Fights Age-related Oxidative Damage
Cranberries are known for their anti-aging abilities. A research study by Sujay Guha et al., published in the peer-reviewed Age journal, showed that when a cranberry extract was given to a laboratory worm, its healthspan and lifespan increased. Furthermore, the team of US researchers found that cranberries help fight oxidative damage as they are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals such as proanthocyanidins and vitamin C.
Improves Heart Health
Cranberry juice is rich in polyphenols, which can help improve heart health. Janet Novotny from theAgricultural Research Service at the Beltsville (Maryland) Human Nutrition Research Center, in her research, found that drinking two glasses of cranberry juice daily helps boost heart health. For the study, 56 volunteers were given 8 ounces of low-calorie cranberry juice or a similar tasting placebo during breakfast and dinner. Their meals were supervised too. After 8 weeks, people who had the cranberry juice had lower levels of triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, glucose levels, and insulin resistance. They also had lower levels of C-reactive protein, which helped lower their risk for cardiovascular diseases. However, many have been skeptical of the study as it was funded by a well-known cranberry juice brand.
A 2011 research led by Arpita Basu et al. from the Oklahoma State University found that 2 cups of low-energy cranberry juice significantly reduces free radical scavenging activity. They did not find any changes in blood pressure, glucose, and C-reactive protein levels.
Improves Digestion
Cranberry juice is rich in phytochemicals and thereby known to help improve the digestion in your body. It also prevents the formation of peptic ulcers. Peptic ulcers are caused by a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori. A University of Florida research reportsuggests that cranberry juice or cranberries prevent the colonization of H. pylori in the stomach and this helps protect against intestinal inflammation. This microorganism attacks the protective layer of the stomach and duodenum.
A report by Rummi Devi Saini published in the International Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry says that foods rich in flavonoids, a category that includes anthocyanins, flavonols, and proanthocyanidins, like cranberries, apples, and garlic help reduce the risk of stomach disorders, including stomach ulcers, by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori bacteria
Prevents Cancer
Cranberry contains proanthocyanidins, which inhibit the growth of various cancer cells. A study by A Katsargyris et al. published in the Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry has suggested that diets rich in flavonoids play a fundamental role in reducing the risk of cancer as well as cancer mortality. Cranberry juice contains anti-carcinogenic components that interfere with the growth of cancer cells, particularly those associated with colon and prostate cancer.
According to another study, conducted by BA Deziel et al. from the Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, proanthocyanidins can stop micro-tumors from developing in the blood vessels. Chemicals in organic cranberries also prevent the multiplication of breast cancer cells.
Treats Infections
According to a study conducted in 2010, cranberry juice helps inhibit certain strains of Haemophilus influenza, which is a common cause of ear and respiratory infections in children. The juice inhibits the bacteria’s hair-like structures, inhibiting them from adhering to the surface of the skin.
Cranberry juice also has antimicrobial effects on the body and is thereby known to fight against seven bacterial strains. It is also effective against norovirus as per research.
Antitumor Effects
The anti-tumor efficacy offered by cranberry juice is attributed to the presence of polyphenolic compounds within the fruit. A study led by Dr. Polly Ferguson, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario suggested that regular consumption of cranberry juice inhibits the development and spread of lung, breast, colon, prostate, and other cancers. Cranberry juice contains a high amount of salicylic acid which can help reduce swelling, prevent blood clots, and eliminate tumors.
Improves Post-menopausal Health
Cranberry juice prevents the risk of heart diseases in postmenopausal women by lowering the cholesterol levels in the body. According to a research conducted at the Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School Boston, USA, “Our data demonstrate the novel cardiovascular benefits of cranberry juice consumption in improving both vascular functions and cholesterol profiles, providing insight into developing cranberry products into useful dietary supplements for postmenopausal women”.
Prevents Tooth Decay
Research conducted in Canada suggested that cranberry juice can prevent and treat oral diseases like tooth cavities. Proanthocyanidins, a chemical compound present in cranberries, inhibits harmful bacteria from clinging to teeth. These components inhibit acid production and protect the teeth from periodontal diseases by preventing the growth of plaque, according to a report published in the Journal of the Canadian Dental Association.
Good oral hygiene, along with the consumption of organic premium dried cranberries, disrupts the pathogenic mechanism of dental caries and generally makes for good dental health. At the same time, one should watch out for the soaring sugar content and the acidity of some commercially available juices – natural cranberry juice is always better!