was presented at the 2015 Experimental Biology conference in Boston recently alongside several additional studies into cranberry consumption.

One common theme emerging from recent studies is that cranberries are a rich source of polyphenols - protective compounds that support the body’s antioxidant enzymes and help boost the immune system and general well-being.

Also presenting her latest research to the conference was Dr. Christina Khoo, director of research sciences at Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.

"The collective research shows that when you consume cranberries, whether in whole fruit or liquid form, their protective compounds are absorbed and present in the body," Dr. Khoo, says in the release.

"This is an important finding as we continue to understand the protective role of cranberries and the many applications for whole body health."

Photo: www.shutterstock.com

www.freshfruitportal.com