The cranberry plant is native to North America and is a member of the Ericaceae family---the same family as blueberries---according to the Cranberry Institute. A low-growing, woody perennial plant, it produces fat-free berries rich in minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. These nutrients provide several benefits that make drinking cranberry juice a healthy dietary option. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that adults drink 3 or more fluid oz. of pure cranberry juice each day, or about 10 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail. Whenever possible, choose organic, unsweetened brands. Speak to your doctor about drinking cranberry juice if you're on medications or taking other supplements or herbs.
Urinary Tract Infections
The ability of cranberries to treat urinary tract infections, or UTIs, in women is well-known. This condition affects about 11 million American women each year, states the Cranberry Institute. As they report, cranberries contain proanthocyanidins--antioxidants that help prevent bacteria from adhering to the lining of the urinary tract. As a result, bacteria cannot reproduce and cause full-blown infections.
Heart Health
Cranberries can also improve cardiovascular health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Their antioxidants help reduce low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, also known as bad cholesterol. These berries also relax blood vessels and fight plaque buildup in the arteries. The Cranberry Institute states that cranberries also improve platelet function, which helps boost heart health.
Ulcers
Just as cranberries prevent bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining, they may also inhibit the bacteria that cause ulcers from adhering to the stomach walls, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. By reducing your risk of getting an ulcer, cranberries also decrease the likelihood that you will get stomach cancer because an ulcer is one of the risk factors for developing the disease, states the American Cancer Society.
Breast Cancer
Cranberries have known anti-carcinogenic properties. The most common cancer affecting American women is breast cancer, which is also a main cause of cancer-related death. In a 2006 study published in the journal "Cancer Letters," researchers found that a cranberry phytochemical extract at 10 to 50 mg/mL was able to stop the proliferation of human breast cancer cells.
Oral Health
Another benefit of drinking unsweetened cranberry juice is that it can help fight cavities by preventing the bacteria S. mutans from sticking to tooth enamel.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- The Cranberry Institute: Rediscover Cranberries
- American Cancer Society: What Are the Risk Factors for Stomach Cancer?
- Cancer Letters: Cranberry Phytochemical Extracts Induce Cell Cycle Arrest
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