With its tart taste and flaming red appearance, the cranberry may not appear to be the friendliest of fruits.

But new research suggests this berry could prove crucial in combatting debilitating intestinal viral infections which trigger thousands of cases of gastroenteritis in the UK each year.

Scientists in New York have discovered cranberry juice may actually be able to block the virus's ability to infect intestinal cells.

The fruit can prevent infections from attacking the body by targeting the virus before it reaches the cells of the intestine.

The discovery is also being tipped as a further boost in the fight against the intestinal viral infections responsible for thousands of infant deaths around the world.

Nutritionist Annie McRae, who works at clinics in Prince Edwards Road in Lewes and Goldstone Chiropractic Clinic in Hove, says:

"It seems something in the cranberries has the capacity to block the viral infections from entering the cells of the gut.

"A virus can only replicate and start attacking the body once it has entered the cells so cranberries may stop the infection at an earlier stage.

"By catching the infection earlier the fruit may be able to curb the extent and the virility of the infection.

"The gut of a baby is so tiny and the system may not be mature enough to fight infection.

"To be able to give a child something like cranberries is a natural approach and an alternative to antibiotics."

This latest discovery is only the latest in a long line of health benefits associated with the fruit.

The berry has long been known for its treatment of common urinary tract infections such as cystitis.

Like other strongly-coloured berries, the cranberry is also filled with antioxidants attributed with reducing cancer and heart disease.

Annie says: "The berry has anti-cancer properties which inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells and it is also high in potassium reducing cramps and spasms in the stomach.

"By increasing the amount of cranberries you eat you are going to increase your health in many ways without even realising it."