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The health benefits of cranberry juice include urinary tract infection, respiratory disorders, kidney stones, dental care, cancer, and heart diseases.
Cranberry juice is a source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. It also contains manganese, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, vitamin A and beta-carotene. A member of the Ericaceae family, cranberry is native to North America.
Health benefits of cranberry juice are many, including:
- Avoid urinary tract infection: Cranberry juice is very effective against urinary tract infections. 100 percentage cranberry juices produce hippuric acid in the urine. Hippuric acid acidifies the urine and prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder. Drinking one glass of cranberry juice daily reduces the risk of infections and prevents cystitis. Cranberry juice also contains the chemical compounds called proanthocyanidins. These are powerful antioxidants, which decreases the adherence of bacteria to the bladder cells.
- Healthy cardiovascular system: Cranberry juice contains powerful antioxidants that help to prevent or repair the damages caused by free radicals. Drinking cranberry juice helps in the increase of good cholesterol and the reduction of bad (LDL) cholesterol. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols in cranberry juice.
- Prevents tooth decay: According to new researches, cranberry juice prevents tooth cavities. The chemical contained in the juice, blocks the bacteria from sticking to the teeth. Thus, it prevents the formation of dental plaques. Prevents cancer: Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins. These compounds inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. According to studies, proanthocyanidins can stop micro-tumours from developing in the blood vessels necessary for their continued growth. Regular consumption of cranberry juice prevents the rapid growth of tumours. Chemicals in cranberries also prevent multiplication of breast cancer cells.
- Cures cold: Fresh cranberry juice is effective at fighting against infections. It cures sore throats and colds.
- Good for obese people: Cranberry juice is rich in organic acids. These have an emulsifying effect on the fat deposits in our body. So it is good for people who want to shed those extra kilos.
- Avoid respiratory infections: According to conducted studies, cranberry juice helps to 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, therefore not allowing them to be able to adhere to skin surfaces.
- Prevents formation of kidney stones: The high amount of acid components in cranberry juice prevents kidney stone formation.
- Strengthens bones and teeth: Although cranberry juice is also a source of calcium, many juice companies add extra calcium in the juice. Natural or otherwise, it reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis.
- Prevents stomach ulcers and cancer: H. pylori bacteria can cause stomach ulcers and cancer. Regular cranberry juice consumption, for months, destroys these bacteria and saves you from such stomach related troubles.
Cranberry juice should be consumed unsweetened for maximum health benefit. It is a refreshing drink. Unsweetened cranberry juice tastes slightly sour but for medicinal purposes, 2 ounces of cranberry juice diluted in 8 ounces of water is recommended. It is good for your overall health.
This article was contributed by Gisha and edited by Prerna.
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