Photo of Ncumisa Lerato Kunana

The benefits of cranberry juice

You may have heard that cranberry juice can aid in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs), but that isn’t the only advantage. The nutrients in cranberries will assist your body to fight against illnesses and improve general health. In actuality, they have historically been used to treat:

urinary issues
upset stomach
liver problems

Like most fruits, eating cranberries whole provides the most nourishment. However, the juice is still loaded with advantages.

Heart Health

There are more phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory effects in cranberries. Over time, blood vessels, notably the arteries, get damaged as a result of inflammation. Atherosclerosis develops as a result of the damaged arteries attracting plaque. Cranberries include phytonutrients that may help prevent inflammation, slow down the process, and provide protection against heart disease.

Additionally, there is some proof that cranberry juice can help stop gum disease by reducing the amount of dental plaque that forms on your teeth.

Improves Digestive Health

The same substances that support heart health also enhance how well your digestive system works. In the stomach lining, they can block the growth and multiplication of the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), according to a 2016 study that was published in the Journal of Research in Pharmacy Practice.

This is crucial because stomach ulcers can develop if H. pylori are allowed to grow out of control.

Controls Urinary Tract Infections 

Proanthocyanidins, a group of substances frequently present in plants, are present in cranberries. These substances are thought to help prevent UTIs by preventing germs from adhering to the lining of the urinary system. A bacteria-free environment prevents infection from growing and spreading.

Unfortunately, there is conflicting information on cranberry juice. Although some research have indicated that cranberry juice doesn’t work as a treatment for UTIs, other studies have discovered that it does.

To pinpoint the precise advantages, more study is still required.

Good Source of Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants 

Vitamin C is essential for many reasons and 8ml’s of cranberry juice offers 39% of your daily recommended requirement. As a potent antioxidant, vitamin C helps prevent free radicals from destroying your body’s cells and DNA, which may lower your chance of developing conditions like cancer or heart disease. In addition to enhancing your immune system, it also aids in the production of collagen and iron absorption. The same quantity of cranberry juice has roughly 20% of your required daily intake of vitamin E, which is essential for the health of your skin, blood vessels, and heart.

Also see: Healthy staples you should keep in your kitchen

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