Is Cranberry Juice Good For Health?

Cranberry juice, made from pressed cranberries, is a nutritious beverage that can be consumed alone or combined with other juices. Native to North America and closely related to the blueberry, cranberries and their juice are widely used as a home remedy for urinary tract infections, and the juice shows promise for a number of other disorders. In addition to potential health benefits, cranberry juice is also a highly nutritious drink in general.

History

Cranberry was traditionally used for urinary tract problems and as a food source by the Native Americans. Pilgrims who settled the east coast adopted its use. By the 1920s, research into the chemical properties of cranberry juice had discovered that drinking it made the urine more acidic and doctors prescribed it on this basis for the treatment of bladder infections. Modern doctors don't often recommend cranberry juice because the evidence from clinical trials remains inconclusive and the link between a more acidic urine and lowered risk of urinary infection has been largely discredited.

Modern Studies

Recent studies into the properties of cranberry juice, including a 2006 clinical trial published in the "World Journal of Urology," have found that cranberry juice consumption blocks bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, which allows the urinary tract to flush them out. This may indicate a mechanism for the results shown in clinical trials such as a 2002 study by L. Stothers et al, published in the "Canadian Journal of Neurology," which found that cranberry juice was effective in preventing urinary tract infections in sexually-active women when taken in doses of three 8-oz. glasses per day. Other studies have failed to find a benefit, especially when lower doses were used.

Other Uses

Cranberry juice may also be a potential treatment for stomach ulcers. The juice may prevent Heliobacter pylori, a bacteria that may cause ulcers, from adhering to the stomach wall, according to Aurora Health Care. The use of cranberry juice for other disorders is currently under study, including its potential for fighting gum disease, heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Nutrition

One cup of unsweetened cranberry juice, about 253 g, contains 23.5 mg of vitamin C, 39 percent of the daily recommended amount. A wealth of other vitamins and minerals are also present in cranberry juice, including folate, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and vitamins B6, K and E. Cranberries also have high levels of flavonoids, compounds that act as antioxidants and may aid in cancer prevention. Cranberry juice is also low in fat and sodium.

Considerations

Because cranberries are usually extremely tart, sugar or other sweeteners are typically added when they are pressed for juice. The healthiest versions are 100 percent juice -- cranberry juice simply mixed with other juices, such as apple juice, to temper the flavor without adding unnecessary sugar. Unsweetened cranberry juice may be available through health stores or can be made at home using fresh cranberries, for those who can tolerate the strong taste.