Key Takeaways
- Cranberry juice may reduce period pain.
- It contains anti-inflammatory plant compounds.
- Salicylic acid in cranberries can ease cramps.
- Research is limited but shows promise.
- More studies are needed for clear answers.
Does cranberry juice help your period cramps? - Many women ask this when period pain strikes. Cranberry juice is a common home remedy.
But does it really work?
There isn’t much direct research on cranberry juice for period cramps. But the fruit is rich in bioactive compounds that fight inflammation.
Cranberries contain phenolic acids, flavanols, and anthocyanins. These are natural plant chemicals. A study by the ACS Food Science & Technology found that cranberry extracts lower inflammation in human cells. Some studies also show that drinking cranberry juice increases salicylic acid in the blood. This helps reduce period pain by calming inflammation.
A 2023 review articulates cranberries may help with inflammation-related issues. So, while we need more research on cranberry juice for period pain, the signs look promising.
In this blog, we will talk about this period pain wonder - cranberry juice.
Is cranberry juice good for your period cramps
Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is common for many women. The emotional and physical symptoms related to this are extremely uncomfortable as well. Cranberries are often referred to as one of the Superfoods with a high nutritional value that can really help you during this time.
It contains high levels of phenolics, vitamins, minerals and fibre. If you are extremely conscious about what you put inside your body, then let us tell you that it is low in calories as well.
The phenolics that are present in cranberries have significant antioxidant properties. Phenolics also help in eradicating inflammation, which include different kinds of pain such as periods pain.
It is a rich source of magnesium and a single cup can give you about 15 milligrams of the same. Magnesium comes with a wide range of health benefits such as preventing type 2 diabetes, boosting bone mineral density, etc.
You must be wondering how is it related to whether cranberry juice is good for your periods or not. Let us explain. This actually supports the link between menstruation and cranberries as post-menopausal women are more at risk when it comes to osteoporosis. You need to focus on your bone density health, with which this wonder juice can help.
As we all know symptoms before menstruation can include a lot of things such as diarrhoea, nausea, body pain and irritation, etc. It is said that about 50% of women have PMS and this also disrupts their everyday activities.
It is really difficult for them to manage these days and it is always better to have something natural instead of just popping pills (which again has plenty of side effects).
It is often said that magnesium can help you decrease all these symptoms. Some of the other food items that you can try for your daily dose of magnesium include pumpkin seeds, spinach, soy milk and chia seeds.
Estimated nutrient content of cranberries
1 Cup of raw cranberries contains
- Calories: 46
- Water: 87%
- Protein: 0.4 grams
- Fiber: 4.6 grams
- Fat: 0.1 grams
- Carbs: 12.2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
As you can see, they are mainly fibre and carbs. They consist of Vitamin C, manganese, Vitamin E, Vitamin K1 and copper.
Cranberry juice can also help you manage stress. However, there are a few other things that you need to be mindful of, such as reducing your caffeine intake and salt intake, eating nutritious food, getting enough rest, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, etc.
Reduce your caffeine intake and try to manage your stress levels by meditating.
Can I drink cranberry juice during periods?
Yes, you can drink cranberry juice when you are menstruating. It’s safe for you. It may ease your cramps. It can help in reducing your bloating too.
Here’s why cranberry juice during period helps - It fights the inflammation in your body and lowers water retention, so you feel lighter. The juice also supports your body with antioxidants. It keeps your system clean and balanced.
If you often get UTIs during your period, it may help with that too. The cranberry juice flushes out bacteria from your urinary tract.
That keeps you more comfortable.
The cranberry juice also keeps you hydrated. One glass a day is enough to keep you fit and healthy. Make sure it’s unsweetened. Too much sugar can do the opposite. We suggest you to check how your body feels after drinking it. If it suits you, make it a habit.
We also suggest adding it to your period routine. It's a simple step that might make a big difference.
Also read: Benefits of watermelon juice
Health Benefits of drinking cranberry juice
Here are some of the benefits of drinking cranberry juice for menstrual health.
As mentioned earlier, the presence of magnesium in this juice is excellent for proper muscle function. Its deficiency can lead to muscle cramps and thus, pour yourself a cup, take your heating pad and enjoy some Netflix during those 3-7 days.
Apart from this, it also helps in easing depression and anxiety.
If you face other symptoms related to PMS like lower back pain and breast tenderness, then this miracle juice can do wonders.
Can cranberry juice help irregular periods?
If you have been wondering whether cranberry juice can induce irregular periods are not, then the answer is yes, it can. However, it can need some planning on your part. Since it is high in antioxidants, it has numerous other health benefits. It can regulate your menstrual cycle in a very natural way.
There are no side effects to the same. It is advisable for you to drink at least 2 cups of pure cranberry juice per day for at least 3 to 5 days leading up to the time when you want your mensuration to start. However, it is up to you whether you can digest the same. We always suggest our readers consult their doctors or dietitians before going ahead with this process.
Do not opt for any kind of diluted version of cranberry juice because it might not work. And if you are looking for scientific evidence to support this claim, no there is no such scientific evidence. You should definitely have cranberry juice for irregular periods.
Pregnant women should not drink cranberry juice as it can increase their risk of getting a miscarriage.
There are several other ways to relieve menstruation-related pains such as drinking chamomile tea and peppermint tea, heat therapy, exercising on a regular basis, having ginger tea, and drinking turmeric milk as it has anti-inflammatory properties.
You should also have a green smoothie consisting of dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach because they are loaded with zinc, fibre and antioxidants. You can blend some fresh bananas with them to make it tastier. You can add Kiwi, honey and milk as well. And do not forget to drink a lot of water. Now that you know how effective this juice is for PMS, irregular periods and menstruation pain, let us talk about its benefits beyond menstruation.
Here are some additional benefits of Cranberry juice consumption
1. It prevents UTI
Cranberry juice is miraculous when it comes to preventing urinary tract infections. If you are prone to the same, you should drink cranberry juice often. It is high in proanthocyanins, which prevent bacteria like E. coli.
2. Boosts the immune system
Cranberry juice is rich in vitamin C and enhances one's immune system. With daily consumption, your body's immune system to fight against infections and diseases will increase.
3. Promotes digestive health
If you are someone who faces a lot of digestive issues, cranberry juice can help by increasing your bowel movements and controlling constipation.
4. Prevents cancer
It is said that cranberry juice has various benefits such as preventing cancers. Its antioxidants help fight against the damage that is generally caused by free radicals.
5. Reduces inflammation
As mentioned earlier, cranberry juice has anti-inflammatory properties, which are great for managing pain such as periods pain, rheumatoid arthritis and heart diseases.
6. Lowers blood pressure
Since it is rich in potassium, it is effective in controlling blood pressure.
7. Boosts cardiovascular health
It is beneficial for cardiovascular health as it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It will reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
8. Helps with dental health
Cranberry juice is rich in Proanthocyanidin, which reduces growth of bacteria leading to tooth decay and gum disease. It also eradicates the formation of plaque.
9. Improves Sexual health
Some sources say that this miraculous drink helps in boosting your sex life. It also enhances the flavour of vaginal secretions. Cranberry juice helps in preventing aging as well.
If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should consume cranberry juice. However, keep in mind to have it in moderation.
It also decreases ulcer risks, enhances postmenopausal health, supports vaginal health, and more!
To Conclude
Cranberry juice is a healthy beverage that comes with numerous health benefits. Do not add sugar to it and have it in its purest form. Make sure you consult your doctor because they can interfere with several blood-thinner drugs. It all depends on your current health and what kind of medication you take on a daily basis.
References:
Anti-inflammatory Activities of Cranberry Fruit Extracts in Human THP-1 Monocytes are Influenced by Their Phytochemical Composition. Liang Xue, Chang Liu, Hang Ma, Navindra P. Seeram, and Catherine C. Neto, ACS Food Science & Technology 2022 2 (1), 75-83. DOI: 10.1021/acsfoodscitech.1c00324. Available from: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.1c00324
Blumberg JB, Camesano TA, Cassidy A, Kris-Etherton P, Howell A, Manach C, Ostertag LM, Sies H, Skulas-Ray A, Vita JA. Cranberries and their bioactive constituents in human health. Adv Nutr. 2013 Nov 6;4(6):618-32. doi: 10.3945/an.113.004473. PMID: 24228191; PMCID: PMC3823508. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3823508/