Delicious cranberries are small red berries that taste a bit tart, crisp, and sour, but pack a punch when it comes to health benefits.
Known and Loved for Centuries
For example, Native Americans, have known and consumed wild cranberries as early as the 15th century as food, medicine and even dye. Cranberries have been a part of Thanksgiving celebrations since the 1600s, when Native Americans introduced them to the Pilgrims.
European Wild Cranberries vs Cultivated Farm Cranberries
But did you know, that especially good and beneficial are non GMO European wild cranberries, known as vaccinium oxycoccos, that grow naturally in bogs and not in cultivated cranberry farms (known as vaccinium macrocarpon).
Why to Choose Wild Cranberries Over Cultivated Cranberries?
Wild cranberries are richer in antioxidants and have richer nutrient profile (Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin E, dietary fibre, and manganese) than cultivated cranberries.
Wild cranberries also have more intense and complex flavor profile than cultivated cranberries. Their natural tartness is more pronounced that mat appeal to those looking for real and bold flavours, but be intimidating to those used to sweeter, more sugary taste.
Environmentally Friendly Option
Non GMO wild cranberries grow naturally in bogs without the need for pesticides or fertilizers, making them a more environmentally friendly option. Natural growth process helps to preserve the ecosystem and biodiversity.
While cultivated cranberries are widely available and often more convenient for commercial use, wild cranberries offer distinct advantages in terms of nutrition and environmental impact.
Higher Antioxidant Levels
Their rich flavor and higher antioxidant levels make them a desirable choice for those seeking natural and nutrient-dense foods. If you have access to wild cranberries, they are an excellent option to explore for their unique taste and potential impact on your body.
So Why Are Wild Cranberries a Better Choice for Your Body?
-
Grow naturally in a cool climate with long hours of direct sunlight.
-
No pesticides or additives used.
-
Harvested at peak ripeness when the berries are loaded with vital nutrients.
Cranberry juice can mean different things to different people.
Many people want the sweet taste, so they are mostly familiar with the sweetened cranberry juice cocktail or cranberry juice concentrate often found in stores. But do they know, that these products may often come with artificial sweeteners & in artificial colors, preservatives + other ingredients?
Pure cranberry juice may be a bit trickier to come across and it may taste a whole lot tarter, but without any added sugar content it offers a more natural and beneficial alternative.
In this article, we'll explore the benefits and nutrition facts of pure cranberry juice, compare it to juices with added sugar & artificial flavors, and uncover some intriguing facts about cranberries.
Health Benefits of Pure Cranberry Juice
Pure cranberry juice is a powerhouse of nutrients that offers numerous benefits, from supporting urinary tract health to boosting the immune system.
Whether you’re drinking it to give a boost to your body, or simply enjoying its refreshing taste, cranberry juice with its bold flavor is a fantastic addition to any diet.
1. Rich in Antioxidants:
Non GMO pure cranberry juice is loaded with antioxidants, particularly proanthocyanidins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. These compounds help protect cells from damage by neutralizing free radicals, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
2. Urinary Tract Health:
One of the most well-known benefits of cranberry juice is its ability to promote urinary tract health. The proanthocyanidins in cranberries prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the urinary tract, reducing the risk of infections.
3. Heart Health:
Drinking pure cranberry juice may help improve heart health by increasing levels of good cholesterol (HDL) and reducing levels of bad cholesterol (LDL). This, in turn, can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Improved Digestion:
Wild cranberry juice contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps prevent constipation. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.
5. Immune System Support:
The high vitamin C content in cranberries boosts the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
Comparing Unsweetened Cranberry Juice with Sugary Alternatives
Many cranberry juices, cranberry juice concentrate, or cranberry drinks are loaded with added sugar to balance the tartness of the fruit, so their sugar and calorie content is really high. While these sugary beverages can be enjoyable, they are unfortunately not the best choice to have.
Pure cranberry juice is made from 100% cranberries, without any added sugars, sweeteners, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Sugary alternatives often contain a mix of cranberry juice with high fructose corn syrup, or other sweeteners. They may also include artificial colors & flavors, and preservatives to enhance taste and appearance.
Pure cranberry juice tastes naturally tart and slightly bitter, with a delicious bold cranberry flavor that may take some getting used to.
Drinks with added sugars are more appealing for those who prefer sweeter beverages but at the cost of added sugars that we should not have with our drinks.
Let’s Recap Why We Love Pure Cranberry Juice:
-
Lower Sugar Content: Pure cranberry juice contains no extra sugar, making it a healthier option for those monitoring their sugar intake. In contrast, cranberry juice cocktails can contain up to 30 grams of sugar per serving.
-
Fewer Calories: With no added sugar, pure cranberry juice is naturally low calorie food, making it a great choice for those trying to maintain a healthy weight.
-
More Nutrients: The absence of additional sugars in pure cranberry juice means that the natural nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are more concentrated.
-
Natural Flavor: Pure cranberry juice has a distinct, tart flavor that is unmasked by sweeteners, offering a refreshing and authentic taste of cranberries.
How Much Pure Cranberry Juice Should I Drink Daily?
Drinking pure cranberry juice may be a simple yet effective way to boost your overall health.
Recommended daily intake is up to a glass (ca 8 ounces) of pure cranberry juice.
Due to its tartness and natural acidity, consuming cranberry juice in moderation is recommended to avoid potential stomach discomfort. Be aware, that drinking the juice on empty stomach is not recommended. If the juice still tends to upset the stomach or tastes too tart, you can also always dilute pure cranberry juice with water.
Let's recap the main health benefits one more time:
-
Urinary Tract Health: Cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by stopping bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract walls.
-
Rich in Antioxidants: It’s packed with antioxidants that protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
-
Heart Health: The juice helps increase good cholesterol levels, lower bad cholesterol, and improve overall heart health.
-
Digestive Support: With its fiber content, cranberry juice aids digestion and supports a healthy gut.
-
Immune Boost: High in vitamin C, it enhances your immune system’s ability to fight infections.
But please keep in mind that all the above mentioned claims are valid for 100% pure cranberry juice and not for artificial juice cocktails or sugary alternatives.
By incorporating pure cranberry juice into your daily diet, as a splash of juice, as your favourite mocktail of endless variety of mocktails, salad dressing etc, you can enjoy its natural health benefits and refreshing real and honest taste.
PRO TIP: Always look for products labeled as "100% pure" to ensure you’re getting the best quality juice.
Conclusion
When choosing between pure cranberry juice and sugary alternatives, pure cranberry juice is the superior option for those seeking maximum impact on your body.
A splash of pure cranberry juice offers a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients without the additional sugars and calories found in sugary alternatives. While the tart flavor of pure cranberry juice may be an acquired taste, the health advantages make it worth incorporating into your diet and dishes. Add a sip of pure cranberry freshness to your meals and enjoy the taste of nature.
