The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has both anecdotal and scientific pieces of evidence to show that it can prevent infections and also reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Cranberries have essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which is why it is considered a superfood. The juice is not only a delicious thirst quencher, but it comes with a lot of health benefits. Check out the rest of this article to learn more about the many benefits of cranberry juice.
Anti-Aging
Free radicals are present everywhere, and once they get inside the body, they cause cellular degradation through oxidative stress resulting in aging. Studies show that oxidative stress is also linked to diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart diseases. Since cranberry juice contains a high oxidative value, it can fight off the harmful effects of free radicals. Studies show that the berries are more potent regarding antioxidative properties, but the juice works too.
Improved Heart Health
The many compounds in cranberry juice can improve heart health. Cranberries contain high amounts of polyphenols that can support healthy heart health. Studies show that cranberry juice can increase the antioxidants found in blood plasma. It also can lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). Other studies suggest that the mean carotid-femoral artery pulse wave velocity can also be reduced among people who regularly consume cranberry juice.
Cranberry Juice Prevents Urinary Tract Infection
One of the most popular health benefits of cranberry juice is that it can treat urinary tract infection. In a study published in Frontiers in Microbiology, cranberry juice was shown to reduce the number of colonizing E. coli in the bladder. This bacterium is the common cause of most urinary tract infections. In another study in 2016, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine noted that cranberry juice could reduce harmful bacteria in urine cultures from boys who regularly consumed it compared to those who drank the placebo.
Supports Better Digestion
There is increasing evidence that cranberry juice can help promote better digestion. Cranberry juice contains high amounts of phytochemicals that can reduce inflammation within the gut. Moreover, cranberry juice is also known to inhibit the production of H. pylori that is the common cause of bacterial ulcers in the stomach.
Prevents Infections
Compounds found in cranberries can fight off viral and bacterial infection. Several studies noted that cranberry juice could inhibit the proliferation of seven harmful microbes including norovirus that causes food-borne diseases. However, further studies need to be conducted to confirm this claim.
Support Female Health
Women’s health can be complicated due to hormonal changes. Cranberry juice can be beneficial among women who are in their menopause stage. Menopause makes women at risk to heart problems and other diseases. A study in 2013 noted that consumption of cranberry juice on laboratory rats that have their ovaries and uterus removed reduced their total cholesterol level.
Cranberry juice presents a lot of benefits to the body, but it is essential to take note that it can interact with certain medications particularly warfarin. Having said this, it is crucial that you don’t take cranberry juice while taking warfarin as the effect will be too much thinning of the blood. Nothing in this article is intended to be medical advice, and you should consult your doctor about using cranberry juice with any of the things above.
Inspired by www.medicalnewstoday.com
