| Cranberries are native to North America and | | | | is not. It is also considered to be the more |
| grow in acid peat bogs. American cranberries | | | | significant of the two omegas. Omega 3 is an |
| (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are perennial evergreen | | | | antecedent of both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) |
| plants with flowering bud at the end of their | | | | and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They are two |
| upright branches. The fruit has historically been | | | | components that are not readily made by human |
| consumed whole or pressed for juice. The pulp | | | | metabolism. The production of these chemicals is |
| has gone to waste until it was discovered it was | | | | noted for their cardiovascular protection benefits |
| rich in antioxidants. Heat can destroy some of the | | | | and anti-inflammatory effects. |
| antioxidants, and consumption of the raw product | | | | Omega 3 from fish is physiologically beneficial, but |
| is not practical; given the harsh taste of the prime | | | | the overwhelming smell and fishy taste is often |
| ingredient quinnic acid. Omega 3 from cranberries | | | | repugnant to its users. Cranberry seeds, however, |
| is present, to a lesser extent, in dried cranberries. | | | | offer no offensive odor or fishy taste and are |
| However, the most practical method for capturing | | | | packed with nutrients. Omega 3 from cranberries |
| the beneficial aspects of the fruit is the processing | | | | offers the same benefits in a natural renewable |
| of the oil. The pulp seeds are compressed in a | | | | resource. In addition, there is the ideal balance of |
| cold press at no more than 100 degrees F. The | | | | omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids. |
| extracted product is described as: "... a | | | | Further components of cranberries include omega |
| substantially clear appearance with a pale yellow | | | | 9 (oleic acid), plant sterols (phytosterools) that |
| color." | | | | may favorably alter cholesterol levels, and the |
| To understand why the recovery of this essential | | | | antioxidants vitamin E (all 8 isomers), carotenoids, |
| fatty acid from cranberries is such a promising | | | | phospholipids and other phytonutrients. |
| operation, we must first understand about the | | | | The cranberries are cold pressed to obtain the oil |
| omegas. There are two types: omega 3 and | | | | from the pinhead sized seeds.. The cold press |
| omega 6. The former is linoleic acid which is | | | | process is chemical free and the resulting product |
| present in many vegetable based foods. The | | | | is used in the industries of cosmetics, |
| focus of our discussion is alpha-linolenic acid which | | | | neutraceutical, food supplements and others. |