The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is a tasty, refreshing fruit drink, but many people don't realize that it is also quite healthy. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies describes many of the health benefits of cranberry juice and how it can be used as a preventative measure against many types of diseases, reducing the risks or alleviating symptoms. The best cranberry juice should be 100% juice with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or artificial colors. Quite often you will find that many brands of cranberry juice are in fact only 30% juice, and not all of it cranberry, with the remainder of the beverage made from sweeteners and water. While the taste may still be refreshingly adequate, you will not be receiving the full spectrum of health benefits and nutrients inherent in 100% pure cranberry juice.

100% pure cranberry juice can sometimes be bitter or tart. If so, try mixing a glass with some apple juice. Additionally, be sure to check the ingredients of your purchase. Many labels will simply say 100% juice, which does not necessarily mean 100% cranberry juice, but rather a mixture of juices, with cranberry being dominant. This type of product is still a far cry healthier than the artificial juices, and may be preferred if the taste of pure cranberry juice is not to your liking. Studies have dictated that only 30% cranberry juice of a 100% juice mixture is necessary to receive the beneficial vitamins and nutrients, as well as other health benefits imparted by cranberry juice.

Besides its high mix of natural vitamins and minerals, cranberry juice is also highly effective in the treatment of urinary tract, bladder and kidney infections. Additionally, a healthy dose of dietary fiber, antioxidants and phytochemical nutrients help to protect you against heart disease and cancer.

Rich with Vitamin C, the high amount of acid and other beneficial components in cranberry juice can help break down and prevent the formation of kidney stones. Used for centuries to treat urinary tract infections, its benefit in those areas is already well-known. But perhaps a lesser known fact is that cranberry juice also contains components that help prevent the formation of oral bacteria that lead to gum disease and plaque.

For these reasons, cranberry juice is a great refreshment for children who crave flavorful juice, while at the same time giving them much of their daily requirements of vitamins and nutrients, and helping to treat and prevent gum and periodontal disease and urinary tract infections.

Recent studies have also shown that the wonderful elixir of cranberry juice also possesses a number of important health benefits for the older crowd as well. Cranberry juice is effective in inhibiting the growth of peptic ulcers, something 50% of the population above 60 is affected with. But more importantly, the high amount of antioxidants and other healthy components in cranberry juice offer a natural defense against heart disease, and help to prevent cancer and blood diseases.

Cranberry juice is a natural, healthy drink, with nutritious health benefits for all ages. A glass or two a day is another positive step toward a health lifestyle.

Sources: C. Norman Shealy, The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies