Cranberry Juice Benefits: A Refreshing Boost for Your Health
Well-known for its deep red color and sweet-tart taste, cranberry juice is a classic drink that is great for quenching your thirst, Whether you are looking for an alternative to water or other healthy juices, Cranberry juice is healthy for you but do you know how much is a good amount to drink?
Cranberry Juice is a perfect source of vitamin C and has an approx 250ml serving and is 39% of the recommended daily consumption of vitamin C. It is crucial for the health of blood vessels, heart, and health of your skin. Vitamin C is crucial for lots of different things in the body and it improves overall health too. This stops free radicals from damaging cells and DNA in your body. Also, it might help you avoid getting diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and more.
Vitamin C helps you to heal after getting hurt and enhances your immune system among other things. Vitamin C is not just the only thing in cranberry juice that is good for you. Cranberry juice has a lot of other antioxidants such as Peonidin, Myricetin, Anthocyanins, Proanthocyanidins, and Quercetin are all good for your body. Also, these antioxidants are mostly found in the skins of cranberries that are ripe for a long time. Cranberry juice has fewer antioxidants and doesn’t have the skins. Let’s find out more ways through which cranberry juice benefits our health.
Benefits of drinking Cranberry juice
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Cranberry Juice Improves Cardiovascular Health
Cranberry Juice improves cardiovascular health and may lower the blood pressure levels. By incorporating them in a regular diet they might also improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol in younger adults.
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Cranberry Juice improves Immune health
Cranberry Juice is a perfect source of vitamin C which is crucial for immune system function. Research suggests that inadequate vitamin C consumption will lead to impaired immunity and a high risk of infections.
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Cranberry Juice prevents Infection
Research suggests that components of cranberry will promote oral health because they possess antibacterial activity and will prevent bacteria from binding together and the formation of dental plaque. It is one of the best advantages of Cranberry Juice. Moreover, it is crucial to note that cranberry juice should not be used in the place of antibiotics.
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Cranberry Juice prevents UTI
Cranberry Juice is a well-studied home treatment for UTIs. Also, it is believed that the chemical compounds that are known as proanthocyanidins in cranberries will help prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract.
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Cranberry Juice improves Cardiovascular Health
By drinking cranberry juice you can improve your heart health. The active ingredients in Cranberry Juice have vasorelaxing properties. It will also lower blood pressure or hypertension. Also, cranberry juice such as red wine helps relax blood vessels due to its polyphenol content and it lowers blood pressure levels and improves vessel relaxation. Cranberry juice triggers the production of nitric oxide in the blood vessels which helps in lowering blood pressure.
Cranberry Juice is also good for clogged arteries and it is because cranberry juice has a high amount of antioxidants. These antioxidants will help in reducing inflammation all through the body which also includes your arteries.
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Cranberry Juice improves Dental Health and Hygiene
Cranberry juice makes it difficult for the bacteria which causes cavities to cling to the surface of your teeth. Adding Cranberry juice to your diet will also reduce glucan that builds up dental plaque.
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Cranberry Juice prevents Infections
Cranberry Juice is a traditional remedy that has been used over the decades to treat kidney conditions. The active ingredients in cranberry juice will inhibit adherence to the pathogens. Consuming around 500ml of cranberry juice in a day will reduce oxalate excretion in the males. The oxalate ions interact with calcium and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Also, the study has found that the phosphate ion excretion decreased while citrate increased. Altogether citrate, oxalate and phosphate manage the calcification of kidneys. However, drinking this juice will prevent chronic kidney disease, nephritis, and other kidney issues.
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Cranberry Juice mitigates Liver Diseases
Cranberry extract will help in decreasing lipid accumulation in the liver which was found to prevent the formation of oxidative stress in high-fat-fed mice. The result and the HDL levels of subjects fed on this extract are higher.
Various Forms of Cranberry Products
Cranberries are available in several forms and every one has its benefits:
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Cranberry Supplements
Cranberry Supplements are often available in capsules or tablet form that provide a concentrated dose of cranberry extract. Cranberry supplement benefits are a convenient option for those who may not enjoy the taste of cranberry juice but still want to reap its benefits.
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Cranberry Juice
Cranberry Juice is the famous form of cranberry fruit. It is widely available and accessible to incorporate into your regular diet. Moreover, to maximize the health benefits, it’s crucial to select a juice that is low in added sugar.
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Cranberry Syrups and Sachets
Cranberry Syrups and Sachets are famous and it especially helps in maintaining UTIs. These forms are often more palatable and can be combined with beverages and water for easy consumption.
Nutritional Value of Cranberries
Fresh Cranberries are filled with nutrients that are beneficial for your health. The nutrients in 1 cup of 100grams of raw, unsweetened cranberries are:
Calories: 46
Fat: 0.1g
Protein: 0.4g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 4.6g
Water: 87%
Carbs: 12.2g
In just a cup of raw and unsweetened cranberries, you will find a great number of carbs and fiber. These carbs simply come from simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The fiber in cranberries is insoluble and soluble, with the insoluble fiber passing through your gut without breaking down. Cranberries offer a wide range of minerals and vitamins in addition to fiber and carbohydrates. Vitamin C is significantly abundant in cranberries, acts as a powerful antioxidant and plays a major role in maintaining healthy skin, bones, and muscles.
You will also find manganese that is essential for growth, metabolism, and your body’s antioxidant system. Vitamin E is another crucial antioxidant that is present in cranberries as well. In addition to vitamin K1 which is necessary for blood clotting, copper is an element that is lacking in Western diets and will impact heart health. Do remember that you are not only getting a burst of flavour but also a variety of nutrients which is good for you.
How to include Cranberry Juice in your Diet?
During September and October, farmers harvest cranberries as this is an ideal time to purchase them. Furthermore, cranberries are also available frozen, dried, or canned all through the year. For later consumption, fresh cranberries can be refrigerated and it is crucial to note that some cranberry products might have added sugars due to the fruit’s tartness, and checking the ingredients label is crucial in selecting a product with the least amount of added sugar. Cranberry juice often has additional fruit juices and sweeteners and for the maximum benefits, it is recommended to opt for juice which lists cranberry as the primary ingredient. While cranberry sauce is a healthy and famous holiday dish as there are various ways to make cranberries all through the year. You can include cranberries in your diet like:
Make a homemade trail mix with seeds, unsalted nuts, and dried cranberries.
Add a small handful of frozen cranberries to a fruit smoothie.
Mix fresh cranberries or dried in muffin or cookie recipes
Toss dried cranberries in a salad.
Add fresh cranberries to apple desserts such as pie or cobbler for enhanced flavor.
How does Cranberry Juice benefit females?
Cranberry Juice is well known for its role in preventing UTIs which is a common problem for women. Cranberries also have compounds that are known as proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria, and Vitamin E from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract reducing infection.
How Does Cranberry Juice Benefit Male?
Consuming Cranberry Juice regularly will prevent prostate cancer. Research suggests that drinking will prevent the growth of cells that can lead to prostate cancer. Incorporating this juice into your diet will help in lowering the levels of H.Pylori infection in those who consume the juice regularly.
Considerations While Consuming Cranberry Juice
Moderation is Key: Cranberry Juice is beneficial for health. It is acidic and contributes to upset stomach or acid reflux in every individual.
Select Unsweetened Varieties: Many cranberry juices have added sugars that can negate health benefits. You can opt for unsweetened or lightly sweetened versions to maximize health benefits.
With Medications: Cranberry Juice interacts with medications like blood thinner and if you are consuming medications then consult your healthcare professional before adding enormous amounts of cranberry juice to your diet.
Wrapping It Up
Cranberry Juice provides a wide range of health benefits that will significantly benefit women. From supporting heart health to digestive health, it will be a valuable addition to your balanced diet.
