Cranberries are water-harvested fruits. They are packed with nutrients to help your body ward off infections and boost overall health. In fact, throughout history, they’ve been used to treat urinary issues, upset stomachs, and liver problems.
The many and varied health benefits of cranberry juice range from relief of urinary tract infections, respiratory disorders and even cancer. Cranberries are also incredibly versatile in cooking and there are lots of ways you can include them in your diet.
Pure cranberry juice offers a myriad of health and beauty benefits on account of its high nutritional value. Let’s look at how cranberries are beneficial for us and how we can include them in our health routine.
6 Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Treats Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Urinary tract infections refer to the existence of certain micro-organisms in the urine that exceed normal levels. These infections can develop in the bladder and cause cystitis in the kidney to cause renal parenchyma, or in the prostate, resulting in bacterial prostatitis. Drink up, but do be careful how much you consume – cranberry juice is known to have high sugar content!
Heart health
Cranberry juice has been shown to lower the risk of heart-related ailments and play a role in maintaining heart and artery health. Cranberries contain flavonoids that are rich in antioxidant properties. These flavonoids help in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis – a condition where buildup of fat, calcium, and cholesterol in the artery walls causes narrowing of the arteries.
Fight Tumors
Did you know that natural cranberry juice can fight tumors? The little berries contain antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which can help to stop the growth and spread of carcinogens. This means that you can effectively prevent the formation of tumors, and you’ll find that the little berries can fight against lung, colon, breast, prostate, and a number of other tumor types.
Combats Tooth Decay
Cranberry juice is also known to prevent tooth decay. Proanthocyanidin, found in cranberries, inhibits the growth of bacteria that cause plaque and prevents the decay of teeth due to development of cavities (1).
Improve Digestive Health
The same compounds that help protect the heart also improve your digestive system function.
They can prevent the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), from growing and multiplying in the stomach lining. This is important because when H. pylori are allowed to grow out of control, stomach ulcers may form.
Prevents Cancer
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. Studies have suggested that diets rich in flavonoids play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of cancer and cancer mortality. Cranberry juice contains anti-carcinogenic components that interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those associated with colon and prostate cancer.
Are you loving cranberries as much as we are? Tell Us in the Comments!
