Is Drinking Cranberry Juice Bad For The Heart?

Cranberry juice has a positive impact on your heart, with no negative effects reported in relation to cardiovascular health, according to University of Maryland Medical Center. The health benefits of consuming cranberry juice are derived from the antioxidant nutrients included in the fruit that helps keep your heart healthy by fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation and decreasing bad or LDL cholesterol levels. However, if you have a heart condition, talk to your health care provider before starting supplementation with cranberry juice and choose a healthy brand of juice that has low sugar content, high percent of cranberry fruit and no artificial preservatives.

Free Radical Control

Cranberry juice cocktail contains significant antioxidant nutrients, including phenolic compounds, explains Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., author of "The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth: The Surprising, Unbiased Truth about What Treatments Work and Why." Phenolic compounds help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals that are involved in chronic diseases like heart conditions, diabetes or cancer. Bowden recommends 8 oz. of cranberry juice daily to fully take advantage of the antioxidant qualities of cranberry juice.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Phenolic substances have also anti-inflammatory effects, therefore regular consumption of cranberries helps to maintain your health and also prevent cardio-vascular diseases, note researchers from Institute of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods, Laval University, Canada.

Bad Cholesterol

Antioxidants from cranberries help lower low density lipoprotein -- LDL, or "bad," cholesterol -- levels and relax blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases, according to University of Maryland, Medical Center.

Safety Issues

According to UMMC cranberry juice and supplements are generally considered safe and well tolerated, even in pregnant women. Cranberry juice may interact with certain drugs, including warfarin, and may increase the risk of kidney stones in individuals who had or have this condition. Diabetics should not use high sugar cranberry juices. UMMC does not provide any warning regarding safety issues for individuals with heart problems, and does not report any side effects involving heart issues in relation to cranberry juice consumption. Daily doses of cranberry juice in adults are three or more fluid ounces of pure juice or 10 oz. of cranberry juice cocktail. Another option is to consume up to 1 1/2 oz. fresh or frozen cranberries.

The Bottom Line

Cranberry juice in recommended doses appears to be safe and beneficial for keeping your heart healthy. Keep in mind that cranberry juice does not replace any medications you are currently taking and is not approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat any other medical condition.