Cranberry juice protects against bladder infections. According to researchers, the extract of the fruit can eliminate the presence of the bacteria Proteus mirabilis, which is responsible for serious bladder infections. Most often, infections occur after the use of catheters, allowing for wounding and easy entry of harmful bacteria into the body. Certain chemicals contained in the cranberry neutralize and prevent the reproduction of pathogens. Blueberry fruits are rich in vitamins, trace elements, minerals, tannins and flavonoids, essential fatty acids – linoleic acid, alpha linoleic acid, carotenoids and phytosterols. They contain about 6% arbutin, traces of hydroquinone, about 8% catechin tannins, the flavonoid substances quercetin, hyperoside, isoquercetin, ursolic, chlorogenic and caffeic acids, vitamin C. NEWS_MORE_BOX Previous studies prove that the consumption of cranberry juice, as well as the fruits, prevent inflammations and infections of the urinary tract. This is due to the presence of proanthocyanidins and flavanols, which prevent the attachment of the bacterium Escherichia coli to the walls of the bladder and urinary tract and stop the formation of resistant colonies. The most common urinary tract infections affect the bladder – cystitis. In medical circles, these infections are not considered dangerous, provided that they are treated in time and correctly. When a urinary infection is not addressed, the microorganisms reach the kidneys. Kidney infections are serious illnesses and carry the risk of permanent kidney damage. The study is published in the online edition of Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.