Surprising Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are one of the native fruits of North America. It’s a versatile fruit and their benefits make them useful in food as well as in medicinal products. Cranberries have a tremendous amount of antioxidant capacity as compared to other vegetables and fruits like broccoli, spinach, and apples. Cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and salicylic acid. By containing only 45 calories per cup, cranberry juice fits very well within the dietary guidelines.

Cranberry juice also contains 87.13 g water per 100 g. It provides energy, protein, and carbohydrates.  For minerals, it contains calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin E , & K.

Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Soothes Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of cranberry juice work extremely well in treating inflammation, particularly lung inflammation, caused by the influenza virus

Strengthens Bones and Teeth: Although cranberry juice is a natural source of calcium, many juice companies add extra calcium to cranberry juice. Natural or otherwise, calcium reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis.

Cures Cold: Fresh cranberry juice is effective in fighting infections. It cures sore throats & colds.

Improves Cardiovascular Health: It can help lower the risk of heart-related ailments and assist in sustaining cardiovascular health. The flavonoids present in cranberries have antioxidant properties and may decrease the threat of atherosclerosis.

Aids Weight Loss: Cranberry juice has an emulsifying effect on the fats deposited in the body which, in turn, help in losing weight.

Prevents Tooth Decay:  Good oral hygiene, along with the consumption of cranberries, disrupts the pathogenic mechanism of dental caries and generally makes for good dental health. At the same time, one should watch out for the soaring sugar content and the acidity of some commercially available cranberry juices. It prevents tooth cavities.

Curbs Yeast Infection: Cranberries are also known to curb a rare kind of infection known as yeast infection. Yeast infection is caused due to an overgrowth of naturally

Avoids Respiratory Infections: Cranberry juice helps inhibit certain strains of the Haemophilus influenza, which is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. The juice inhibits the bacteria’s hair-like structures, inhibiting them from adhering to the surface of the skin.

Prevents Cancer: Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. Cranberry juice contains anti-carcinogenic components that interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those associated with colon and prostate cancer.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Urinary tract infections refer to the existence of certain micro-organisms in the urine that exceed normal levels. Regular intake of cranberry juice has also been proven beneficial for patients undergoing other treatments in the hospitals as a guard against the urinary tract diseases.

Antitumor Effects: Studies have suggested that regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon, prostate, and other cancers. Cranberry juice contains a high amount of salicylic acid which can help reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and eliminate tumors.

Promotes Hair Growth: It’s considered to be one of the best fruit juices for long and lustrous hair.