Benefits Of Cranberry Juice

While we think of cranberries as being the perfect holiday garnishment or complement to our Thanksgiving turkey, the cranberry is actually good for you and has a great many healthy effects on the body.

The benefits of cranberry juice

Cranberries are believed to play a role in our total body health; however, its claim to fame is to prevent and treat bladder infections.  It does this because it contains compounds known as proanthocyanidins (PACS).  PACS are believed to keep E. coli, the most common cause of bladder infections, and other bacteria from being able to adhere to the inner lining of the bladder.

Another benefit of cranberries is that the PACs are believed to keep away stomach ulcers and gum disease through the same mechanism as it does with the bladder.

Added to the above, experts believe that antioxidants and phytonutrients found in cranberries help protect our bodies against diseases like coronary artery disease and many types of cancers.

The major benefit of antioxidants is that they have the ability to combat the negative effects of oxygen free radicals on the DNA and other parts of the cells of the body.  While free radicals are a part of normal nutrition, they can cause damage if they build up in the system. Antioxidants take free radicals and neutralize them, making them harmless against conditions like cancer and premature aging.

The good news is that, if you include cranberries in your regular diet, you should be able to do so year round and at little cost.  You should be able to locate fresh cranberries at just about any grocery store during the season and, during the off-season, you can find canned or frozen cranberry juice and frozen cranberries.

Besides frozen, canned and fresh cranberries, you can buy cranberry jelly and cranberry sauce, just like the kinds you use during Thanksgiving.  Health food stores even have cranberry capsules.  This should give you a great many ways to enjoy this healthy and nutritious fruit.