What Does Cranberry Juice Do?

Hidden among the grape and apple juice is the multi-talented cranberry juice. This tart juice does more than cause our mouths to pucker; it may prevent everything from cancer to urinary tract infections.

Urinary Tract Infections

• Cranberry juice can protect against urinary tract infections. The juice of the cranberry prevents the attachment of Escherichia coli, the bacteria known to cause urinary tract infections.

Dental Health

• Cranberry juice also prevents bacteria from sticking to our teeth. This lowers the chance of cavities and plaque-related diseases.

Prevent Heart Disease

• A potent source of antioxidants, cranberry juice may lower the risk of heart disease by lowering the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in our body.

Inhibit Cancer

• Cranberry juice may be a potential cancer fighter. In vitro, cranberry juice slows the growth of some cancer cells.

Warning

• Cranberry juice may interfere with the prescription medication warfarin, a blood thinner.

Considerations

• Look at the amount of extra sugar on the cranberry juice label. Extra sugar sometimes negates the positive effects.