Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits? ›

Cranberries have anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to their high amounts of antioxidants, especially anthocyanins and flavanols, which give cranberries their dark hue. “Antioxidants have been shown to reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases because they can help lower inflammation in our bodies,” says O'Neill.

Cranberry juice is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and key nutrients. It may also help prevent UTIs, support a healthy gut, and help manage some chronic conditions, like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Although cranberry juice is safe to consume in moderation, drinking too much can cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. In the past, it was believed that cranberry juice can slow the growth of bacteria and therefore is useful in treating urinary tract infections.

Cranberry fruit is high in antioxidants, partly from substances called proanthocyanidins, which give cranberries their vibrant color. Antioxidants neutralize particles in the body known as free radicals, which damage DNA and are thought to contribute to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other conditions.

If you replace lost fluids with plain water, you can end up diluting essential electrolytes like sodium until your cells can't function properly. For proper hydration you need both electrolytes and water. So the minerals in cranberry juice can help keep you hydrated, but at the cost of a high sugar intake.

Aspirinallergy: Cranberries contain significant amounts of salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is similar to aspirin. Avoid drinking large quantities of cranberry juice if you are allergic to aspirin. Diabetes: Some cranberry juice products are sweetened with extra sugar.

The cranberry is also a contender when it comes to antioxidant content. While wild blueberries outperform them when it comes to measuring both antioxidant capacity and cellular antioxidant activity, cranberries pack their own health punch.

Cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can increase your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is because oxalates bind to calcium when you consume a lot of them, especially if you're already prone to kidney stones ( 3 , 4 ).

To avoid excess consumption of added sugars and maximize the potential benefits of cranberry juice, it is best to choose pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. While cranberry juice is safe for most people, consuming too much can lead to side effects, like upset stomach and diarrhea.

Cranberry overdose can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Discontinue cranberry immediately, and if symptoms persist, seek medical help or contact Poison Control.

Is there a lot of sugar in cranberry juice? ›

While cranberry juice and co*cktail contain similar amounts of carbohydrates from sugar, pure, unsweetened cranberry juice is a better option since it has more nutrients and fewer additives. Both cranberry juice and cranberry co*cktail contain around 30 grams of sugar per cup (236 mL).

Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent bacteria from sticking on the walls of the bladder. This may help reduce bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to try and treat UTIs, particularly in high risk groups such as older people.

Cranberry juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system healthy and functioning properly. It fights against oxidative stress from free radicals and helps kill harmful bacteria. Some studies also link low vitamin C intake to poor immune function.

Drinking cranberry juice in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. It can be a convenient way to boost the vitamins and minerals in your day. However, be sure to also enjoy fruit in its whole-food form (whether it's fresh, frozen or canned) as this will allow you to get more fiber.

Drinking cranberry juice is a common recommendation to protect against UTIs, mainly due to its plant compounds called polyphenols, says Tamburello. Research points to cranberries' ability to prevent the adherence of pathogenic bacteria in the urinary tract, and help lower inflammation.

Many people consider cranberries to be a superfood due to their high nutrient and antioxidant content. In fact, research has linked the nutrients in cranberries to a lower risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), the prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, and decreased blood pressure.

Cranberries are filled with vitamin C and salicylic acid. The vitamin C present in cranberries is known for helping individuals achieve glowy skin and visibly eliminate blemishes. These two components work together to also help reduce hyper-pigmentation, eliminate acne scars, and lighten blemishes.

Healthy levels of cholesterol and blood pressure directly affect kidney health, as the kidney acts as a filter for the blood passing through the body. The juice from cranberries is also shown to keep pathogenic bacteria from accumulating at the walls of the kidneys and can prevent infections or diseases from occurring.

There was no influence on blood testosterone or serum CRP levels. There was no statistically significant improvement in the control group. The results of the present trial are the first firm evidence that cranberries may ameliorate LUTS, independent of benign prostatic hyperplasia or C-reactive protein level.

A growing body of research suggests that the use of cranberries as part of a healthy diet can help maintain a beneficial population of gut microbiota. Healthy gut microbiota can protect the body against germs, assist with immunity and may inhibit release of inflammatory substances.