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October 15, 2002
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM DISCUSSES CRANBERRIES
HEALTH BENEFITS
Latest research could have important relevance to the People's Republic of China
The product launch in China, a partnership between Ocean Spray and Beijing Huiyuan Beverage Group, coincides with a major research symposium which took place in Beijing on Oct. 15. The first such colloquium ever held in the People's Republic of China, this symposium was coordinated by ILSI, the International Life Sciences Institute, and was attended by a panel of prestigious international researchers discussing health benefits of cranberry.
This symposium brings together the best minds in the world in the area of cranberry health science, including Amy Howell of Rutgers University, Itzhak Ofek of Tel Aviv University and Tero Kontiokari of the University of Oulu in Finland, as well as several Chinese scientists, including Professor Shudong Xiao of Shanghai 2nd Medical University and Professor Lian Zhang of the Beijing Institute of Cancer Research.
Professor Xiao and Professor Zhang's research is of particular interest in
the Chinese community. Their early research is focused on the use of cranberry
juice drink to reduce the levels of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach. H. pylori
infections are a major health problem in China, affecting between 60 and 90
percent of the population. H. pylori is responsible for many stomach ulcers.
"While more research is needed to verify and clarify possible health benefits,
this excellent research in China is now part of a growing body of worldwide
science that suggests cranberry can play an important role in fighting harmful
bacteria in the body," said Marguerite Copel, VP of Corporate Communications and
Public Affairs, who is attending the symposium in Beijing.
Also attending from Ocean Spray are Joe Speroni, Director of Agricultural, Food & Quality Sciences, and Steve Henig, Senior Vice President of Technology & Innovation, who will be talking to researchers and media contacts about the growing global interest of the cranberry and it's unique health benefits. Members of the cooperative's ITG group, including Team Lead Graham West, are also attending the events in Beijing.