One of the most well known benefits to drinking cranberry juice is for urinary tract health. The cranberry, according to studies done by the Urological Clinics of North America[1], contains high levels of proanthocyanidins (let’s call ‘em PAC’s) which prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to cell walls in the urinary tract.

PACs are antioxidants which have a wide variety of benefits in the body. By stopping the bacteria from sticking, cranberry juice prevents infection. The end result is prevention and reduction of the symptoms of urinary tract infection ( also known as UTI )
A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association showed that cranberry juice had the ability to inhibit and even reverse the accumulation of cavity forming bacteria on the teeth.[3]

Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria that sticks to the tooth surface. Most dental cavities are caused by this particular bacterial strain, Streptococcus Mutans. Even brushing doesn’t remove this tenacious bacteria.

In this study, researchers isolated a component of cranberry juice, cleverly called nondialysable material (NDM to his friends). They put the NDM into a mouthwash form and it showed a comprehensive reduction in plaque. Cranberries and cranberry juice keep getting better.
An unexpected but impressive benefit to drinking cranberry juice was demonstrated in research done at the University of Illinois and more recently at the University of Western Ontario.

In these studies, some anti-carcinogenic components of the wonderful cranberry were shown to lower incidence of tumor development in human breast cancer cells. More research has yet to be done to be conclusive, but the potential is impressive. On top of an already impressive list of benefits, anti-cancer properties make drinking cranberry juice even more compelling.[4]
An article published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition outlined how the polyphenols and bioflavonoids in cranberry juice can reduce oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is what most people refer to as “bad” cholesterol. By reducing oxidation of cholesterol, you can lower your risk of blockages forming in veins and arteries. This means that drinking cranberry juice can reduce your likelihood of getting angina (chest pain), blood clots, and even a heart attack.[5]
30 Day Smoothie & Juice Challenge
8 oz. Frozen organic kale
4 oz. Frozen whole cranberries
1 Frozen banana
1 cup of Healthy Balance Grape Juice
3 cups of Distilled water
1 – 2 tablespoons of Sweetener