Generally, most things that taste really good aren't exactly healthy for you. But that is not the case with cranberry juice - cranberry juice isn't just an exciting mixer for your Friday night cocktails. In fact, a cup of cranberry juice contains only 45 calories and is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and salicylic acid along with other macro and micronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, B complex vitamins, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and zinc.

So you must be thinking, "Well, what does cranberry juice help with then?” Tons of things actually. Let's see why cranberry juice should be a definite addition to your diet.

Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

1. Prevents UTIs

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are painful, and they are primarily caused by higher-than-normal levels of certain microorganisms in your urine. The infection usually originates in the bladder, triggering cystitis in the kidney which leads to renal parenchyma, or in the prostate which leads to bacterial prostatitis.

Several studies have shown that cranberry juice contains an antioxidant called proanthocyanidins whose anti-clinging properties prevent the UTI-causing bacteria from attaching themselves to the walls of your bladder. As result, the bacteria are unable to multiply further and is flushed out of your body through urine.

So, is cranberry juice good for you when you have a UTI? The straight answer is no - cranberry juice should be consumed as a preventative measure rather than a cure, but it can speed up the process of treatment or stop your condition from worsening.

2. Boosts Cardiovascular Health

Cranberry juice has been proven to prevent heart-related diseases as well as provide a boost for overall cardiovascular health. The flavonoids (powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties) in cranberries are great for decreasing the looming threat of atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a serious condition where the arteries of your heart are blocked by a buildup of fat, calcium, and cholesterol present in your blood. This condition is supremely risky for your overall well being because it obstructs the flow of oxygen-rich blood to essential organs, resulting in a heart attack or stroke.

The flavonoids in cranberries have been proven to stimulate the production of blood platelets as well as delay and suppress the oxidation of harmful low-density lipoprotein.

3. Anti-Aging Benefits

The phytonutrients and antioxidants in cranberries are great for preventing the issues we tend to develop with age such as lack of coordination and memory loss. Cranberries are great for reigning in the free radicals that contribute to the visible signs of aging such as unhealthy, sagging, or damaged skin.

4. Prevents Tooth Decay

The proanthocyanidins in cranberries prevent tooth decay by obstructing harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth. These antioxidant components inhibit acid production and safeguard your teeth from the formation of plaque. Good dental hygiene along with a healthy dose of cranberries in your diet will go a long way in protecting your pearly whites.

5. Prevents Respiratory Infections

According to some studies, the antioxidants in cranberry juice help suppress certain strains of the Haemophilus influenza virus (a leading cause of respiratory and ear infections in children) by inhibiting the bacteria's hair-like structures from adhering to the skin.

Possible Side Effects of Cranberry Juice

Can there be any side effects of this multi-faceted and life-saving berry? Moderate consumption of cranberry juice can bolster your health in a number of ways. However, drinking it may also lead to a number of complications.

1. Worsening Diabetes

Cranberry juice has a high sugar content which can cause further complications in those who already have diabetes or glucose intolerance. (Pro Tip: you might opt for drinking unsweetened organic cranberry juice after consulting with your doctor.)

2. Can Cause Kidney Stones

Cranberry juice contains oxalate which is often naturally present in the urinary tract along with some amount of calcium. Usually, oxalate and calcium remain dissolved in the urine and pose no hazard to your health. However, when the levels of calcium and oxalate are high and urine volume is low, they may form crystals which eventually turn into kidney stones.

3. Allergies and Reactions to Certain Drugs

If you're allergic to aspirin, you need to avoid cranberry juice as both aspirin and cranberries contain salicylic acid.

Cranberry juice can also react with medications used as blood thinners to prevent blocks or clots in veins and arteries. In some cases, cranberry juice consumption may cause excessive bleeding.

Recommended Ways of Eating and Dosage

A huge benefit of cranberries is that they can be easily integrated into your diet. You can drink freshly squeezed cranberry juice to stay hydrated, get dried cranberries to have with your cereal, or eat them as you pick fresh for the most authentic and organic experience.

In order to prevent the development of UTIs in adults, the following dosage is recommended: 50 ml of cranberry and lingonberry concentrate for 6 months. You can also take capsules containing 400-500 mg of dried cranberries instead after consulting with your doctor.

Final Thoughts

Cranberries have been used for food as well as medicinal purposes for centuries. In fact, the Native Americans recognized the medicinal properties and used cranberries to treat kidney and bladder diseases centuries ago. However, to enjoy the benefits cranberry consumption has to offer, you need to keep a couple of things in mind:

• Cranberry juice is just a preventive measure and cannot cure a disease once you notice its symptoms.
• Practicing moderation in consumption will go a long way in preventing the aggravation of an existing health condition.