White cranberry juice is produced from cranberries that are harvested before the fruit develops its characteristic red color. The taste is milder and less tart, but white cranberries still provide all the health benefits of red cranberries. They are a rich source of antioxidants and are beneficial for the urinary tract and cardiovascular system.
Antioxidant Benefits
Cranberries are one of the top five foods highest in antioxidants, as surveyed by the United State Department of Agriculture. Cranberry juice is an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamin C. A half-cup serving of cranberry juice provides approximately 20 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults. Other antioxidants found in cranberry juice include anthocyanins, ellagic acid, quercetin, resveratrol, selenium and vitamins A and E.
Urinary Tract Benefits
Women who have frequent urinary tract infections may benefit from drinking cranberry juice. Studies published in the scientific journal "Phytochemistry" have shown that cranberries are the only food that contains a particular type of proanthocyanidin compound. Proanthocyanidins have antibacterial properties and block the ability of bacteria to stick to the cells lining the bladder. They are particularly effective against the E.coli bacteria that cause most urinary tract infections.
Heart Benefits
Several medical studies, including one in the medical journal "Life Sciences," have demonstrated that cranberries and cranberry juice extract are effective for decreasing total cholesterol. In particular, cranberry juice may increase the number of LDL receptors and increase the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. In addition, cranberry juice is a good source of potassium, which may help to balance sodium levels and keep blood pressure low.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infection
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Cranberry Juice Concentrate
- Cranberry Marketing Committee: Health and Wellness
- Phytochemistry: A-type Cranberry Proanthocyanidins and Uropathogenic Bacterial Anti-Adhesion Activity
- Life Sciences: Cranberry Extract Inhibits Low Density Lipoprotein Oxidation
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