In addition to being a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C, cranberries contains phytonutrients, which have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Drinking 100 percent cranberry juice offers a wide range of health benefits, from fighting bacteria to reducing the risk of heart disease, which can improve and enhance overall health.
Fights Urinary Tract Infections
Dr. Terri Anne Camesano led a team of researchers who examined the mechanism behind how cranberry juice fights urinary tract infections, according to findings presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in 2010. Researchers studied the effects of cranberry juice on E. coli, bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. They discovered that cranberry juice prevents E. coli from attaching to biofilms, surfaces that allow the bacteria to grow and multiply. As a result, this increases the chances of E. coli being flushed out of the urinary tract, according to researchers.
Boosts HDL Cholesterol
Cranberry juice might lower the risk of heart disease by boosting HDL, or good, cholesterol in the body, according to the Science Daily website. Dr. Joe Vinson and colleagues investigated the effects of cranberry juice on cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol. They found that subjects drinking three glasses of cranberry juice a day experienced significant increases in HDL cholesterol compared to the control group. Although the mechanism behind how cranberry juice improves good cholesterol is unknown, researchers speculate that it could be contributed to cranberries' high levels of antioxidants called polyphenols.
Reduces Gut Infections Risk
Dr. Steven Lipson and colleagues studied the impact of cranberry juice consumption on gastrointestinal viruses, according to the Nutra Ingredients website. They discovered that cranberry juice prevents viruses from attaching to host cells, thus protecting against common infections caused by gastrointestinal viruses. Although these results are promising, further research is needed, according to researchers.
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