Cranberries have both dietary and medicinal uses and have been used medically for centuries, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center. Cranberry juice may either be pure juice or a cocktail of different ingredients. To get the most benefit from the juice, try to choose one which has not been made from concentrate.
Types of Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is available canned or in cartons. The canned variety is a concentrate that requires the addition of water. This may come sweetened or unsweetened. Cranberry juice cocktail typically contains about 27 percent cranberry juice, water and sugar or a sweetener. Some of these may have added vitamins, especially vitamin C. Cranberry juice is often sold mixed with a second juice.
Calories
A half cup of unsweetened apple and cranberry juice contains 60 calories, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Plain unsweetened cranberry juice, not mixed with another juice, contains about 116 calories per 253 g serving. Cranberry juice contains only trace amounts of fat. Choose an unsweetened variety to minimize your sugar intake -- cranberries contain natural sugars already.
Nutrients
Cranberry juice is a good source of vitamin C. The unsweetened cranberry juice will provide 39 percent of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Around 10 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail is needed to provide the same antioxidant properties as a cup of raw cranberries.
Benefits
Cranberry juice is often used in the treatment of urinary tract infections or UTIs. According to the University of Maryland's Medical Center, cranberry juice may also treat and protect against ulcers, heart disease and cancers, though more research is needed.
Warnings
Cranberry juices often have sugar added to them to minimize the tartness of the berry. If you do not like the slightly bitter flavor of cranberry juice, look for a juice sweetened with another juice. Consult your doctor if you have a sugar-restricted diet before consuming large amounts of cranberry juice. Juice that is not made from concentrate may have a slight laxative effect if consumed in very high amounts.
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