Possible health benefits of cranberry juice include protecting against urinary tract infections (UTIs), improving heart health, supporting postmenopausal health, and more. Cranberry juice can also cause side effects.
Research into the benefits of cranberry juice is mostly preliminary, but the antioxidant and antibacterial benefits look promising. Drinking cranberry juice may offer a range of health benefits.
Read on for more information about the possible benefits of cranberry juice. This article also looks at the side effects of drinking cranberry juice.
Cranberry juice may fight against age-related damage due to the presence of antioxidants.
Chemicals called free radicals accumulate in the body as people age. Free radicals cause oxidative damage. There is a link between oxidative damage and health issues, including:
- cancer
- diabetes
- heart disease
Some of the chemicals in cranberry juice are antioxidants or compounds that fight harmful free radicals. The presence of antioxidants means that cranberries and cranberry juice might help fight age-related damage to the body’s tissues.
Various ingredients in cranberry juice may improve heart health.
Cranberries are high in chemicals called polyphenols that may support heart health.
A 2021 study asked some participants to consume 500 milliliters of cranberry juice per day for 8 weeks. Other participants drank a placebo. In those who drank cranberry juice, there was a significant reduction in diastolic ambulatory blood pressure throughout the day.
However, those who consumed cranberry juice also had an increase in the size of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, particles. The LDL levels stayed the same though.
This suggests that cranberry juice may benefit heart health, but it is best to contact a doctor for advice, particularly if a person has concerns about LDL cholesterol.
The antibacterial effects of cranberry juice were reported to reduce the incidence of UTIs in mice, according to a
The reduction of UTI incidence could be due to the ability of antibacterial properties to reduce the colonization of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the bladder. The bacteria cause most UTIs.
There is growing evidence that the phytochemicals in cranberries can play an important role in digestive health.
Evidence for the digestive health benefits of cranberry juice, in addition to other benefits, was reported in a
The study noted that inhibiting the production of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria in the stomach might promote digestive health. The researchers also suggested that further research is necessary.
Some chemicals in cranberries may help fight viruses and bacteria.
A 2020 study found that cranberry compounds had the potential to slow down six bacteria that could lead to periodontal diseases. However, more research is necessary.
A 2024 study found that phytochemicals in cranberries could help target viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Again, more research is necessary.
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While cranberries are generally safe for most people to consume in moderate amounts, consuming a large amount of cranberries or cranberry juice
Cranberry juice
People taking these drugs or any other medications should talk with a doctor before adding cranberry juice to their diet. It may be necessary to monitor the doses and effects on medications.
The possible health benefits of cranberry juice include improving heart health, fighting age-related damage, treating UTIs, supporting digestive health, preventing infections, and supporting postmenopausal health.
Consuming high amounts of cranberries or cranberry juice can cause side effects such as diarrhea and stomach upset. Cranberry juice may also interact with some medications, such as proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers, so it is best to contact a doctor for advice if a person is considering adding cranberry juice to their diet.