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Did you know the United States is the world’s largest cranberry producer? Cranberries are small, red berries that are native to the United States and Canada.¹

Cranberries are a popular fruit, especially during the week of Thanksgiving, with Americans consuming close to 80 million pounds during the week of Thanksgiving alone.²

Cranberries are often made into juice, which provides an easy way to reap many health benefits this fruit offers. Here are 6 health benefits of cranberry juice, as well as some different ways you can enjoy drinking it.

Cranberry juice is rich in nutrients

Cranberry juice is a good source of essential nutrients and antioxidants. A glass of cranberry juice contains 26% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C and 20% of vitamin E. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, increases collagen production, and promotes a healthy heart. Vitamin E promotes a healthy heart and healthy skin.³

Cranberries also contain 16% of your daily recommended amount of manganese.⁴ Manganese is an essential nutrient that your body needs in small amounts. This trace mineral is needed for functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as bone health and regulating blood sugar. Although some manganese can be stored in the body, you also have to get it from the food you eat.⁵

Cranberry juice may prevent urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common bacterial infections that can affect your excretory system.⁶ A UTI can occur when bacteria infect the urinary tract. The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection, with women being more at risk than men.⁷

Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, a type of compound that is commonly found in plants. Many researchers believe that these compounds prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract, which stops the growth and spread of bacteria that causes UTIs.⁸

Cranberry juice can boost immunity

Cranberry juice can help boost your immunity. Cranberry juice contains vitamin C, an important micronutrient for the body. Vitamin C fights free radicals in the body, which decreases inflammation and boosts your immunity.⁹

Additionally, cranberry juice increases the production of white blood cells and supports antibody production, reducing your risk of colds and other illnesses.¹⁰

Cranberry juice is gut-healthy

Cranberry juice can reduce the risk of stomach ulcers, which are open sores in the lining of the stomach that can bleed and cause pain. Drinking cranberry juice regularly has been found to stop the growth of Helicobacter pylori, the cause of stomach ulcers. The suppression of the growth of these bacteria can also reduce your risk of stomach cancer.

The phytochemicals in cranberry juice that prevent the growth of H. pylori can also promote digestive health. A healthy digestive system is important because it provides beneficial gut bacteria, nutrient absorption, and helps your body get rid of toxins and other unwanted substances.¹¹

Cranberry juice is heart-healthy

Cranberries contain phytonutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect against inflammation. This is important because inflammation in the body can lead to damaged blood vessels, damaged arteries, and an increased risk of heart risks. This can put you at risk for heart damage and heart disease.

Cranberries have also been found to increase polyphenols and metabolites in the blood, both of which help prevent blood clots and reduce blood sugar levels. Polyphenols boost insulin sensitivity, which helps cells better utilize insulin and lower glucose levels in the blood.⁸

Cranberry juice can help maintain blood pressure levels

Cranberry juice can help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Cranberry juice contains flavonoids that help dilate the arteries, increasing your blood flow. Increased blood flow can lower your blood pressure and prevent hypertension, also known as high blood pressure.¹⁰

Cranberries also work to reduce the levels of triglycerides in the blood. This is beneficial because high levels of triglycerides can cause the arteries to harden, leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.¹²

How to Drink More Cranberry Juice

Now that you know about some of the health benefits of drinking cranberry juice, you may be interested in drinking more. Cranberry juice can be found in most of your local grocery stores. Here are some ways you can enjoy cranberry juice:

• Drink a glass of cranberry juice in the morning
• Make cranberry juice popsicles
• Make fresh cranberry juice by juicing cranberries
• Make a smoothie with cranberry juice as an ingredient
• Mix green tea with cranberry juice
• Add soda water to your cranberry juice for a refreshing drink
• Make lemonade with cranberry juice

When choosing a cranberry juice, be sure to check the ingredients on the label for additives. Added sugar can negate the health benefits that cranberry juice provides.

Try Cranberry Juice Today

Now that you know more about the benefits of cranberry juice, try some today! Try one of our suggestions on how to add cranberry juice to your diet and reap the health benefits. 

Here at Saber Healthcare, we prioritize our residents and offer services and dietary options to help them meet their nutritional goals. Our dietary teams work hard to develop and create menus that are not only delicious, but also meet our residents’ daily nutrition needs.

Saber Healthcare is an organization that provides services to more than 115 buildings across the states of Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Indiana, Delaware, and Florida. To learn more about our company and services, click here.

Saber Healthcare is an organization dedicated to providing consultant services to long-term care providers. This article is for informational purposes and is not meant to be seen as professional advice. Please consult with a medical expert before relying on the information provided.

Sources

1. “Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits?” WebMD, Nourish by WebMD. December 2^nd, 2022. Accessed March 21^st, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cranberry-juice.
2. “The U.S. cranberry harvest explained in 4 charts.” National Geographic Society, nationalgeographic.com. Accessed March 22^nd, 2023. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/united-states-cranberry-harvest-explained-charts.
3. “Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits?” FruitSmart, fruitsmart.com. November 7^th, 2022. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.fruitsmart.com/blog/cranberry-juice-are-there-health-benefits/.
4. Nelson, Angela. “Cranberries.” Web MD, com. September 23^rd, 2022. Accessed March 28^th, 2023. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-cranberries.
5. Goodson, Amy. “10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Manganese.” Healthline Media, healthline.com. August 31^st, 2018. Accessed March 28^th, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits.
6. Richter, Amy. “Does Cranberry Juice Help Treat UTIs? Myth vs. Science.” Healthline Media, healthline.com. October 4^th, 2021. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cranberry-juice-uti.
7. “Urinary Tract Infection.” U.S Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html#:~:text=UTIs%20are%20common%20infections%20that,is%20another%20type%20of%20UTI.
8. “Get the facts: The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice.” Healthline Media, healthline.com. February 8^th, 2023. Accessed March 22^nd, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/cranberry-juice-benefits.
9. “How Does Vitamin C Boost Your Immunity and Improve Your Health?” 828 Urgent Care, 828urgentcare.com. June 23^rd, 2021. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.828urgentcare.com/blog/how-does-vitamin-c-boost-your-immunity-and-improve-your-health.
10. Zayed, Ahmad. “15 Amazing Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice.” BensNaturalHealth, bensnaturalhealth.com. January 30th, 2023. Accessed March 22nd, 2023. https://www.bensnaturalhealth.com/blog/general-health/cranberry-juice-benefits/.
11. Makinde, Stephen. “What are the signs of a healthy digestive system?” PB Clinic, perfectbalanceclinic.com. January 22^nd, 2020. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.perfectbalanceclinic.com/what-are-the-signs-of-a-healthy-digestive-system/#:~:text=A%20healthy%20digestive%20system%20is,eliminate%20toxins%20and%20unwanted%20substances.
12. Malik, Adi. “Cranberries & Blood Pressure.” 120/Life, 120life.com. September 17^th, 2021. Accessed March 23^rd, 2023. https://www.120life.com/blogs/the-circulatory/cranberries-blood-pressure.