Cranberry: Nutrition facts, benefits and side effects

UTI is a type of infection most often caused by bacteria like E.coli. Since they are predominantly a bacterial infection, UTIs are treated with antibiotics. Women are more prone to developing a UTI, which is why an antioxidant-rich diet is recommended to them to prevent the occurrence of this infection. Cranberry, which is packed with antioxidants, is believed to be especially effective in preventing UTIs. This is primarily because studies have found A-type proanthocyanidins to be exceptionally effective against bacterial infections and fresh as well as dried cranberries are packed with this active antioxidant.

(Read more: E.Coli infection)

Medications and dietary supplements with cranberry extracts may also provide the same benefits. However, cranberry juice does not contain too many active proanthocyanidins and may be less effective against UTIs. At the same time, it is important to remember that while cranberries may reduce your risk of getting a UTI, it is not recommended as a treatment for the same. If you have an active UTI then antibiotics are the best bet at a cure; consuming cranberry simultaneously may prevent your future risk of UTI.

(Read more: Precautions to take with antibiotics)

Fruits that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are often included in large amounts in weight loss diets because they not only add bulk to your bowels and help clear out the toxins in the system but also help curb your appetite and keep you feeling full for longer. Cranberries are fruits that provide all of these benefits along with giving you enough energy and nutrients to keep your overall health intact. Including cranberries in your diet is therefore likely to help in healthy weight loss.

(Read more: How to lose weight fast and safely)

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Your gut microbiome has a huge role to play in digestive health and certain foods promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria. Cranberry, which is packed with antioxidants and fiber, aids the digestive system by not only promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria but also preventing harmful bacteria and microbes from sticking to or damaging the lining of the stomach and intestines. Consuming cranberry may therefore prevent constipation, diarrhea, indigestion and stomach infections. By controlling the growth of bacteria in the digestive system, cranberries may also prevent digestive disorders and peptic ulcers.

Cranberry is a fruit packed with antioxidants which are believed to protect the heart from oxidative stress and damage. Studies show that consuming cranberry may help reduce your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels while also increasing your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. By regulating this balance between bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, cranberries may help prevent high cholesterol and thereby prevent heart disease. At the same time, cranberry may help keep your blood pressure and blood sugar levels in control, thereby preventing high blood pressure and diabetes - the other risk factors for heart disease.

A few vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus are essential for the health of your bones and teeth. Cranberries are loaded with these micronutrients and are therefore likely to prevent tooth decay, cavities, plaque accumulation, gum disease and gingivitis. Some studies also show that consuming cranberries may help prevent musculoskeletal problems and bone-related diseases like osteoporosis and arthritis.

Antioxidants play a vital role in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and free radical damage, which is why some research suggests that consuming antioxidant-rich cranberries may help keep your lungs healthy and functioning properly. Not only can cranberries regulate the health of the lung microbiome but they also help clear out toxins and mucus from the same, which is a function sour and citrus fruits perform exceptionally well. Consuming cranberry can therefore help boost your immune system and lung function to prevent cough, common cold and lung infections.

A review study published in the journal Antioxidants in 2016 reveals that there is a huge corpus of evidence that supports the anti-cancer activities of cranberry. Cranberry consumption is believed to lower oxidative stress and free radical damage and regulate inflammation and cytokine pathways. What’s more, the antioxidants in cranberries are also linked with cancer inhibition through cell mechanisms like apoptosis (targeted cell death), necrosis and autophagy. To date, research supports promising anti-cancer activities of cranberry against 17 cancers including esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, glioblastoma and lymphoma.

Kidney stones develop when certain minerals like calcium and oxalates accumulate in your urine and form stones that obstruct the urinary tract. Cranberry naturally contains these minerals and the risk of developing kidney stones is higher, especially where concentrated cranberry extract is concerned. However, susceptibility to the development of kidney stones differs from person to person, which is why you should consult your doctor about your cranberry consumption if you have a history of kidney stones.

(Read more: Kidney stones diet)

The antioxidants in cranberries are likely to react with certain medications, although there is currently limited research on this topic. Some studies show that if you increase your cranberry consumption while on blood thinners like warfarin, it can cause excess bleeding by enhancing the anti-clotting properties of the medication. If you are on blood thinners then it may be best to consult a doctor about your cranberry consumption so a safe limit can be set.