In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleCranberry Juice NutritionHealth Benefits of Cranberry JuiceTips for Choosing the Healthiest Cranberry JuiceFAQs
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Cranberry Juice Nutrition
Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Tips for Choosing the Healthiest Cranberry Juice
FAQs
Cranberry juice is sweet yet tart, making it a delicious daily drink or occasional refreshment. While many people may solely associate it with helping to cure urinary tract infections (UTIs), it has a variety of other health benefits. Let’s delve into cranberry juice nutrition, science-backed benefits and tips for selecting the healthiest options.
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Here is the nutritional information for a 1-cup serving of unsweetened cranberry juice, per theUSDA:
Cranberry juice is renowned for its vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value) and antioxidant content, which helps support a healthy immune system. It’s also low in total calories and fat, making it a go-to beverage choice for many. You can even incorporate it into fun recipes for entertaining, like ourCranberry-Orange Punch.
May Help Support Urinary Tract Health
Cranberry juice is often associated with its potential to promote urinary tract health. A 2023 review of 50 studies published inCochranefound that the use of cranberry products (including cranberry juice) may reduce the risk of UTIs for women with recurrent UTIs, in children and in people susceptible to UTIs following interventions (such as bladder radiotherapy).
However, this review did not find sufficient evidence to support the benefits for elderly, patients with bladder emptying problems or those who are pregnant.
Overall, more research is needed to conclude whether cranberry juice can have significant benefits for urinary tract health.
Rich in Antioxidants
Loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C and various phytonutrients, cranberry juice can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Lauren Klein, M.S., RDN, a registered dietitian and creator ofPiece of Lulu, explains, “Antioxidants are molecules that help counteract free radicals.” She goes on to explain that “too many free radicals accumulate DNA damage [and can] create oxidative stress.”
Feeding our bodies with plenty of colorful, antioxidant-rich foods can help stave off damage to cells and keep our bodies healthy.
Luckily according to a 2022 review published inMolecules, cranberry juice is rich in antioxidants with compounds like flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and resveratrol.
Provides a Full Serving of Fruit
Consuming cranberry juice is an easy way to help boost the fruit servings in your day. The2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansrecognizes 1 cup of 100% cranberry juice as 1-cup serving of fruit. That said, they also recommend having at least half of your fruit intake come from whole fruits and suggest avoiding fruit juices with added sugar, so be sure to check the nutrition labels of the products you choose.
Related:What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Juice Every Day
Promotes Oral Health
According to a 2019 review published inDentistry Journal,the natural compounds found in cranberry juice may help prevent and control dental caries (also known as cavities). However, it’s important to be mindful of enjoying this juice without added sugars to maximize these potential benefits.
Supports Immune Health
Overall, it’s important to eat a balanced diet filled with a variety of foods that may play a role in immune function.
When selecting cranberry juice, keep these tips in mind:
The Bottom Line
Cranberry juice can be a nourishing addition to your diet, offering several potential health benefits. However, moderation and mindful selection are key. When shopping, always check the nutrition label and ingredients to ensure you select 100% juice without added sugars or other added ingredients.
If you’re unsure where juice may or may not fit in your diet, reach out to a health care provider or registered dietitian for advice tailored to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked QuestionsDrinking cranberry juice in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. It can be a convenient way to boost the vitamins and minerals in your day. However, be sure to also enjoy fruit in its whole-food form (whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned) as this will allow you to get more fiber. Fiber has been linked toseveral health benefitssuch as healthy weight maintenance and gut health.Although there are no set recommendations on fruit juice, the DGAs recognizes 1 cup of 100% fruit juice as a 1-cup serving of fruit. So, in general, the average adult could consider drinking about 1 cup (8 ounces) of juice per day. They also recommend making sure at least half of your total fruit intake is from whole-food sources.When it comes to children, Klen points out guidance fromPediatricsstating, “Juice should be limited to 8 ounces a day for those 7 to 18 years old.“People who are prone to kidney stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate, may want to limit their cranberry juice intake. Cranberry juice contains oxalates, which are compounds that can contribute to the formation of these types of kidney stones.Additionally, people on certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, should consult a health care professional before drinking cranberry juice, due to potential interactions with these medications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drinking cranberry juice in moderation can be part of a healthy diet. It can be a convenient way to boost the vitamins and minerals in your day. However, be sure to also enjoy fruit in its whole-food form (whether it’s fresh, frozen or canned) as this will allow you to get more fiber. Fiber has been linked toseveral health benefitssuch as healthy weight maintenance and gut health.
Although there are no set recommendations on fruit juice, the DGAs recognizes 1 cup of 100% fruit juice as a 1-cup serving of fruit. So, in general, the average adult could consider drinking about 1 cup (8 ounces) of juice per day. They also recommend making sure at least half of your total fruit intake is from whole-food sources.When it comes to children, Klen points out guidance fromPediatricsstating, “Juice should be limited to 8 ounces a day for those 7 to 18 years old.”
Although there are no set recommendations on fruit juice, the DGAs recognizes 1 cup of 100% fruit juice as a 1-cup serving of fruit. So, in general, the average adult could consider drinking about 1 cup (8 ounces) of juice per day. They also recommend making sure at least half of your total fruit intake is from whole-food sources.
When it comes to children, Klen points out guidance fromPediatricsstating, “Juice should be limited to 8 ounces a day for those 7 to 18 years old.”
People who are prone to kidney stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate, may want to limit their cranberry juice intake. Cranberry juice contains oxalates, which are compounds that can contribute to the formation of these types of kidney stones.Additionally, people on certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, should consult a health care professional before drinking cranberry juice, due to potential interactions with these medications.
People who are prone to kidney stones, particularly those composed of calcium oxalate, may want to limit their cranberry juice intake. Cranberry juice contains oxalates, which are compounds that can contribute to the formation of these types of kidney stones.
Additionally, people on certain blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin or aspirin, should consult a health care professional before drinking cranberry juice, due to potential interactions with these medications.
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