The bright-red tart cranberries are great fruits, yet other people don’t fancy them and opt for the dried powdered cranberries in pills. Learn everything you need to know about cranberry pills from this article.
The northeastern and northcentral parts of America have an evergreen shrub that produces bright-red tart egg-shaped fruits called cranberries. These are great fruits that can also be dried and made to produce powdered cranberries. These are known as cranberry pills and have almost the same health benefits as cranberries. Knowing the recommended dosage of cranberry pills, their uses, and possible side effects helps you make an informed decision whether or not to try the pills.
Cranberry pills- what are they?
As part of understanding everything about cranberry pills, it is critical to understand what these pills actually are. Just as the name suggests, these pills are prepared from cranberries and made into tablets and capsules. Fresh tart cranberries are dried and crushed to form powdered cranberry pills. Cranberry pills are said to have almost the same health benefits as do cranberries and cranberry juice. Besides cranberries, some cranberry pills have probiotics and vitamin C in them. These additives are meant to enhance the performance of the pills. While the specific additives in the pills will be different from one brand to another, a single serving of cranberry pills has as many cranberries as does a 237ml (8 ounces) of cranberry juice.
Cranberry pills for treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Although there is insufficient evidence to prove that cranberries can treat kidney stones, common cold & similar infections, and enlarged prostate, people have used them for these conditions. So do cranberry pills, they have been used to remedy prostate and kidney problems as well as the common cold.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a condition that affects many people and even older fellows. Cranberries and cranberry pills are thought to be effective in remedying this condition. The reason behind this, primarily is because cranberries are rich in antioxidants known as proanthocyanidins, and these fight the UTI-causing bacteria, Escherichia coli (E. coli). With this kind of medium difference, E.coli bacteria lack the potency to attach themselves to the urethral and bladder walls, thereby stopping the infection of the urinary tract.
In one study, people with UTI were given 36mg of cranberry pills made from proanthocyanidins to help with the condition. The pills have the same effects as the cranberries, thereby preventing the bacteria from clumping on the walls. At the end of the study which went on for two months, it was concluded that the pills helped cut the frequency with which women suffered from UTI. Still, some studies have not recorded any positive outcome when they tried cranberry pills for UTI. Thus, more research is needed for this before the pills can be recommended for UTI.
Cranberry pills boost antioxidants
Free radicals are molecules that result from metabolic processes and can be found all over the body. When present in small amounts, the body can handle them. However, when these molecules accumulate in the cells and their concentration becomes unbearable, they result in oxidative stress. This, alongside inflammation, causes many chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart diseases. Antioxidants fight these free radicals, lowering the risk of getting cancer and other chronic illnesses.
Cranberries are rich in several antioxidants and are found to be good at fighting free radicals. In fact, compared to many fruits and fresh berries, cranberries are at the top of the list with many antioxidants. With their high antioxidant content, supplementing with cranberry pills over time helps a person reduce his risk of suffering from acute and chronic illnesses. Studies show that the antioxidants in cranberry pills are even more potent than those in fresh cranberries since the drying process concentrates the antioxidants. Cranberry jelly and cranberry sauce are other ways of exploring the benefits of cranberries, but the potency of antioxidants in cranberry pills outweighs them by far. People who suffered from oxidative stress and tried cranberry pills have reported positive effects afterward.
Cranberry pills: other potential benefits
Most studies on cranberry pills can be said to be at preliminary stages. Thus, so much cannot be said about these pills. Still, the existing studies have given promising results on the potential of these pills. Cranberries have been explored more than their pills, and the former has many positive effects. Some of these potential health benefits could apply to cranberry pills. Here are other benefits linked to cranberries that could also be enjoyed in cranberry pills;
Bettering heart health
The heart is a critical organ and its infection could lead to a vicious cycle and a chain of diseases. That’s why foods such as cranberry juice which promotes heart health are highly valued. Taking such a juice prevents cholesterol from oxidizing, increases good cholesterol, and fights inflammation around the heart cells. Cranberry pills are studied for these benefits.
Immunity boost
Different foods rich in antioxidants are found to be effective at fighting diseases and boosting immunity. Cranberries, being rich in antioxidants, can boost a person’s immunity. The same could be true of cranberry pills.
Keeping blood sugars in control
Cranberry juice is one of the foods that researchers recommend to diabetics to help with keeping their blood sugar levels in check. Researchers are reviewing cranberry pills to find out if they could offer similar benefits.
Bettering your gums and teeth, bettering your smile
You can afford a beautiful smile by including cranberries in your diet. These will fight the infectious bacteria that cause cavities and bad breath.
Reducing the risk of cancer and tumors
Cancer is a global killer disease, claiming many lives every year. Cranberries and cranberry pills could be used to deter the growth of tumors and cancerous cells. Preliminary studies done in the lab environment have suggested this. Of course, this is under review and more studies are needed.
Conclusion
Cranberry pills are capsules or tablets that form part of modern supplements. They are made by drying and crushing cranberries. Some brands of cranberry pills have vitamin C and probiotics in them. This article has shared the information you need to have about cranberry pills.
GP
The work of a family doctor includes a wide range of clinical diversity, which requires extensive knowledge and erudition from a specialist. However, I believe that the most important thing for a family doctor is to be human because the cooperation and understanding between the doctor and the patient are crucial in ensuring successful health care. On my days off, I love being in nature. Since childhood, I have been passionate about playing chess and tennis. Whenever I have time off, I enjoy traveling around the world.
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