CRANBERRY JUICE
Best for Treating: Urinary Tract Infections and Preventing Tooth Decay
Treating urinary tract Infections (UTIs) is the most touted benefit of cranberry juice. The compound (proanthocyanidin) found in cranberry juice makes it harder for bacteria to adhere to cell walls in the urinary tract, mouth, stomach, vagina and intestines.
If you’re having little success with antibiotics you may want to turn to cranberry juice. Studies have shown that pure cranberry products reduced the overall incidence of UTI’s by 35 per cent in a 12-month period. Other preliminary research suggests cranberries may inhibit H. pylori growth in the stomach, which can help reduce stomach ulcers and gastritis (inflammation in the stomach). Regular consumption of cranberry juice may even be beneficial against antibiotic-resistant strains of E. Coli.
What’s less known about cranberry juice is its role in oral health. Recent findings out of the University of California suggest that cranberry juice can inhibit colonization by oral streptococci to the tooth surface and can slow development of dental plaque and tooth decay. For optimal results try a quality brand such as Just Juice 100 per cent Cranberry.
TRY: Just Juice 100 per cent Cranberry
POMEGRANATE JUICE
Health Boost: Improve Cholesterol, Cancer Prevention,
The pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruits, referenced by many ancient cultures as a symbol of health, fertility and eternal life. It is one of the most nutrient dense and antioxidant rich fruits we have.
Pomegranate juice, such as Just Juice 100 per cent Organic Pomegranate contains a variety of antioxidants, especially polyphenols that can reduce low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol. It also seems to protect HDL (good) cholesterol from damage. Several small studies have found that it can reduce plaque formation in the arteries and prevent them from becoming thick and stiff. Preliminary evidence also suggests it may lower systolic blood pressure.
Other recent studies of heart patients with severe carotid artery blockages have shown blood pressure lowered by over 12 per cent and a 30 per cent reduction in atherosclerotic plaque in comparison to the control group that showed an increase in plaque size of nine per cent.
Not only are pomegranates good for your heart and blood vessels; they have been shown to inhibit prostate cancer growth. Studies in rodents have shown that it can decrease the rate of development, growth and spread of prostate cancer. One clinical trial using pomegranate juice in men with prostate cancer showed that study participants who drank the juice had an increase in their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time, meaning there could be a potential lowering of the aggressiveness of the cancer.
Pomegranate juice also holds promise for breast cancer, colon cancer and leukemia. Several in vitro studies have shown an anti-cancer effect and current clinical trials are hoping to reveal this remarkable effect on humans.
TRY: Just Juice 100 per cent Organic Pomegranate
CHERRY JUICE
Best for Treating: Insomnia, Arthritis, Muscle Pain and Gout
Bonus: It may even help you lose weight!
Cherries have been rated as having one of the strongest ORAC values – a number which denotes the strength of the antioxidant. Antioxidants are compounds that can protect against tissue destruction (aka oxidative stress) that contribute to aging and disease.
Cherries contain an abundance of antioxidant compounds including: anthocyanins and melatonin. Drinking cherry juice before bed has been shown to boost melatonin, our sleep hormone, thereby improving sleep quality and duration.
Cherries could also provide an alternative for treating arthritis, gout, and muscle pain. Michigan State University used a dose of 20 tart cherries to inhibit Cox-1 and Cox-2, replacing anti-inflammatory drugs and other pain medicines. Cherry intake over a two-day period was associated with a 35 per cent lower risk of gout attacks.
The University of Michigan has studied cherries in animal models and has found lowered cholesterol, triglycerides, body weight and belly fat in the animals fed a cherry-enriched diet. It will be interesting to see if there are human studies that corroborate these findings in the future.
TRY: Just Juice 100 per cent Organic Sweet Cherry
BLUEBERRY JUICE
Health Boost: Eye Health, Cancer Prevention, Weight Loss, Brain Health
Blueberries have a long history of use in the native medicines in North America and Europe. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, K, potassium, manganese, and pectin.
Blueberries, and their European counterparts bilberries, have long been touted for eye health. In vitro studies show the flavonoids in blueberries can protect retinal cells from age-related and oxidative stress-induced cell death.
A study published in Nutrition Research showed that blueberries may inhibit DNA damage by a staggering 18 per cent. A journal submission in Circulation showed that anthocyanin found in blueberries may reduce plaque formation and dilate blood vessels. In addition, the antioxidants in blueberries have also been shown to prevent and fight various cancers including colon cancer and breast cancer.
Blueberries may also be an important strategy for those attempting to lose weight. Studies are linking blueberry consumption with improved satiety (feeling of fullness) and better weight management, as well as improved insulin sensitivity for dieters and diabetics.
Blueberries seem to also play a role in maintaining mental acuity and preventing neurodegenerative changes in the brain, especially as we age. A study published in the Annals of Neurology looked at sample of more than 16,000 women and concluded that women with highest intake of berries delayed their cognitive aging by as much as 2.5 years. Research using rodents is even suggesting that a blueberry-enhanced diet may overcome genetic predispositions to Alzheimer disease.
TRY: Just Juice 100 per cent Organic Wild Blueberry
