Cranberry juice

CRANBERRY JUICE: DETAILED INFORMATION

The cranberry or American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton, Ericaceae family) is native to the northwestern United States. It is a shrubby plant that can grow up to 30cm, with pink or purple leaves and red berries 10-20 mm in diameter¹.

Cranberries can be eaten fresh, dried, powdered or in juice. They are also used to make cakes, jams and sauces. They are rich in organic acids (citric, malic, benzoic and quinic acids), proanthocyanidins and other phenolic compounds. They also contain sodium, potassium, iron and calcium, manganese, vitamins C, A, E and K, and fibre (pectin)^{2, 3}.

Cranberry juice, thanks to its proanthocyanidin (PAC) content, avoids the bacteria responsible for the vast majority of symptomatic urinary tract infections (uropathogenic Escherichia coli) from adhering to the epithelium of the urinary tract, helping in case of urinary tract infections caused by these bacteria². It has also been found that drinking cranberry juice helps to reduce risk of urinary tract infection in people who have recently suffered episodes of these infections⁴.

How to consume our cranberry juice?

Cranberry juice can be consumed on its own or diluted in water (1 part juice to 4 parts water). You can add sugar, honey, stevia to taste, to give it a touch of sweetness. Shake before using.