Cranberry juice is a suitable option for anyone looking to have a sweet and sour taste on their tongue. A powerhouse full of antioxidants and several amazing benefits, cranberry juice is often regarded as one of the healthiest fruit juices out there. In this article, however, we discuss something else – a question that has kept many people slightly hesitant about adding this juice to their diet, that is – is cranberry juice acidic? Let us read more to understand.
Is Cranberry Juice Acidic?
To understand whether cranberry juice is acidic or not, you first need to know a basic tenet about the acidity level determinant – foods with a pH level above 7.0 are considered as alkaline and foods with a pH below 7.0 are considered to be acidic. However, what is pH, one may ask? It is the scale used to measure the acidity and alkalinity of any food and it ranges from 0 to 14. [1]
Cranberry juice usually comes between 2.3 and 2.5 on this pH scale, which makes it a fairly acidic drink. Sometimes, the pH level of this juice may vary due to the presence of sugar in it; this fluctuation caused by sugar mostly happens with packaged products.
Is cranberry juice acidic or alkaline? Photo Credit: Shutterstock
As per a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology, [2] the pH level of cranberry juice is a result of the high concentration of ascorbic acid in it. Foods high in ascorbic acid have a low pH count; an example of these foods with a high ascorbic level and low pH count include limes, oranges, tangerines, lemons and more – all turning out to be acidic.
Is It Good or Bad For Health?
To understand whether cranberry juice’s acidic nature is good for your health or not, you first need to understand the relationship that the human body shares with pH levels. The pH levels are different for different parts of the body. The most important element of it is the pH level of your blood, which should vary between 7.35 – 7.45. This indicates that a diet high in acidic foods will be bad for overall health. [3]
As per studies, a blood pH level of lower than 7.35 indicates a problem with lungs or kidneys and can also lead to acidosis, which can prove to be fatal. On the other hand, some people may want to avoid cranberry juice because of gastrointestinal problems, such as GERD, as it may further irritate the stomach because of its high acidity levels. [4]
Having said that, the high acidity level of this juice may help in preventing dental decay and reducing weight, among other things. For a full list of cranberry juice benefits, head over to our article on the same! When had in moderation, cranberry juice can not only promote your health but also turn out to be a rejuvenating experience, as you may have already realized while having it.
