Tag Archives: Cranberry juice

24 Mar

Best Cranberries For Cranberry Juice And How To Choose Them

When it comes to cranberry juice, nothing compares to homemade. Store-bought varieties of cranberry juice cocktail are often lacking the real juice taste that can easily be created at home using fresh berries and a juicer. The following guide reviews the best cranberries for juicing that will yield a delightfully tangy and refreshing flavor.

The American Cranberry

North America’s native species yield the best cranberries for juicing. Although there are over 100 varieties of cranberries, these fruits are the best for juicing because they are larger and more flavorful than most varieties. Grown throughout the northeast region of the United States, the berries are in season in mid-fall and early winter.

best cranberries for juicing

Choosing Cranberries for Juicing

The best berries for your juicer are deep red in color and feel firm when squeezed. Firmness is the best indicator of quality and the berries should bounce slightly when tossed against a hard surface. Berries that have a rich color also have a higher concentration of compounds that contribute to health.

19 Mar

Cranberry Juice Side Effects – Can You Drink Too Much Of It?

Though there are numerous benefits to drinking cranberry juice, overconsumption of the beverage can lead to some unpleasant cranberry juice side effects. In addition, there are certain drug interactions with the juice of which its drinkers need to be aware. Read on to learn about what to be wary of when drinking cranberry juice.

Stomach Problems

For people that drink a lot of cranberry juice, stomach problems may develop. These include diarrhea, loose stool, and an upset stomach. These are the most common cranberry juice side effects.

Diabetes Complications

Many cranberry juices can have a very high sugar content, and this can cause complications for people who suffer from diabetes. Luckily, many manufacturers offer sugar-free version of their cranberry juices, so people with diabetes can look for those.

Cranberry juice side effects

Kidney Stones

There are chemicals in cranberry juice called oxalates. A high concentration of oxalates in the body has been associated with an increased risk of forming kidney stones. As anyone who has had one will say, kidney stones are one of the most painful things in the world. Anyone that has a history of kidney stones should check with a doctor before beginning to drink large amounts of cranberry juice.

Cranberry Juice Side Effects And Drug Interactions

People that are taking any kind of blood thinner need to be careful when drinking cranberry juice. The mixing of cranberry juice and a blood-thinning medication can lead to excessive bleeding if the person becomes injured. It may be severe enough that the bleeding will not stop without taking a medication to reverse the symptoms, so anyone on a blood thinner should be sure to consult with their doctor before mixing the two. In addition, drinking cranberry juice will sometimes negatively interact with many medications for liver disease, so patients on medications that affect the liver should consult a doctor before mixing them with cranberry juice.

Allergic Reactions

Those that are allergic to a species of berries called Vaccinum should not drink cranberry juice, because the cranberry is a member of the species. Also, anyone with an allergy to aspirin should avoid consuming cranberry juice, because it is likely they will experience a reaction to cranberry juice as well. Anyone that experiences shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing or a constricted throat immediately after drinking cranberry juice should head immediately for the emergency room, because it is most likely an allergic reaction to the cranberry.

22 Dec

Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries are an incredibly diverse and very small fruit that offers big taste and even bigger health benefits. You will recognize a cranberry by its deep red color and its wonderfully sweet taste. Cranberries are grown worldwide and they are known by many to be one of the fruits they classify as a ‘super’ fruit. One of the best way to enjoy the taste and benefits of cranberries is by drinking the cranberry juice.  Health benefits of cranberry juice are numerous. Let’s take a look at each one of these benefits a little bit closer.

Cranberry Juice is Nutrient Rich

These tiny red little berries are stuffed with the valuable nutrients your body craves. By consuming Cranberry juice you can get a good dose of the vitamins A, C, & K. The juice also acts as a good source of Calcium, Potassium, Sodium, Fiber, Phosphorus and Magnesium.

Health benefits of cranberry juice

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Cranberry juice can be used to prevent urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infections are a common, but dangerous and painful, medical ailment. The risk of urinary tract infection (or UTI) can be increased by consuming too many foods that are stuffed with artificial preservatives. Drinking 8-10oz of unsweetened cranberry juice can help cleanse the body of these unnatural substances and prevent the onset of UTI infections that can be caused by the bacteria known as E. Coli. Cranberry juice cleanses the body because it is filled with minerals known as “proanthocyanidins” which help break apart wastes and send them through your digestive system.

Cranberry Juice Can Prevent Kidney Stones

Some scientists and doctors believe that cranberry juice can be a way to prevent or deter the development of kidney stones. Studies have shown that the presence of “guinic” acid in cranberry juice helps keep kidney stones from forming.

Healthy Heart Is Also One Of The Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice

Since cranberries are stuffed full of powerful antioxidants, it can go a long way in aiding heart health. The antioxidants attack and repair the damage caused by free radicals. In addition to destroying  damage causing free radical cells, Studies have shown that regular consumption of cranberry juice can help increase your levels of good cholesterol and lower the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.

Prevents Respiratory Infections

Research has shown that cranberry juice has the ability to prevent the growth of specific strains of “Haemophilus” influenza. Haemophilus influenza is often the cause of respiratory infections. The juices properties act as an ‘anti stick’ to the bacteria and prevents them from sticking to the surfaces of skin and causing an infection

Cranberry Juice Heals!

I know, it sounds a little outlandish, but it is true! Cranberry juice is incredibly effective at overcoming the common cold! Because the fruit has a natural ‘anti-stick’ property that helps cleanse the body, it also helps overcome illness like sore throat or a cold very quickly. As a side bonus: It tastes way better than medicine.

It Makes You Look Good In A Smile

That’s right, cranberry juice can improve your smile. Unsweetened cranberry juice is a dentist favorite in terms of gum and tooth health. The juice, once again with its ‘anti-stick’ properties, helps prevent mouth bacteria and plaque. Keeping this bacteria and plaque off your teeth and gums will not only keep your smile looking and feeling clean, but it will also prevent bad breath.

Cranberry Juice Can Help You Lose Weight

No, cranberry juice is not the magic pill that lets you shed pounds with no effort, but as part of a diet and exercise plan it can help maximize your results. The acids in cranberries can help emulsify fat deposits throughout your body and help contribute to your weight loss plan

Cranberry Juice Can Prevent Ulcers and Cancer

The phytochemicals in cranberries can help act as deterrents against cancer and stomach related problems. By destroying dangerous H Pylori bacteria, prolonged and consistent consumption of cranberry juice can help prevent painful and dangerous ulcers and it can even reduce your risk of certain types of cancers.

I bet you didn’t know you could get so many health benefits from cranberry juice – all from just one tiny little fruit! Perhaps now you can understand why some people consider cranberries to be a ‘super’ fruit. The key to enjoying the health benefits of cranberry juice is to consume the juice on a regular basis.