8 Advantages and Disadvantages of Cranberry Juice

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon) are versatile fruits native to North America that are used in making food and medicinal products. They are believed to contain a huge amount of antioxidants, even more compared with other fruits and vegetables, such as apples, spinach and broccoli. It is said that a cup of cranberry juice can offer a total 8,983 antioxidant capacity. While there are true benefits to it, there are also people who point out some unfavorable effects. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of cranberry juice:

List of Advantages of Cranberry Juice

1. It provides anti-tumor effects.
This juice is believed to offer anti-tumor efficacy, which is attributed to its polyphenolic compound content. It is suggested by research that regularly consuming this juice will inhibit the spread and development of breast, lung, prostate, colon and other cancerous tumors. This juice also contains high amounts of salicylic acid that helps reduce swelling and prevent blood clots.

2. It helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
As research shows, cranberry juice also contains proanthocyanidins that has anti-clinging properties, which prevent bacteria from binding themselves to the cells of the bladder walls. These compounds also stop bacteria from multiplying and rather flush them out of your body through urination. This means that drinking this juice regularly will help prevent recurring UTIs in women.

3. It keeps tooth decay at bay.
Cranberry juice is said to prevent tooth cavities, also because of proanthocyanidins preventing bacteria from clinging to your teeth. By drinking it, you can protect your teeth from diseases by preventing plaque growth.

4. It helps boost cardiovascular health.
This juice can help lower the risk of getting ailments related to the heart and helps with sustaining cardiovascular health. It contains flavonoids that offer antioxidant properties that may decrease the risk of such conditions, like atherosclerosis.

List of Disadvantages of Cranberry Juice

1. It will increase your chance of developing kidney stones.
According to the Medline Plus website, drinking more than 1 liter of cranberry juice per day for a long period of time might increase your chance of getting kidney stones. Cranberries contain a high amount of a chemical called oxalate, which when mixed with calcium can cause kidney stones. For this reason, if you have a history of, or are at a high risk for kidney stones, you should not consume cranberry juice or take supplements unless you are under a doctor’s supervision.

2. It can cause upset stomach.
While there are no established amounts of cranberry juice that is proven to be effective, high doses of may cause diarrhea and upset stomach in some individuals.

3. It can aggravate bruising and bleeding.
It has been observed that this juice and supplements containing cranberry might interfere with certain heart medications, where those taking blood-thinning drugs, like aspirin and warfarin, are recommended to speak with health-care providers before consuming cranberry. It is believed that such combination could lead to bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

4. It can increase blood sugar levels.

If you have diabetes or high blood sugar levels, it is recommended to only consume unsweetened cranberry juice to avoid heightening the symptoms that come with these conditions.

Based on the advantages and disadvantages listed above, it would seem that it is best to consume this juice as much as necessary if you plan to do it regularly. After all, too much of anything is definitely harmful to the body.

Author Bio
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.