Unexpected Diseases Cranberry Juice Can Help Prevent

Cranberry juice isn't just a tart breakfast staple or tasty cocktail (or mocktail) mixer. It's a nutrient-packed beverage that's been relied upon for generations to treat the symptoms of bladder infections, as well as prevent them from occurring. (Read about some of the symptoms of UTIs you shouldn't ignore.)

In fact, a 2021 review in Nutrients showed that across more than a dozen trials, consuming cranberry-derived products consistently reduced the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs) in human subjects. And while the authors were clear that the findings warranted further exploration, they were cautiously optimistic about the effect of cranberries on UTI susceptibility.

While this is exciting news, it's far from being the only potential health benefit you can expect from drinking cranberry juice. According to scientific studies, cranberries can also help your body resist several other diseases that might surprise you. Take high cholesterol, for instance: Having a history of elevated cholesterol can increase your chances of diseases, including those of the kidney and cardiovascular system. But taking cranberry derivatives could alter those odds.

A 2024 review in Nutrients examined previous studies pertaining to the cholesterol-lowering potential of cranberries. While total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels didn't show improvement after ingestion of cranberry products, the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was positively affected. Consequently, the review concluded that cranberries could help with the maintenance of cholesterol.

The same review discovered a possible correlation between dried cranberry food consumption and improved insulin resistance. Since diabetes is a prevalent health condition that can lead to further problems, having another food-based option to control blood sugar can provide diabetics with more choices. (Read about how being diagnosed with diabetes affects your risk of death.)

Of course, the caveat is that dried cranberry products aren't cranberry juice. However, cranberry juice does still contain polyphenols, which are the antioxidant compounds that are thought to impact cholesterol and blood sugar.

Per research, cranberry juice may also play a role in cancer prevention. A 2020 review in the Journal of Berry Research looked at the efficacy of cranberries as an anti-cancer food. Among several trials, consuming cranberry products appeared to inhibit the growth or spread of prostate cancer, esophageal cancer, and stomach cancer. While more research has been proposed to solidify the chemopreventive capacities of cranberries, the American Institute for Cancer Research notes that there is likely evidence that cranberry ingestion may also decrease the risk of pharynx, lung, and colorectal cancers.

If these results weren't enough to make you love your daily glass of cranberry juice, you'll be pleased to hear that drinking it might make you look healthier as well. A 2024 trial in Nutrients looked at the effects of drinking cranberry juice on facial skin. After six weeks of drinking cranberry juice, 22 women saw a marked improvement in their skin elasticity and anti-aging effect. Therefore, starting your day with a ruby red juice could give you a well-deserved and healthier glow.