Cranberries aren’t just for the sauce during Thanksgiving dinner. They can also provide health benefits throughout the year. Here are some of the pros and cons that come with drinking cranberry juice on a regular basis.
List of the Pros of Drinking Cranberry Juice
1. It may help treat and prevent urinary tract infections.
Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidin, which are a class of polyphenols. When consumed in a large enough quantity, it prevents the bacteria which cause a UTI from sticking to the various tissues.
2. It has high levels of antioxidants.
The antioxidants in cranberry juice are 20 times higher than that of straight Vitamin C and 50 times higher than what Vitamin E can provide. This allows more free-oxygen radicals to be removed from the body’s cells.
3. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Cranberry juice also contains high levels of salicylic acid, which is a known anti-inflammatory agent. Reducing inflammation levels within the digestive tract and help to lower personal risks for a number of health issues, which includes cancer, for some individuals.
List of the Cons of Drinking Cranberry Juice
1. It can be a calorie bomb.
Unsweetened cranberry juice can be healthy and beneficial. Sweetened cranberry juice can remove many of the benefits that are possible. 8 fluid ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice contains 117 calories. Sweetened cranberry juice of the same amount is about 136 calories. Since 32 ounces of cranberry juice may be recommended, that equates to more than 600 calories per day.
2. It can upset the stomach.
Some people find that cranberry juice can trigger diarrhea, nausea, and bloating.
3. It can cause kidney stones.
Consuming 1 liter of cranberry juice daily is directly associated with an increased risk of kidney stone development. This happens because cranberries contain oxalate, which adheres to calcium to form the stones.
4. It doesn’t help for everyone.
Women who drink about 2 ounces of cranberry juice per day may lower their risks of a UTI by 20%. For children or people aged 65 or older, there is no direct evidence to suggest that regular juice consumption is beneficial.
These drinking cranberry juice pros and cons suggest that women may benefit from the practice. Remember to drink juice in moderation and have healthy eating habits to maximize the benefits that are possible.