Benefits Of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries are small berries, often deep red or crimson in color, which have great nutritional value. They belong to the same family as blueberries and bilberries. Cranberry can be taken as a fruit or as a juice. It is best to take cranberry as 100% juice, instead of going in for the ones that have artificial flavors or preservatives. Though 100% cranberry juice may be bitter, it packs all the healthy nutrients, without artificial colors or flavors. Cranberry juice possesses a very high nutritional value and can be extremely effective in the prevention of the diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and can also be beneficial in recovering from stroke. Apart from this, cranberries can also be beneficial in boosting your mental health as they effectively lessen stress, anxiety and depression. Medical studies also show that cranberries are good for your brain and increase one’s memory power. If you find it too bitter, try mixing some apple juice with it.
 

• The most well-known benefit of cranberry juice is that it helps fight infections of the urinary tract. The natural acids and chemicals found in cranberry juice do not allow bacteria to grow and multiply in the urinary tract and thus help keep major infections at bay.
• Scientists also recommend that those who have cholesterol and heart conditions should drink cranberry juice as it helps keep cholesterol under control, thus reducing the risk of heart disease and gradually improving the condition.
• Cranberry juice is a rich source of Vitamin C in it and helps prevent tooth decay, formation of plaque and formation of bacteria. Oral hygiene is thus one of the long term health benefits of cranberry juice.
• Research indicates that cranberry juice has proanthocyanidin compounds, which help thwart the growth of tumors in the body. It may be said that drinking cranberry juice regularly may reduce the risk of the formation of cancer considerably.
• It is also indicated that taking cranberry juice may help prevent the formation of kidney stones. This is because cranberry juice has an abundance of quinic acid, which is crucial in preventing the formation of stones.
• Cranberry juice has adequate content of organic acids which helps in the emulsification of the fat deposits in human body. For those who want to lose weight, regular consumption of cranberry juice can be extremely beneficial.
• Cranberry juice has an ample content of calcium, which  helps in strengthening the bones and teeth. It also reduces the risk of getting osteoporosis. There are certain ingredients in cranberry juice which can effectively prevent bacteria from causing tooth decay and thus helps in preventing cavities as well as gum diseases.
• Recent medical studies concluded that cranberry juice helps to combat certain Haemophilus influenzae bacteria. These bacteria are present in the nose and throat and cause severe respiratory problems and ear infections. Cranberry juice can be extremely beneficial in such ailments as it doesn’t allow the bacteria to stick the pilli, a hair-like structure, to the cell surface. Therefore the consumption of cranberry juice helps you to combat common flu, sore throats, cough and colds effectively.
• Cranberry juice also helps you to boost your digestive system. Proanthocyanidins compounds found in cranberries are extremely beneficial in combating several fatal diseases such as colon cancer.
• The phytochemicals found in cranberries have the ability to slow down the aging process and is also helpful in prevention of breast cancer.

• While, picking cranberries from the market make sure they are plump, natural red in color and are also firm. Deep red color indicates the adequate content of anthocyanin compounds, which are extremely beneficial for health.
• You can store fresh cranberries up to 20 days if properly refrigerated. However, make sure that you get rid of discolored and soft cranberries from the stock prior to storing.

• Before using cranberries cleanse them under running water. To derive maximum health benefits from cranberries enjoy them fresh and do not prepare in a cooked recipe.