Researchers have revealed that cranberry juice may be able to protect against viruses.
A study by experts based in New York has found that cranberry juice is capable of neutralizing a number of viruses, including bacteriophages T2 and T4.
The juice reduced the viral infectivity of both bacteriophages to a level where no virus infectivity was measurable, according to the Food Navigator website.
In similar tests using orange and grapefruit juices, viral infectivity was reduced to 25 and 35 per cent respectively.
Writing in the journal Phytomedicine, researchers from St Francis College, Mt Sinai School of Medicine and New York University revealed: "The data suggest, for the first time, a non-specific antiviral effect towards unrelated viral species by a commercially available cranberry fruit juice drink."
They concluded: "Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism(s) of our findings and, of equal importance, proceed to animal model systems."
Cranberries have already been found to prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria to the urinary tract wall and may also inhibit bacteria linked with gum disease and stomach ulcers.
Researchers have revealed that cranberry juice may be able to protect against viruses.
