People have used cranberries for both food and medicinal purposes for centuries, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Because cranberry juice is very sour, many commercial cranberry juices include a combination of cranberries and other juices or sweeteners. Cranberry juice provides many health benefits.
Antioxidant Benefits
Cranberries are high in antioxidants, as explained by the UMMC. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals in the body that can damage cell membranes. Antioxidants in cranberry juice may prevent heart disease by lowering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (the so-called bad cholesterol), relaxing blood vessels and stopping plaque buildup in arteries.
Urinary Tract Benefits
Drinking cranberry juice can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) of the bladder and urethra, infections usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Scientists originally thought cranberry acidified urine enough to kill the bacteria, but the UMMC notes that studies indicate a different benefit. Cranberry juice actually stops bacteria from attaching to urinary tract walls. This has proved especially beneficial for women who have repeated UTIs. The UMMC cites a study of older women in which cranberry juice significantly decreased bacteria in the bladder. Research has not shown cranberry juice to be an effective treatment for existing UTIs.
Gastrointestinal Benefits
Cranberry juice also may keep Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria from attaching to stomach walls, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). H. pylori is a primary cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
Vitamin B12 Absorption
Drinking cranberry juice may increase vitamin B12 absorption in people with decreased absorption due to taking antacids, as explained by the NIH. Further research is necessary to determine if this effect is caused by an active component of cranberry juice or simply the juice's acidity.
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