Benefits Of Cranberry Juice
The Many Benefits of Cranberry Juice
There are many health benefits of cranberry juice. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for numerous health ailments as well as a preventative for others. The cranberry is native to North America and is a part of the Ericaceae family. It is grown in northern climates with Massachusetts being the top producer of this berry. Cranberries are grown in bogs which are carefully tended.
Cranberry juice is best known as a natural home remedy for urinary tract infections. People who are prone to such infections also drink cranberry juice daily in order to prevent future infections. Cranberry juice contains a substance that when it flushes through the system it produces hippuric acid in the urine. This acid helps to prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder. This not only reduces the occurrence of bladder infection, but also the development of cysts.
Cranberry juice contains some very powerful antioxidants. One of these is called proanthocyanidins. This particular antioxidant also helps with bladder infections by decreasing the ability of bacteria to adhere to cells in the bladder, including the bladder walls.
The powerful and numerous antioxidants contained in cranberry juice also prevent the damage caused by free radicals. Cranberry juice has been shown to not only decrease bad (LDL) cholesterol, but also to increase good cholesterol. Polyphenols are the agent responsible for this benefit.
Tooth decay is a common problem in this country due to the increased consumption of sweets and soda. Research studies have concluded that cranberry juice can actually prevent tooth decay and cavities. Similar to the prevention of bladder infections, cranberry juice is able to prevent tooth decay by containing a substance that acts to block bacteria from adhering to tooth enamel. This helps to prevent the buildup of plaque which leads to tooth decay. Cranberries are also a good source of calcium, which is needed for good bone and tooth development. Many cranberry juices are also fortified with additional calcium.
Another of the benefits of cranberry juice is that it contains substances that act as a preventative agent to cancer. Proanthocyanidins retard the growth and division of cancer cells. Studies have proven that daily consumption of cranberry juice can slow down rapidly growing tumors. Breast cancer cells are also prevented from multiplying.
Respiratory infections and colds can be prevented or at least the duration can be shortened with the regular consumption of cranberry juice. Cranberries contain a large amount of vitamin C and are therefore helpful in boosting the immune system. A particular strain of influenza which commonly leads to ear infections is inhibited when cranberry juice is a regular part of one’s diet. The bacteria, again, is inhibited from adhering to skin and tissue surfaces and so it does not have the opportunity to colonize.
People searching for ways to jump start their weight loss programs can find help in the cranberry, which contains plenty of organic acids. These organic acids tend to emulsify fat deposits. The fiber contained in cranberries also helps you to feel full sooner and for a longer period of time.
Cranberry juice can also be helpful for people who are prone to getting kidney stones. The acidic nature of cranberry juice helps to prevent the formation of kidney stones. This is yet another of the many benefits of cranberry juice consumption.
Cranberry juice also can destroy the H. pylori bacteria, which is largely responsible for stomach ulcers, which can sometimes lead to stomach cancer. Over a period of months of drinking a glass of cranberry juice a day, the bacteria will be killed and disappear.
Most cranberry juice is sweetened or is mixed with other juices and marketed as cranberry juice cocktail. Unsweetened cranberry juice is sour, but if you are using it as a home remedy, unsweetened is the most effective juice.