Demand for cranberries, pomegranate, lemon, ginger and other foods used in natural remedies have rocketed following support from Prince Charles, says supermarket Sainsbury’s.
Cranberry sales have jumped a massive 67% year-on-year, which amounts to over 200,000 punnets, since the launch of the study into alternative therapies sponsored by the Prince at the start of October.
Cranberries are believed to help combat kidney infections and cystitis while pomegranates, which are up 79% year-on-year, may help maintain a healthy heart.
A spokeswoman from Clarence House [at the time the report was published] said: “The Prince hoped to further encourage an informed debate about how an evidence based integrated approach to health, which draws on the best of both orthodox and complementary medicines, might offer wider benefits.”
Ginger is up 15% and is believed to improve blood flow while lemons, which are commonly used to treat colds and flus, have also seen an increase of 15% in sales compared to the same time last year.
Sainsbury’s Marcus Hoggarth said: “We believe the Prince’s study may have persuaded many people to try these natural remedies for themselves.
“The biggest impact has been upon fresh cranberries and pomegranates, which have sold in record volumes since the Prince’s report was launched.
“Recent research has also suggested the fresh berries may help prevent the formation of kidney stones and help lower cholesterol levels.”
Notes to editors:
1. The report by economist Christopher Smallwood was commissioned by the Prince of Wales, and published in October 2005
· The report concluded that complementary therapies should be given a greater role in the NHS
· The report covered the ‘Big Five’ complementary and alternative therapies – osteopathy and chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine
2. Product background information:
Cranberries
Cranberries may reduce bladder infections. They also help to maintain a healthy heart and also may have anti-inflammatory benefits, as they have anti-fungal and antiviral properties. It is also thought that small amounts of cranberries may benefit kidney stone sufferers. The condensed tannins in cranberries have strong antioxidant properties
Pomegranates
Pomegranates and pomegranate juice have been singled out for their amazing health benefits and versatility. Studies have shown the fruit can aid fertility, protect against heart disease and help prevent wrinkles.
Ginger
The documented health benefits of ginger go back nearly 2,000 years. It is a well-known remedy for preventing nausea, especially morning-sickness and travel sickness. It's also considered a useful aid to digestion, a good circulatory stimulant and has been shown to be effective in helping to lower blood pressure and reduce blood clotting.
Lemons
Lemons are a mutation from limes. They originated from the Punjab in Pakistan and India. Lemons were unknown to the Romans. The Arabs introduced lemons into the Mediterranean in 1100 . Early Mediterranean lemon production started in Italy near Genoa. Columbus took lemons with him on his voyage in 1493
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