Cranberry juice is more than just a refreshing drink—it’s a powerful health beverage packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. Known for its vibrant red color and tangy flavor, cranberry juice has long been used for its medicinal properties, especially in supporting urinary tract health. More Healthy Juices in our page like ABC juice.
Ready In: 9 minutes
Yields: 1 quart
Ingredients: 3
Enjoy the refreshing, tart-sweet flavor of homemade cranberry juice—made with just cranberries, water, and optional sugar. Perfect for the holidays or any time of the year!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 quart water
- Sugar (optional, to taste)
Directions:
- Wash and Prep:
Rinse and drain fresh or frozen cranberries thoroughly.
- Boil the Cranberries:
In a large pan, combine cranberries and water. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer Until Berries Burst:
Reduce heat and let the cranberries cook until they burst open—this takes just a few minutes.
- Strain the Juice:
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth into a bowl or jar to remove pulp and skins.
- Sweeten (Optional):
Add sugar to the warm juice if desired. Stir until dissolved. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Reheat Gently:
Warm the juice again until it’s hot (not boiling), especially if you added sugar. - Bottle and Cool:
Pour into clean jars or bottles. Let cool completely before refrigerating.
Tips:
- For Unsweetened Juice: Skip the sugar for a natural, tart flavor.
- Stronger Flavor: Add more cranberries or simmer longer.
- Shelf Life: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Flavor Boost: Add cinnamon, orange peel, or ginger while boiling for a spiced twist.
Nutrition (per 1 cup, unsweetened approx.):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 46 |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Fiber | <1g |
| Antioxidants | High |
What Are the Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice?
Cranberry juice is a popular drink that offers many health benefits. It may help prevent infections, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and slow down age-related damage caused by free radicals.
However, cranberry juice is slightly acidic, which means it can sometimes worsen acid reflux or cause a weird taste in the mouth. Some people may also feel slight irritation in the gums or lips after drinking it.
Most research on cranberry juice benefits is still in early stages, but it shows a lot of promise thanks to its antioxidant and antibacterial powers.
The good news is, most people can safely drink cranberry juice. It’s also an easy way to add a serving of fruit to your daily diet.
7 Health Benefits of Cranberry Juice
1. Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Cranberry juice helps stop bacteria like E. coli from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract. This lowers your chance of getting UTIs.
2. Packed with Antioxidants
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and polyphenols, which help your body fight off harmful molecules called free radicals.
3. Good for Heart Health
Drinking cranberry juice may help lower bad cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, and improve heart function.
4. May Fight Certain Cancers
Early research shows that the nutrients in cranberries may help slow the growth of cancer cells, especially in breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
5. Aids Digestion
The organic acids and fiber in cranberry juice can support a healthy gut, helping with digestion and preventing stomach ulcers.
6. Boosts Your Immune System
Thanks to its high vitamin C content, cranberry juice can help your body fight off infections, colds, and other minor illnesses.
7. Fights Infections Naturally
Cranberry juice contains powerful antibacterial and antiviral compounds that help protect the body from harmful microbes.
Some studies show cranberry juice may also help fight viruses such as norovirus, which causes food poisoning.
It may stop bacteria like E. coli from sticking to the bladder wall, reducing the risk of UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections).
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