Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits? (2024)

FAQs

Cranberry Juice: Are There Health Benefits? ›

Some preliminary research has linked cranberry juice to prevention of some types of cancer, decreased blood pressure, and increased immunity. Additionally, cranberry juice has been used as a long-time home remedy for the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Although cranberry juice is safe to consume in moderation, drinking too much can cause side effects such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and blood sugar spikes. In the past, it was believed that cranberry juice can slow the growth of bacteria and therefore is useful in treating urinary tract infections.

Cranberry juice is rich in vitamin C, which helps keep your immune system healthy and functioning properly. It fights against oxidative stress from free radicals and helps kill harmful bacteria. Some studies also link low vitamin C intake to poor immune function.

To avoid excess consumption of added sugars and maximize the potential benefits of cranberry juice, it is best to choose pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. While cranberry juice is safe for most people, consuming too much can lead to side effects, like upset stomach and diarrhea.

The bottom line

All the same, this juice boasts vitamin C, magnesium, and various antioxidants. Evidence suggests that these nutrients may boost immune health, ease PMS symptoms, and promote bone density in women. Cranberry juice may also help prevent UTIs, though scientific results are mixed.

If you take aspirin regularly, as a blood-thinner, for example, or if you are allergic to aspirin, you should not take cranberry supplements or drink a lot of juice. Other medications: Cranberry may interact with medications that are broken down by the liver.

04/6​Rich in Vitamin C

This further helps in decongesting bile juices and allows the liver to metabolize fats more efficiently. This is the reason why cranberries or its juice is recommended for people suffering from fatty liver.

Cranberry juice is high in oxalates, which can increase your risk of calcium oxalate kidney stones. This is because oxalates bind to calcium when you consume a lot of them, especially if you're already prone to kidney stones ( 3 , 4 ).

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Cranberry may increase the anticoagulant effect from blood thinners like warfarin and lead to bruising or bleeding. If you take an oral blood thinner, check with your doctor before consuming large amounts of cranberry or cranberry juice.

Cranberry juice is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and key nutrients. It may also help prevent UTIs, support a healthy gut, and help manage some chronic conditions, like heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

Is ocean spray cranberry juice good for you? ›

"Food and nutrition experts understand that, with its powerful nutrients and well-documented health benefits, the cranberry can play an important role in a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle," said Kellyanne Dignan, Director, Global Corporate Affairs at Ocean Spray.

Studies have pointed out that due to the added sugars and water that dilute the cranberry juice, cranberry capsules are a more effective alternative. In fact, it turns out that the active ingredient in cranberries that helps prevent E. coli from turning into an infection may not even be present in cranberry juice!

That said, it's high in sugar and can cause a blood sugar spike, which can be a concern if you have diabetes. Opt for pure, unsweetened cranberry juice and stick with a 1/2-cup (125-mL) serving, which provides around 15 grams of carbs from naturally occurring sugar.

Cranberry juice has been thought to help with kidney stones, but research suggests that it may actually increase kidney stones formation — especially calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common kidney stones. Ideally, you should try to limit your juice intake to around one cup (236 mL) or less per day.

The University of Rochester recommends consuming no more than 10 ounces of cranberry juice per day. While cranberry juice has many benefits, drinking too much of it can induce unpleasant side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), large amounts of cranberry juice can trigger an upset stomach.