Cranberries are small acidic red berries that grow on shrubs that are native to North America. They have a sweet-tangy taste and are used in a lot of desserts and smoothies. Besides being tasty, cranberries are also healthy, due to their high nutritional content. Besides, they are low in calories and contains traces of dietary fibre. Cranberry is best consumed in juice forms but make sure you consume fresh juices and not the commercial packaged ones that contain preservatives. Here are the top benefits of Cranberry Juice:
PREVENTS/TREATS URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Cranberry juice is primarily known for treating and preventing urinary tract infections and other vaginal problems. Cranberries contain a high-molecular-weight compound known as proanthocyanidin with anti-adherence properties that prevent fimbriated E.coli bacteria from adhering to uroepithelial cells in the urinary tract, and this way it prevents UTIs. Cranberry juice is also effective in treating vaginal discharge problems.
STRONG AND HEALTHY BONES
Cranberries are a rich source of calcium and this helps making your bones strong and healthy. It also reduces the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin K helps retain calcium in the bone matrix and gives the bones higher resilience and thereby prevents bone density loss. Cranberries along with being rich in calcium are also rich in vitamin K.
DIGESTION
If you have constipation, it is always recommended to have cranberry juice. Cranberries are rich in fibre that gives bulk to stool and facilitates quicker elimination of waste products from the gut. Besides, cranberries are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties that prevents inflammation in the stomach.
PREVENT CAVITIES
Many would think that cranberry juice is acidic so definitely not good for teeth enamel, right? Wrong! Cranberry juice can have a surprisingly positive effect on your overall oral health. Just as proanthocyanidins (PACs) help prevent urinary tract infections by inhibiting bacteria growth, it can do the same for teeth and prevents the decay of teeth due to cavities. Just make sure the cranberry juice you are consuming is fresh and not packaged as it contains added sugars that can cause cavities.
WEIGHT LOSS
We are always told to drink fruit juices, whether on normal diet or liquid diet, if you want to lose weight. But, we often make a mistake of gulping down the store bought juices that contain added sweeteners and preservatives and are high in calories. Fresh cranberry juice is rich in anti-oxidants and contains fewer calories. It is also a great substitute for any sweet drinks and beverages. Enjoy a glass first thing in the morning before you start your day.
ANTI-CANCER
Regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon and prostate tumours. This is because, the polyphenol compounds present in cranberries have anti-tumour effects that prevents or stops the spreading or tumors.