Not just for prevention of urinary tract infection, cranberry juice (made from the whole berry including the skin) has been found in recent research to reduce E. coli and other harmful bacteria, destroy some virus strains, deter cancer cells from proliferating, promote digestive health as a probiotic, decrease the oxidation of LDL or "bad" cholesterol while increasing availability HDL or "good" cholesterol, prevent the formation of plaque in arteries as well as protect against macular degeneration.
The Total Juice Diet
Juice dieting is a form of fasting, which many dietitians and nutritionists recommend for detoxifying the system at the beginning of a diet, for no more than two days. The best recommendations start with a first day of juice only, drinking at least six 8-ounce servings of juice per day, and then incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables in the following days. This can aid in a weight loss program that is monitored by a health professional and includes increased physical activity and decreased fats, calories and high-glycemic carbohydrates, as well as a cessation of drinking alcohol and smoking. Drinking unsweetened juice is the best option, because some juices have added sugars that add calories.
Adding Cranberry Juice to a Diet for Urinary Tract Health
Multiple studies since 1998 by Rutgers University research scientist Amy Howell indicate that proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins, found in cranberry juice are effective in preventing and even treating some urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice has some properties as a natural antibiotic, but it works by preventing the adhesion of bacteria such as E. coli and H. pylori (which is responsible for ulcers). This reduction works not because of an increase in acidity, but because the bacteria do not adhere to the organ lining cells, they are flushed from the system. Drinking as little as one extra 8-ounce glass of cranberry juice can make a difference.
Cranberry Juice to Eliminate and Prevent Viral Proliferation
In a 2007 study at S. Francis College in New York, cranberry juice was found to have strong antiviral properties, changing the shapes of, and even destroying, several common varieties of entero-virus. Effective at slowing down viral replication also gives good reason to increase cranberry intake during winter and flu seasons, and drinking more cranberry juice during a viral infection can lessen the virus' effects.
Cancer Fighting Properties of Cranberry
Phenolic compounds are extremely high in cranberry juice, and their antioxidant properties are well-researched. In 2006, research at Dartmouth College and other studies through the National Institutes of Health showed that cranberry compounds "inhibit the growth of lung tumors and colon and leukemia cells in vitro" and also show promising results against breast cancer cells. An increase in cranberry juice may not only be effective in treating different types of cancer, it may be one of the most powerful antioxidants that can work against it.
Heart Healthy Benefits of Cranberry Juice
In 2005, The Lipid Research Laboratory in Haifa, Israel, found that cranberry juice is useful to those needing cardiovascular support. Acting against the formation of plaque in arteries and improving vascular function, cranberry juice increases the body's available HDL (good) blood serum cholesterol and reduces the LDL (bad) cholesterol. An improvement in blood flow can have beneficial implications, from stroke prevention to reduction in rates of macular degeneration.
Warning to Those with Oxalate Kidney Stone Problems
While seen to be effective for reducing some types of lipid kidney stones, cranberry juice can actually increase others. Cranberry juice is high in oxalic acid, and oxalates are known to cause one type of crystallized kidney stone. If kidney stones have been a problem in the past, it would be best to get a doctor's opinion before increasing your cranberry intake.
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