Cranberry belongs to the group of berries that are rich in nutrition and low-calorie. Some research has proven that the cranberry juice may help to prevent infection, decrease the risk of chronic diseases, as well as prevent oxidative damage, which is an age-related issue. Some people would find it quite unpleasant because of its sour taste. However, you may reconsider to consume it after learning that a glass of cranberry juice may have a tremendous number of benefits.
- Prevent cancer
Free radicals in the body will keep accumulating over time and might result in various health issues such as cancer, diabetes and heart failure. Cranberry juice contains antioxidant, which is known for its ability to constrain free radicals that cause many serious diseases. - Improve heart’s health
Cranberry juice contains phytonutrients that function as an anti-inflammatory agent. It may prevent infection while also acting as a remedy for heart disease. A study found that cranberry juice could decrease the LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), often recognised as the “bad” cholesterol. - Cure and prevent infection in the urinary tract
It was made known during the past research using mice that the antibacterial substance within cranberry juice can reduce the number of the colony of E. coli inside the urinary tract. E. coli itself is suspected of causing the infection within the very tract. Another research also showed that cranberry juice could reduce the risk of bacterial infections. - Maintain digestive tract
Aside from its ability to diminish E. coli colony inside the urinary tract, the antibacterial property in cranberry juice can also hamper the growth of H. pylori in the stomach. The uncontrolled growth of this bacterium may cause swelling that disrupts the digestive tract. - Avoid viral infection
Besides preventing the occurrence of bacterial infection, cranberry juice also protects against viral infection. On the research conducted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the juice is capable of eliminating some types of virus, including norovirus that spread through foods.
Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay
Source(s):
- What are the health benefits if cranberry juice? (2018). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322731.php, August 15, 2018
- Get the Facts: The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice (2016). https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/cranberry-juice-benefits#1, August 15, 2018.
- Su, X., Howell, A. M. & D’Souza, D. H. (2010). The effect of cranberry juice and cranberry proanthocyanidins on the infectivity of human enteric viral surrogates. Food Microbiology, 27(4): 535-540, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2010.01.001