Benefits of Cranberry Juice: Is It Healthy? (2024)

FAQs

Benefits of Cranberry Juice: Is It Healthy? ›

Potential Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice. Cranberry juice is an excellent source of vitamin C and provides 26% of your recommended daily allowance in an 8-ounce serving. Vitamin C plays many important roles in the body. A powerful antioxidant, it helps stop free radicals from damaging cells and DNA in your body.

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.

Improving heart health

Studies show that various ingredients in cranberry juice may improve heart health. Cranberries are high in chemicals called polyphenols that may support heart health. A 2011 study of females with metabolic syndrome found that cranberry juice increased the antioxidants in the blood plasma.

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.

The bottom line

All the same, this juice boasts vitamin C, magnesium, and various antioxidants. Evidence suggests that these nutrients may boost immune health, ease PMS symptoms, and promote bone density in women. Cranberry juice may also help prevent UTIs, though scientific results are mixed.

If you take aspirin regularly, as a blood-thinner, for example, or if you are allergic to aspirin, you should not take cranberry supplements or drink a lot of juice. Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.

"Food and nutrition experts understand that, with its powerful nutrients and well-documented health benefits, the cranberry can play an important role in a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," said Kellyanne Dignan, Director, Global Corporate Affairs at Ocean Spray.

by Drugs.com

Cranberry may increase the anticoagulant effect from blood thinners like warfarin and lead to bruising or bleeding. If you take an oral blood thinner, check with your doctor before consuming large amounts of cranberry or cranberry juice.

Background: cranberry juice is often given to older people in hospital to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI), although there is little evidence to support its use.

Green tea is generally considered the healthiest beverage globally due to its high levels of nutrients and antioxidants that fight off diseases and keep your organ functioning at its optimum level.

Is Ocean Spray Cranberry juice real cranberry juice? ›

It's 100% juice made with the crisp, clean taste of real cranberries straight from the bog. Plus, it has no added sugar, a daily dose of vitamin C, and one cup of fruit, so it tastes good and it's good for you, too. *Not a low calorie food - See Nutrition Facts for sugar and calorie content.

Cranberry juice is usually labeled “100% juice.” Other fruits are sometimes added to balance the tart cranberry taste, but that label indicates that the product is made with 100% fruit juices. Cranberry juice co*cktail, meanwhile, has added sugars or high-fructose corn syrup for extra sweetness.

Despite cranberry presentation, it is generally recommended to consume cranberries just prior or two hours after meals; it is also important to drink lots of water, mainly after preparations from dehydrated juices (11).

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.

That said, it's high in sugar and can cause a blood sugar spike, which can be a concern if you have diabetes. Opt for pure, unsweetened cranberry juice and stick with a 1/2-cup (125-mL) serving, which provides around 15 grams of carbs from naturally occurring sugar.

Cranberry juice has been thought to help with kidney stones, but research suggests that it may actually increase kidney stones formation — especially calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common kidney stones. Ideally, you should try to limit your juice intake to around one cup (236 mL) or less per day.

The University of Rochester recommends consuming no more than 10 ounces of cranberry juice per day. While cranberry juice has many benefits, drinking too much of it can induce unpleasant side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), large amounts of cranberry juice can trigger an upset stomach.

Many dark berries — including blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries — contain antioxidants called polyphenols, which may help protect the liver from damage.

Studies have pointed out that due to the added sugars and water that dilute the cranberry juice, cranberry capsules are a more effective alternative. In fact, it turns out that the active ingredient in cranberries that helps prevent E. coli from turning into an infection may not even be present in cranberry juice!