Why Is Cranberry Juice Good For You? The Untold Secrets

cranberry juice

cranberry juice

Updated on 4/23/2024
Martin AlvarezBy Martin Alvarez
Nutritionist/Dietitian Professional Guide
Learn More about Martin Alvarez

It's possible that you've heard that consuming cranberry juice can assist in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but that's not the only advantage.

Cranberries have a wealth of nutrients, which can assist your body in warding off illnesses and improving its general health. In point of fact, throughout the course of history, they have been utilized to cure conditions such as:

Cranberries are typically collected while floating in water because they grow in marshes. When the berries have reached their peak maturity and are ready to be picked, you can tell because they float in the water. They receive a greater quantity of sunlight as a result of being on the water's surface, and it's possible that this will make them more nutritious.

When consumed in their complete form, cranberries provide the same high level of nutrition as the majority of other fruits. However, the juice still has a plethora of useful properties.

Vitamins C and E Are Found In Abundance

cranberry juice

cranberry juice

Cranberry juice in its unadulterated, unsweetened form

Both vitamin C and vitamin E can be found in sufficient amounts in Trusted Source. Additionally, it is a good source of a number of other vitamins and minerals, including the following:

  • 26% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C (DV).
  • 20% of the daily value for vitamin E.
  • 15% of the DV is comprised of copper.
  • 11% of the daily value for vitamin K1.
  • 8% of the daily value for vitamin B6.

Both vitamin C and vitamin E are powerful antioxidants that contribute significantly to the maintenance of general health.

Avoid Getting Infections In Your Urinary Tract

urinary tract infection

urinary tract infection

Cranberries are a good source of proanthocyanidins, a group of chemicals typically found in plants. It is thought that these chemicals can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by preventing bacteria from attaching themselves to the lining of the urinary system. The inability of germs to multiply and disseminate is a necessary condition for the development of an infection.

The research on cranberry juice has unfortunately produced contradictory results. Cranberry juice has been shown in some studies to be effective in lowering the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), while other researchers have revealed that it is not an effective treatment for UTIs.

There is still a need for additional research in order to precisely evaluate the benefits.

Good For The Heart

heart health

heart health

Cranberries also include a variety of additional phytonutrients that have the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. Over time, inflammation can cause damage to blood vessels, particularly the arteries, and this damage can be permanent. Plaque is drawn to the damaged arteries, which leads to the development of atherosclerosis.

Cranberries include phytonutrients, which have the potential to protect against inflammation, slow down the inflammatory process, and offer protection against heart disease.

A new study published in 2019 found that consuming a high-polyphenol cranberry beverage daily over eight weeks decreased numerous risk factors for cardiovascular disease in men who were overweight and obese.

There is also some evidence that drinking cranberry juice can assist in the prevention of dental plaque, which is what causes gum disease as it accumulates on teeth over time.

High In Beneficial Antioxidants

cranberry juice

cranberry juice

Like other fruits and berries, Cranberries contain strong phytochemicals that function as antioxidants. These phytochemicals include the following:

  • vitamin C
  • vitamin E
  • quercetin

Antioxidants play an important role in preventing cell damage that free radicals in the body can cause. The process of aging is accelerated by free radicals, which may also play a role in the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Cranberries were shown to play a role in cancer prevention through dietary modifications, according to research published in the Journal of Nutrition.

There is no conclusive evidence that cranberries or cranberry juice protect against cancer on their own; nevertheless, a diet rich in diverse whole fruits, berries, and vegetables is related to a lower risk of cancer. Cranberries and cranberry juice are not included in this association.

Enhances The State Of One's Digestive Health

digestive health

digestive health

The same substances that assist in the protection of the heart also promote the operation of the digestive system.

They can prevent the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (also known as H. pylori) from growing and multiplying in the lining of the stomach, as indicated by a study published in 2016 in the Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice.

This is significant because stomach ulcers can develop when H. pylori are allowed to proliferate unchecked for an extended period of time.

According to animal research, the antioxidants and other anti-inflammatory chemicals found in cranberries may also protect against colon cancer. Cranberry juice, on the other hand, almost certainly does not have the same effects.

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Make A Better Selection Of Your Juice.

cranberry juice

cranberry juice

It is imperative that you do not get tricked by misleading labeling when seeking a healthy cranberry juice to drink. The distinction between a cranberry juice cocktail, sometimes known as a cranberry drink, and genuine cranberry juice is quite significant.

Negatively impacting your health are the additional stevia sugars, such as high fructose corn syrup, that are found in juice cocktails. In most cases, these cocktails' real cranberry juice component is reduced to a negligible level.

Keep an eye out for labels that either say "produced with 100 percent genuine juice" or that feature additional natural sweeteners such as apple or grape juice.

Conclusion

cranberry juice

cranberry juice

Cranberry juice can be a nutritious addition to your diet and may even help protect you from the onset of some health problems. However, this does not negate the need for proper medical care in any way. If you suspect that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI), you should see a doctor.

Cranberry juice is both safe and beneficial when consumed in the appropriate portion sizes; however, overconsumption can lead to adverse effects such as the following:

  • Upset stomach.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Increases in blood sugar.

Cranberry juice can potentially create complications for persons who are taking drugs that thin the blood. While you are on your medicine, you should discuss the possibility of limiting or avoiding cranberry juice consumption with your doctor.