Cranberry is one of the most consumed and demanded berries in the market not just because of its taste but also because of its multiple health benefits. Cranberry is often consumed in the form of juice to ensure that even young children receive all the benefits of this healthy fruit. Cranberry juice is not only good for the skin but also for the hair and nails. To make it consumable by all it is available in an unsweetened form also for patients suffering from diabetes or obesity. Cranberry can be used to make delicious dishes as well as to garnish cakes and desserts. Frozen and canned cranberries are also available in the market so that one can store it even in the off seasons for consumption. There are a wide range of health benefits that cranberry juice provides to the body especially the children. This makes it important for parents to study and research the product before giving it to their children. Some of the most important benefits of cranberries are;
Cranberry Juice for Children: Top 15 Health Benefits
Highly nutritious fruit
Even before doctors started prescribing cranberry in the diet of children, elders have always emphasized on the benefits of cranberry for the child. Not only is it rich in minerals but is a strong source of multiple vitamins as well. Sailors are generally prescribed to be well stocked with cranberry to prevent scurvy as it provides 10% of the daily need of vitamin c in a child’s body. Along with it cranberry is equipped with minerals like copper, manganese and potassium essential for the growth of the body.
Prevents cardio-vascular diseases
Cranberries are a rich source of polyphenols that reduce the risk of cardio vascular diseases from a young age in the body. The contents of the juice reduces the risk of cholesterol in the heart as a young child has comparatively lesser physical activity and needs healthy food for all round development.
Rich in antioxidants
Cranberries are enriched with antioxidants that are helpful for the body. Vitamin a is another major component of cranberries along with flavonoids and proanthocyanidins. Antioxidants improve the strength o the hair and nails. At times parents worry about the brittle texture of their child’s hair. Cranberry juice is a healthy option to improve the hair quality and make it voluminous.
Stimulates weight loss
Cranberry juice that is unsweetened in nature burns the stored fat in the body. When a child carries out any physical activity or plays regularly the burnt fat is flushed out of the body in the form of sweat and urine aiding weight loss and fighting obesity.
Strengthens teeth
Cranberry juice contains certain chemicals that block cavities and bacteria’s that leads to early decomposition of the gums. It is especially important for children since their sweet intake and dental hygiene does not go hand in hand which increases the risk of cavities. Cranberry disables the pathogens that harm the enamel of the tooth thus becoming a vital part in children’s dietary chart.
Prevents urinary infection in kids
It is important to note that cranberries are of no use once the urinary infection has spread in the lower body but it is an effective remedy to prevent the recurrence of uti infections. Cranberries helps the body get rid of e coli bacteria and prevents it from multiplying in the body thus improving the health of the urinary tract and the kidneys of the child.
Avoids respiratory infections
Unknowingly children often tend to play in contaminated areas or places which may be dusty and smoky. It is important to understand that such kind of exposure can lead to respiratory infections in the child. They are more vulnerable to respiratory problems therefore cranberry juice is a healthy remedy to safeguard the child. It fights against influenza like diseases curbing the hair like structure of the bacteria effectively.
Strengthens the bones
Cranberry juice is a natural source of calcium that boosts the strength of bones and teeth. As an added advantage many companies add extra calcium components to make the juice beneficial for young children. The growing bones in kids are more susceptible to damage and needs the assistance of calcium and other minerals to grow well.
Prevents cancer
Cancer is the biggest threat to life and all parents want to immune their child to the risk of cancer. Cranberry juice is a good immunizing agent that contains proanthocyanidins that prevent the growth of cancer cells in the body. It is also effective to treat micro-tumours that may damage the body and later evolve into cancer like cell growth.
Cures common cold
Fresh cranberry juice extracted in the house is good to cure common cold and treat sore throat. Since fever and common cold drains the body from vitamins and minerals leaving one weak, cranberry juice refuels the body of all the lost nutrients as well.
Source of vitamin c
Vitamin c is essential for the healthy growth of the body. Cranberry is full of vitamin c that prevents the risk of scurvy in kids, reduces stress and the possibility of stroke in adults. It is also important to fight common cold in children to keep them healthy.
Soothes wounds caused by ulcers
The flavonoid present in the cranberry juice prevents the growth of peptic ulcers in the body. The wounds caused by ulcers are extremely painful, cranberry juice fights bacteria’s that may cause infections in the body. Cranberry juice is twice beneficial for a healthy body.
Soothes inflammation
Cranberry juice has anti-inflammatory properties that fight inflammation and swelling in the body. Lung inflammation and influenza can be cured with the help of cranberry.
Boosts immunity
Since cranberry juice has high amount of antioxidants it aids the body in fighting against diseases and promotes a healthy immune system in the body. It eases symptoms like memory loss, lack of coordination and increases the production of antibodies in the body.
Curbs yeast infection in kids
Yeast infection is a result of overgrowth of natural bacteria in the body. Children and men are especially vulnerable and often fall prey to this disease. Cranberry juice renders such overgrowing bacteria inactive and clings to the intestines and mouth walls to avoid any infection growth in the body. It flushes out the yeast from the body helping children stay healthy.
Thus we see that cranberry juice has a plethora of health benefits that can help make parenting easy and in maintaining the health of the child.