What Cranberry Does To Your Body
The tart and tangy taste of cranberry incites a love-it-or-hate-it feeling. Some people adore the distinct flavor; others find the lingering bitterness too acrid.
But, there is one thing that nutritionists and dieticians agree about cranberries – it is good for the body!
Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is loaded with phytonutrients that combat pathogens, keep the skin radiant and supple, and provide other therapeutic benefits.
If you have a urinary tract infection, some doctors may recommend cranberry juice to prevent its recurrence. Even non-medical people may give unsolicited advice about taking cranberry juice to manage a UTI.
Benefits of Cranberries
Cranberry is a round and edible berry that grows in shrubs in many temperate countries. It is often sold as cranberry juice, a supplement, or an extract. It is also used in recipes like salads and sauces.
About 90% of fresh cranberries are water, but few people like to eat them fresh. They have a sour and bitter taste that gets better when cooked. Unlike other berries, cranberries are the only berries that are low in sugar. They even have lower sugar content than raspberries.
Cranberry juice is one of the healthiest juices that hydrate the body and bring healing properties.
I’ve always preferred cranberries fresh—no sugars, no chemicals, no pesticides. But the first time I tried foraging them myself, I realized just how tricky it was. Wild cranberries have toxic lookalikes, like the bitterberry, and without the right knowledge, it’s easy to mistake one for the other.
Thankfully, I found a foraging guide that changed everything. It showed me exactly where to find them, when they’re in season, how to identify the real ones, and what other medicinal plants I was overlooking. It made all the difference, and now, I never worry about picking the wrong thing.
I’ve prepared a link for you to benefit from this information too—click here to make foraging safe, simple, and rewarding.
Here’s what pure cranberry can do to your body if you take it moderately:
Prevent Infections
Cranberries, particularly in their juice form, are good for preventing infections. Cranberry juice contains proanthocyanidins, which fight bacteria and prevent them from multiplying. The high level of acidity prevents pathogens from growing inside the body, according to an updated intervention review published in 2023.
It is most effective in preventing urinary tract infections. However, it is not used to treat a prevailing UTI. A mild UTI goes away on its own, but severe ones need antibiotics, which are only prescribed by doctors.
In short, cranberries may only be taken as a preventive measure but not as a treatment for an existing urinary tract infection.
Promote Skin Health
Cranberry is rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C and E that combat free radicals in the body. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. It also contains collagen, which promotes skin elasticity and boosts Vitamin C production. Cranberry improves hydration and contributes to a radiant complexion.
Cranberries can be used in different ways to boost skin health. The easiest is drinking pure cranberry juice or cranberry extract. You may also apply it topically as an exfoliating facial or body scrub by mixing cranberry puree with salt or sugar.
Inhibit Blood Clots
Do not take cranberry if you are taking blood-thinning medicine or aspirin. Cranberry contains salicylic acid, which has the same effect as the salicylate in aspirin. It acts as a blood thinner and anticoagulant that prevents blood clots.
Anticoagulants reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by thinning the blood so that it flows smoothly through the blood vessels. Regular intake of cranberry juice and supplements may significantly improve heart health.
Cranberries act as a natural blood thinner, which is great for circulation—but if you’re on blood-thinning meds, it can be risky.
For safe, effective heart support, herbs like Hawthorn, Tulsi, and Bilberry help maintain healthy blood flow, lower LDL cholesterol, and support circulation without unwanted risks.
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Slow Down Aging
Cranberry is a rich source of quercetin, anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. These compounds possess a powerful antioxidant effect. When paired with proper diet and exercise, cranberry may help slow down the effects of aging.
Antioxidants protect the body from metabolic and chronic diseases by preventing oxidative stress. Cranberries may also help in reducing the risk of certain cancers.
Slow Down Age-Related Memory Loss
A randomized placebo-controlled feasibility study on cranberry showed significant improvement in visual episodic memory and neural functioning of the brain. A cup of dried cranberries daily may support memory and cognitive function in older adults.
Cranberries slow down cell degeneration and boost brain function to improve memory of everyday events.
Cranberries are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to supporting brain health. Yes, they help slow memory loss, but what if you could do even more to keep your mind sharp, improve focus, and fight brain fog naturally?
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Reduce Cholesterol
The active polyphenols in cranberry extract may effectively reduce total cholesterol in the body. Cranberries’ blood-thinning properties and ability to maintain a good cholesterol level may reduce the possibility of cardiovascular diseases, especially in people at high risk. Cranberries also prevent plaque buildup in the arterial wall to enhance blood flow throughout the body.
I recently shared an insightful article from this blog titled “Do This If You Struggle With High Cholesterol” with a friend who has been dealing with elevated cholesterol levels. The article provides valuable information on managing and reducing high cholesterol through lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments. If you’re facing similar challenges, I highly recommend giving it a read.
Reduce Inflammation
If you have rheumatoid arthritis, consuming cranberry in any form may help manage the inflammatory pain. Its polyphenol compounds are excellent in decreasing inflammation and preventing chronic diseases.
A study of treated mice samples suggests dietary cranberry may reduce colonic inflammation and alleviate gut dysbiosis—proving that what you eat plays a massive role in how your body fights inflammation.
But cranberries are just one piece of the puzzle. When I needed something stronger for joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, I turned to the Joint & Movement Salve—a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory herbs designed to calm pain, reduce stiffness, and support joint health naturally. Unlike pills that just numb the pain temporarily, this works right at the source. My personal recommendation is to actually try the Joint & Movement Salve and experience real relief.
Protect from Viruses
Aside from bacterial infection protection, cranberry has also been found to possess antiviral properties. It may affect the infectivity of viruses and inhibit their replication. Its bioactive compounds and phytochemicals may be effective against dengue, zika, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other coronavirus variants.
Improve Immunity
The Vitamin C and phytochemicals in cranberries help increase the immune cells and boost the body’s immune response. This provides better protection from many immune threats and speeds up recovery when sick.
Cranberry juice is one of the best juices to take for common colds and flu.
Support Gut Health
A glass of cranberry juice twice daily may dispel Escherichia coli, salmonella, listeria and other pathogenic bacteria. Its polyphenols help boost the GI function and improve the gut microbiota and intestinal integrity.
Cranberry boosts the gut microbiota, which helps prevent gut inflammation due to metabolic disorders. It is also used as a superfood for managing obesity. Drinking a cup of cranberry juice every day, along with proper diet and exercise, may be effective in weight loss.
For years, I dealt with bloating, stomach pain, and sluggish digestion. Nothing worked—probiotics, diets, even so-called “gut cleanses.”
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Hot Toddy with Cranberry
A hot toddy is an age-old home remedy for fever, flu, and the common cold. The classic hot toddy uses lemon, honey, and a splash of bourbon or whiskey.
Consist of warming herbs and spices, here is a twist to the usual hot toddy using cranberry juice, some cloves, cinnamon, star anise, and ginger. It is an effective herbal remedy for taming seasonal illnesses or used as a cocktail to sip while weathering the cold winter.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pure cranberry juice
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- ½ inch fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 to 2 pcs cloves (depends on preference)
- 1 star anise
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup liquor (bourbon, rum or whiskey)
- 1 tbsp honey, to taste
Steps
-
- In a large saucepan, add the cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, cloves and star anise and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Add the liquor and honey, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. You can start with one shot of liquor and add more if desired.
- Pour into a cup.
- In a large saucepan, add the cranberry juice, cinnamon stick, ginger slices, cloves and star anise and bring to a boil.
To use: Take a glass of the hot toddy twice daily for flu, common cold, infections or constipation. You may also drink it as needed, especially after eating heavy foods.
But, please remember to take cranberry hot toddy moderately as it contains alcohol. Do not take this recipe if you are currently taking blood-thinning medications.
The Remedies We Should Have Never Forgotten
I used to think I was doing everything right—eating healthy, staying active, and taking the occasional supplement when I felt run down. But the truth is, I was constantly exhausted, always one step away from getting sick and relying on quick fixes that never really worked.
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Not true that cranberry juice is only good for prevention of UTI. It actually clears mild infections.
Happened to me and ppl I know. I drank pure cranberry juice (not something very pleasant, I’ll tel you!) and it all went away. No medication.
My doctor told me that cranberry juice prevents the bacteria from attaching itself to the bladder walls and that prevents the bacteria from multiplying. This is how it helps during a UTI. For some reason I never get them.