Many of you may not know what white cranberry juice is, or how it differs from the traditional red cranberry juice, but it’s all a matter of time. White cranberries are harvested a few weeks earlier, when most of the beneficial nutrients are already present in the berries, with the exception of the anthocyanidins. These antioxidant flavonoids are responsible for changing the color of white cranberries into red ones, making it the only real difference between the two varieties.
White cranberries are also praised as being slightly less tart than their red counterparts, which makes it appealing for many people. The loss of the anthocyanidins makes white cranberry juice slightly less potent as an antioxidant, but many of the other health benefits remain the same. [1]
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the impressive health effects of this unique berry!
Serving Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 87.13 Energy 46 Energy [kJ] 194 Protein [g] 0.39 Total lipid (fat) [g] 0.13 Ash [g] 0.15 Carbohydrate, by difference [g] 12.2 Fiber, total dietary [g] 0.1 Sugars, total including NLEA [g] 12.1 Calcium, Ca [mg] 8 Iron, Fe [mg] 0.25 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 6 Phosphorus, P [mg] 13 Potassium, K [mg] 77 Sodium, Na [mg] 2 Zinc, Zn [mg] 0.1 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.06 Selenium, Se [µg] 0.1 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid [mg] 9.3 Thiamin [mg] 0.01 Riboflavin [mg] 0.02 Niacin [mg] 0.09 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.05 Folate, total [µg] 1 Folate, food [µg] 1 Folate, DFE [µg] 1 Choline, total [mg] 3.3 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 2 Carotene, beta [µg] 27 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 45 Lutein + zeaxanthin [µg] 68 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 1.2 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 5.1 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 0.01 16:0 [g] 0.01 18:0 [g] 0 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 0.02 16:1 [g] 0 18:1 [g] 0.02 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 0.07 18:2 [g] 0.04 18:3 [g] 0.03 Sources include : USDA [2]
Benefits of White Cranberry Juice
White cranberry juice can defend against urinary tract infections, protect the heart, reduce chronic disease, boost the immune system in the gut, stimulate the appetite and speed the healing process.
May Help Treat Urinary Tract Infection
Cranberry juice (both red and white) are particularly well known for their potential ability to counteract and prevent urinary tract infections. When a bacteria called E. coli settles on the walls of the urinary tract, it quickly becomes an uncomfortable and painful infection to handle. This powerful juice, however, is able to prevent E. coli from attaching to the walls, making it an effective preventative measure and treatment for urinary tract infections. [3]
Possibly Rich in Vitamin C
Not only does this juice possess a possibly high level of vitamin C, which can act as an antioxidant, but other impressive organic compounds, like flavonoids and phytochemicals that can counter the effects of oxidative stress on the body. This oxidative stress is largely responsible for various diseases. [4]
Possibly Low in Sodium
Studies have shown that the proanthocyanidins and flavonoids present in white cranberry juice are able to improve cholesterol levels, lowering the “bad” LDL cholesterol and boosting “good” HDL cholesterol. This can lower your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, the low level of sodium can help improve blood pressure and regulate water balance within the body.
Vitamin C-rich white cranberry juice Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Possibly a Fat-free Juice
Many people wonder whether white cranberry juice is fat-free, since so many people turn to juice for a healthy boost, without worrying about increasing fat content. Fortunately, white cranberry juice is completely fat-free, and is also low in sodium, another reason why it is such an excellent choice for heart health.
May Increase Appetite
As a traditional remedy, this juice has often been used to stimulate the appetite, particularly following an illness or injury. It can still act as nutrient-dense snack food for people looking to increase their weight.
May Boost Immunity
Being possibly high in vitamin C means that white cranberry juice stimulates the development of white blood cells, which are on the front lines of any immune system operation within the body. Ascorbic acid also functions as an antioxidant, seeking out free radicals and neutralizing them before they can cause mutations or oxidative stress within the body. Cranberries are also known to counter H. pylori bacteria, which can attack the stomach with some truly unpleasant results. [5]
May Speed up Healing
The impressive concentration of vitamin C in this juice also helps it improve the healing rate in the body. Vitamin C is a key component of collagen, which is, in turn, a key component of every tissue, cell, muscle, and bone in the body. Without vitamin C, the entire body slows down, from energy levels and healing rate to immune system response time.
May Aid Digestion
One element many people miss about white cranberry juice and the berries themselves is the possibly high concentration of dietary fiber. While white cranberry juice can be a refreshing beverage, you will get even more benefits by eating the entire berry. Grab a handful once or twice a day and enjoy the improvement to your gastrointestinal system. It will lower constipation and bloating by bulking up the stool and stimulating peristaltic motion in the gut. [6]
Cocktails with White Cranberry Juice
When you are making a Glass Peach or Love Potion #9, you will definitely be using white cranberry juice. White cosmopolitans and Stone Rose Cocktails are two other popular options. However, white cranberry juice is an excellent replacement for traditional cranberry juice in almost any cocktail, including classics like vodka cranberry!
Mocktails with White Cranberry Juice
Drinking white cranberry juice on its own is the most popular non-alcoholic form of this juice, but it is also used in mock-tails, such as a Santiago Splash (white cranberry juice, lime, mint and sparkling water) and a Coconut Tree Cooler (white cranberry juice, coconut water, and fresh lime). Non-alcoholic Bellinis, Cosmopolitans, and Martinis can also be made with this juice, typically when combined with other fresh juices.
Clearly, white cranberry juice may not be as bright as the traditional cranberry variety, but it has plenty to brag about. Add this refreshing (and less tart) drink to your weekly intake and enjoy the benefits!
