Cranberry Juice & Cholesterol

Cranberries are native to North American and are most commonly used to treat urinary-tract infections, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. The berries are used to make seasonal foods in the fall, and juice that is popular year-round. Consult your doctor before using cranberry juice to treat high cholesterol or any other condition.

Cholesterol Explained

The Mayo Clinic describes cholesterol as a waxy substance that is used to help build new cells in your body. This material comes in two varieties, and is found in the cells and circulating in your bloodstream. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL cholesterol, are often referred to as the "bad" cholesterol. When there is too much LDL in your blood, it tends to attach itself to the lining of the arteries, which can cause narrowing and even clogs that can lead to heart disease and stroke. There is also a "good" type of cholesterol --- high-density lipoproteins. The HDL helps to remove excess LDL in the blood. When you are told to lower your cholesterol, the HDL cholesterol level should also go up. Exercise and diet changes can often help with lowering your overall cholesterol levels; cranberry juice is one food that has shown promise for this.

Cranberry Uses

In addition to showing promise for lowering cholesterol, cranberry juice has been found to have antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal properties, which make it useful for treating dental plaque, kidney stones, radiation therapy side effects, urinary tract infection and in cancer prevention, according to the U.S. National Library of Science. Studies have shown that cranberry juice is helpful in preventing UTIs, but not as effective when treating an existing UTI. Cranberries are also often used as an anti-aging food and to treat ulcers and atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center adds.

Research

A number of studies have shown promise for cranberries as a cholesterol-lowering food. One, published in the journal "Critical Reviews in Food Science & Nutrition" in 2002, discovered that the flavonoids in cranberries are helpful in reducing LDL levels in the blood, and in helping to prevent atherosclerosis.

Another study, published in the "British Journal of Nutrition" in 2006, confirmed that when test subjects consumed increasing amounts of low-calorie cranberry juice over three four-week periods, their HDL levels rose, while their LDL levels were unaffected. This showed great promise for cranberry juice as an aid in lowering overall cholesterol.

A third study, published in 2007 in the journal "Nutrition Reviews," confirmed that cranberry juice was helpful in reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, and in lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease or stroke.

Considerations

Commercially produced cranberry juice often comes with large amounts of sugar added. Those with diabetes should look for brands and varieties low in sugar, cautions the UMMC; those with existing UTIs should not substitute cranberry juice for antibiotics. In general, the UMMC reports that cranberry juice is considered to be quite safe, even for pregnant and nursing women.

Potential Interactions

Cranberry juice may have harmful interactions with a few prescription and over-the-counter medications. Sloan-Kettering warns anyone taking the blood thinners warfarin or cyclosporin not to drink cranberry juice or take cranberry supplements. Cranberry juice may also interact with antacids, and may increase the affects of antibiotics the USNLM explains. Other interactions are possible with medications for Alzheimer's disease, diabetic drugs, antifungal drugs, cholesterol-lowering medications, some cancer medications, drugs for acid reflux or diuretics. If you are taking any type of medication, consult your doctor before introducing cranberry juice.