There are indeed several health benefits of cranberry juice that do include relief from urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory disorders, kidney stones, cancer, and heart diseases. It is also indeed beneficial in preventing stomach disorders and diabetes, as well as gum diseases caused by dental plaque. Phytonutrients, which are naturally derived, plant compounds, that are present in the fruit juice and also have been found to prevent a wide range of health problems.
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What is Cranberry Juice?
Cranberry juice is the juice that is made from cranberries, which are one of the native fruits of North America. The juice is rich in nutrients and is also useful in food as well as in medicinal products. The Latin name for the cranberry plant is Vaccinium macrocarpon. Cranberries have a tremendous amount of anti-oxidant capacity as compared to other types of vegetables and fruits such as broccoli, spinach, and apples. One cup of cranberries measures a total 8983 antioxidant capacity.
Uses of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice, is made from the fruit extract or cranberry concentrate, that is used to make various sauces and cranberry juice cocktail. About one liter of juice can be extracted from 1500 grams of fresh cranberries. Cranberry juice cocktails are indeed approximately 30% pure cranberry juice mixed with artificial sweetener or fructose.
The fruit extract is also made use of to make medicines, gels, and tonics for its healing benefits. Dried cranberries are also very healthy and can also be enjoyed with breakfast cereals, energy bars, granola bars, trail mixes that can be added to muffins.
Nutritional Value of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. By containing only 45 calories per cup, cranberry juice does fit very well within the dietary guidelines. It provides energy, protein, and carbohydrates. As far as minerals are concerned it has calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K (phylloquinone). Cranberries are members of the Ericaceae family and are native to North America.
Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has been in use for long time for curing various illnesses.
Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
A urinary tract infection does refer to the existence of certain micro-organisms in the urine that do exceed normal levels. These infections can also develop in the bladder and also causes cystitis in the kidney to cause renal parenchyma, or in the prostate, resulting in bacterial prostatitis. Studies have also shown that cranberry juice does contain proanthocyanidins that does possess anti-clinging properties, which do prevent the bacteria from binding itself to the cells on the walls of the bladder. These compounds do prevent bacteria from multiplying further and also flush them out of the body through urination.
Research does indicate that drinking cranberry juice regularly does help prevent recurring UTIs in middle-aged a well as among pregnant women. It is beneficial in reducing the risk of UTI amongst women undergoing elective benign gynecological surgery. Cranberry juice may also be able to help in preventing pediatric urinary tract infection
Antitumor Effects
The anti-tumor efficacy that has been offered by cranberry juice is indeed been attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds within the fruit. Studies do suggested that regular consumption of cranberry juice does inhibit the development as well as spreading of lung, breast, colon, prostate and other cancers. Cranberry juice does contain a high amount of salicylic acid which can also help reduce swelling and prevent blood clots, and eliminate tumors.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Cranberry juice can also help lower the risk of heart-related ailments and also assist in sustaining cardiovascular health. The flavonoids present in cranberries have antioxidant properties and can decrease the threat of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which the arteries are indeed narrowed on account of the build-up of fat, calcium, and cholesterol found in blood. This does obstruct the flow of oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body and can also lead to potentially fatal outcomes such as heart attacks as well as strokes. These compounds have indeed shown to delay as well as suppress the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) and also beneficially stimulate the blood platelets.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Cranberry juice does prevent tooth cavities. Proanthocyanidins, a chemical compound present in cranberries does inhibit harmful bacteria from clinging to teeth. These components do inhibit acid production and also protect the teeth from periodontal diseases by preventing the growth of plaque. Good oral hygiene, along with the consumption of cranberries, does disrupt the pathogenic mechanism of dental caries and generally does make for good dental health. One needs to watch out for its sugar content.
Avoids Respiratory Infections
Cranberry juice does help inhibit certain strains of the Haemophilus influenza, which is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections among children. The juice does inhibit the bacteria’s hair-like structures, thus inhibiting them from adhering to the surface of the skin.
Prevents Cancer
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which does inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. Studies have also suggested that diets rich in flavonoids do play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of cancer as well as cancer mortality. Cranberry juice also contains anti-carcinogenic components that do interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those that are associated with colon and prostate cancer. Proanthocyanidins can stop micro-tumors from developing in the blood vessels. Regular intake of cranberry juice does prevent the rapid growth of tumors. Chemicals prevalent in cranberries also prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.
Strengthens Bones and Teeth
Although cranberry juice is a natural source of calcium, many juice companies do add extra calcium to cranberry juice. Natural or otherwise, calcium does reduce the risk of getting osteoporosis.
Cures Cold
Fresh cranberry juice is effective in fighting infections. It does cure sore throats as well as colds.
Weight Loss
Cranberry juice is also rich in organic acids, which do have an emulsifying effect on the fat deposits in one’s body. One must lose extra kilos.
Prevents Kidney Stones
The high amount of acid components in cranberry juice does prevent kidney stone formation.
Treats Peptic ulcers
Foods rich in flavonoids, such as cranberries, apples, and garlic does help reduce the risk of stomach disorders, including stomach ulcers, by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria.
Prevents Scurvy
Deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy. Cranberries do provide high levels of vitamin C, which are also vital for the body to make collagen, which is essential for the healthy functioning of tissues.
Treats Lung inflammation
The anti-inflammatory effects of cranberry juice have proved to be effective against the inflammation that has been caused in the lungs by the influenza virus. A substance called nondialyzable material or NDM that is present in cranberries does prevent the influenza virus from sticking to the cells, thus preventing a flu infection.
Anti-aging Benefits
Phytonutrients and antioxidants that are available in cranberries help in protecting the problems that do develop with age, such as memory loss and also lack of coordination. Cranberries do have a multitude of therapeutic properties that do protect the cells from damage caused by unstable molecules referred to as free radicals that cause aging, and thus helps in making the skin look younger.