Cranberry juice has been proven to have numerous health benefits. One of these benefits that many are unaware of is its ability to treat female urinary tract infections (UTIs). A UTI affects about 70% of all women in their lifetime, usually caused by E. coli bacteria.
So what exactly does cranberry juice do, and why is it so effective at treating UTIs? This article discusses eight proven benefits of cranberry juice for females and how they can benefit you or someone you know who suffers from UTIs regularly.
What are the benefits of Cranberry Juice for Females
1) Flush Out Toxins
Drink one glass (8 oz.) of cranberry juice every day to help prevent urinary tract infections. As a bonus, you can help your body shed those stubborn pounds at about 3% each year, thanks to cranberries’ ability to flush out toxins from your bladder and kidneys effectively. But beware—cranberries won’t work unless you drink water with them; otherwise, they will stick in your bladder.
And don’t be fooled by some cranberry juices with extra sugars; stick to pure cranberry juice or make your homemade version by combining fresh or frozen berries with water. Like most things in life, moderation is essential for how much you should consume. The human body doesn’t require much of it anyway—and more than two glasses per day may cause other problems such as diarrhea and kidney stones due to its high acidity levels.
2) Improves Postmenopausal Health
A common problem in postmenopausal women is low estrogen levels, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and Osteoporosis. However, studies show that drinking cranberry juice can significantly lower these risks. One study found that after drinking six ounces daily for three months, women experienced a 15 percent increase in estradiol (the main form of estrogen) and a 10 percent decrease in LDL cholesterol—two strong indicators that cranberry juice may protect against postmenopausal health problems.
Another study from 2008 found similar results. Although it’s unclear exactly how cranberries improve postmenopausal health, researchers suspect it has something to do with their high antioxidant content and ability to prevent oxidative stress—which damages cells over time and has been linked to various diseases including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. In addition to improving your health as you age, there are other benefits associated with drinking cranberry juice regularly.
For example, one study found that women who drank eight ounces of cranberry juice every day for 12 weeks had fewer urinary tract infections than those who didn’t drink any. Researchers think it might have something to do with cranberries’ antibacterial properties. In another study, men who drank 12 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice every day for four weeks had fewer bacteria in their urine than those who didn’t drink any—and they also had fewer bladder infections.
3) Alleviates Premenstrual Symptoms
After a few weeks of drinking cranberry juice, women often get relief from PMS symptoms, such as painful cramps and mood swings. Medical researchers aren’t exactly sure why drinking cranberry juice seems to help. However, they theorize that it may be because women who consume more cranberries in their diet tend to have lower levels of a specific type of sugar that is linked to PMS.
In addition, one study found that drinking 3-4 glasses of low-calorie cranberry juice daily helped reduce bloating in women suffering from PMS. Another theory about how cranberry juice helps with PMS symptoms is related to its anti-inflammatory properties. Reducing inflammation can help lessen PMS symptoms like swelling, pain, and tenderness.
4) Aids In Digestion
Digestive problems are one of the most common health issues women face today. The berries in cranberry juice help regulate digestion, giving you more regularity and preventing issues such as bloating and cramping. By promoting a healthy digestive system, cranberries may also reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
IBS is characterized by severe abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. Regular use of cranberry juice may aid in reducing symptoms linked to IBS. For example, studies have shown that eating up to 12 ounces of cranberry juice per day can decrease instances of constipation associated with IBS. It’s important to note that while consuming cranberry juice may alleviate some symptoms associated with IBS, it should not be used as a replacement for medication prescribed by your doctor.
5) Boosts Immunity
A recent study in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that women who drank six ounces of cranberry juice daily for a month reduced their likelihood of catching a cold by 50 percent. Previous research has found that cranberries contain compounds called proanthocyanidins, which help strengthen Immunity against bacterial infection. Additionally, cranberry juice can improve overall mood and mental well-being by containing vitamin C and antioxidants.
6) Prevent Heart Disease
Studies have shown that cranberries may reduce plaque build-up in arteries, lowering your risk of heart disease. If you already have a heart condition, cranberries can keep your body functioning at optimal levels by preventing damage to your blood vessels. And if you’re looking to prevent or reverse damage from heart disease, there’s good news: research shows that eating cranberries daily might decrease vascular inflammation and blood pressure.
7) Prevent Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become weak and more likely to break. A team of researchers from Harvard Medical School found that women who drank at least two 8-ounce glasses of cranberry juice each day had their risk of Osteoporosis cut by 60 percent. Researchers believe that phytochemicals in cranberries called proanthocyanidins may slow bone loss by making it more difficult for bacteria to attach themselves to the bone, resulting in weakening and deterioration.
8) Help Fight Infections
The health benefits of cranberries aren’t limited to women, and they also help keep infections at bay. That’s because cranberries contain proanthocyanidins, which have powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Research suggests that cranberry juice can be more effective than prescription antibiotics at preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs). A study in American Family Physicians found that cranberries are so effective they may even help prevent E.
How much cranberry juice should you drink?
The amount you drink will depend on your age, body weight, and health. Drink 1–2 cups (240–475 ml) per day, drinking at least 8 cups (2 L) each week. Ensure that any cranberry juice product you buy is unsweetened for maximum benefits.
The recommended dose is 15 mL per kg. For example, a 75 kg (165 lb) person should drink 1150 mL (120 oz or 1.2 L) each week. If you don’t drink that much in one sitting, you can spread it out over several smaller doses throughout your day or multiple days. (2)
What are the side effects of cranberry juice?
Drinking cranberry juice can have a wide range of benefits. However, it is essential to note that cranberries and their juice contain naturally-occurring sugars and acids. If you’re sensitive to these substances, drink with caution. Although rare, some side effects of drinking too much cranberry juice may include diarrhea or an upset stomach, cramps or abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Consult your physician if you experience these side effects after drinking cranberry juice regularly.
The Bottom Line
Like blueberries, cranberries are a rich source of flavonoids and antioxidants and may improve immune function. Moreover, cranberry juice has been shown to help fight infection—in particular, it contains proanthocyanidins (PACs), which have been found to work against uropathogenic E. coli bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.
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