Introduction
The Vaccinium macrocarpon L. commonly known as cranberry is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with bright red berries and leathery leaves.
North America is home to cranberries. They flourish on approximately 58,000 acres of farmland in Canada, Chile, and the northern United States.
Due to their abundance of nutrients and antioxidants, cranberries are widely regarded as a superfood by many individuals and are commonly consumed as cranberry extract.
They are referred to as a superfood for a good reason. They have numerous advantages that improve health. In modern days, cranberry is available in an extracted form (powdered), pills, or fresh cranberries can be blended down to their juice. Can cranberry juice be that good? Yes!
Reap the Benefits from Cranberry Juice
Juice or extract contains a lot of antioxidants. According to a study, cranberries have the highest concentration of phenols—an antioxidant type—out of 20 common fruits. This property may help reduce the occurrence of diseases (due to oxidative stress) and prevent cell damage.
It also contains many anthocyanins (the compounds that give cranberries their deep red color). It may have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects as per the available evidence.
Benefits of cranberry extend to;
- It reduces blood pressure
- Protect against liver disease
- Improve vision
- Good for urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Flush out toxins via kidneys
- Replenishes electrolytes
Cranberry Seed Oil Benefits
Not only does it have antioxidant properties, but it’s also rich in vitamins, such as Vitamins A, C, E, and K. This amount of immense nutrition of cranberry seed helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and helps reduce dandruff, itchiness, eczema, and even psoriasis.
Is Cranberry juice good for constipation?
Yes and No.
The body requires water to ease defecation (passing stool) and avoid constipation. Even though cranberry juice fights dehydration and helps preserve the needed fluid, there is no evidence to suggest that it is better than plain water for this job.
Do Cranberry juice help with yeast infection?
Compounds present in cranberries can help neutralize pH levels and fight off yeast infections, reducing the frequency of occurrence. High levels of Vitamin C also contribute to strengthening your immunity.
Recommended Dietary Intake
Cranberry dried powder has most often been used by adults in doses of 250-1500 mg
While Cranberry Juice is found to be safe for children in moderate amounts
Possible Adverse Effects
Some possible side effects of eating too many cranberries or consuming a large amount of its extract;
- An upset stomach,
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea.
- Heartburn.
Contraindications
Cranberry has a few reported interactions;
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)
- Nifedipine (Procardia)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren, others)
Conclusion
Various forms of cranberries have been linked to numerous potential health benefits, including the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the management of cholesterol levels while promoting heart health. They are delicious in salads, baked goods, relishes, and sauces, making them a festive addition to every holiday table.
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