Cranberries have a long history of use as a food and as a medicinal product, and many people use cranberry juice as a way to treat or prevent urinary tract infections, even though evidence does completely back up this belief. However, the nutrients in cranberry juice may have other health benefits, including nutrients that could help your eyes. Knowing the nutritional content and possible benefits will help you determine if drinking cranberry juice is a good option for you.
Prevention
Eye diseases such as macular degeneration can lead to significant vision loss, including blindness. In this eye condition, doctors cannot typically restore your vision once you experience vision loss from the disease process. If you have risk factors for the disease such as family history, your doctor may recommend that you take preventative measures. This may include a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients, as well as a daily vitamin that contains a beneficial formulation of nutrients studied by the National Eye Institute. These nutrients include vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A and zinc. Other eye conditions such as cataract formation may also benefit from antioxidants and a healthful diet.
Nutrients
Cranberry juice contains a significant amount of vitamin C and vitamin A, and a small amount of the other nutrients studied by the National Eye Institute. The nutrient content in cranberry juice, however, does not meet the recommended daily intake of the nutrients. In fact, the National Eye Institute says that you will not likely meet the dosing recommendations with your diet, and your doctor may recommend a daily vitamin, often marketed as an "eye vitamin." Despite the juice not providing the full amount of nutrients recommended, the nutrients found in cranberry juice could still have a positive impact on your eyes and overall health.
Other Forms
If you drink cranberry juice you should read labels to watch for sugar content, particularly if you have diabetes. You may need to avoid juices, but if you still want to take advantage of the nutrients in cranberries, you can add fresh, whole cranberries to salads, oatmeal or other recipes. Fresh cranberries have a tart flavor, but you may choose to sprinkle a small amount of sugar or sugar replacement product if necessary. Your doctor may also recommend a supplement that consists of powdered cranberry.
Considerations
Discuss your nutritional needs and eye disease risks with your doctor to determine if cranberry is appropriate for you. Your doctor can help you work cranberry juice or other form of the berry into your diet. Depending on how high your risks are for eye disease, your doctor will recommend dietary changes or supplements to ensure that you have the right intake of nutrients.
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