There are many other benefits of cranberry juice, let’s look at them.
- Strengthens Bones and Teeth: Although cranberry juice is a natural source of calcium, many juice companies add extra calcium. Natural or otherwise, calcium reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis.
- Cures Cold: Fresh cranberry juice is effective in fighting infections. It cures sore throats and colds.
- Weight Loss: Cranberry juice is rich in organic acids, which have an emulsifying effect on the fat deposits in our body. So, it is good for people who want to shed those extra kilos.
- Prevents Scurvy: Deficiency of vitamin C in an individual can result in scurvy. Sparkling cranberry juice provides high levels of vitamin C, which is also vital for the body to make collagen, the main component responsible for the healthy functioning of tissues.
- Treats Lung Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory effects of this juice have been proven to be effective against the inflammation caused in the lungs by the influenza virus. A substance called nondialyzable material or NDM present in cranberries prevent the influenza virus from sticking to the cells, hence preventing a flu infection.
Side Effects of Cranberry Juice
Cranberries and cranberry juice offer a variety of health benefits, barring the few exceptions listed below:
- Warfarin (Coumadin): Warfarin is an anticoagulant drug that is used as a blood thinner, and it lowers the chances of blood clots occurring in the body. These blood clots can further result in serious conditions like cardiovascular disorders or clots in the legs, lungs, and other parts of the body. Guidelines for warfarin clearly state that people who take the drug should be cautious regarding the intake of cranberry, as they are at a high risk of bleeding. Excess consumption of cranberry juice is not recommended for these people as it may affect the efficacy and safety of warfarin in the body. In such cases, it is always advisable to regularly get your blood tested in order to consume the correct dose of the medication.
- Aspirin allergy: Cranberries contain substantial quantities of salicylic acid, which is also present in aspirin. People who need blood thinners and are prescribed aspirin should avoid consuming too much cranberry juice. Intake of cranberries should also be restricted if you are allergic to aspirin (Penn State Hershey report on cranberries). Kidney stones: Cranberry extracts contain a significant concentration of oxalate and calcium. This amplifies the chances of developing calcium-oxalate stones and uric acid stones in certain people. People who have kidney stones or have a history of kidney stones should consult a medical professional before consuming cranberry supplements or a large amount of the juice. Studies conducted by Martha Kennedy Terris et al. from Stanford University Medical Center (Urology journal January 2001) have provided evidence that the juice can raise the level of oxalate in the urine by up to 43%.
Cranberry Juice Dosage: Unsweetened cranberry juice tastes slightly sour, but for medicinal purposes, 2 ounces of the juice diluted in 8 ounces of water is recommended.
Enjoy cranberries in any form you like, and also enjoy the wealth of health benefits you can get from this powerful little fruit!
References
About the Author
Kiran Patil is the founder of Organic Facts. He has a keen interest in health, nutrition, and organic living. He completed his B.Tech and M. Tech (Chemical Engineering) from IIT Bombay and has been actively writing about health and nutrition since over past 12 years. When not working he likes to trek and do gardening.