Owing to their several health benefits, cranberry pills are gaining wide popularity in various parts of the world. In this particular article, we will shed light on the much-touted health benefits of these pills to find out whether they actually work.
Cranberry pills are nutritional supplements which provide various health benefits associated with cranberries. These pills are readily available in various stores dealing in health foods. Their health benefits exist in plenty; the prominent ones being the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTI) and fight against cancer.
Cranberry Pills Vs. Juice
Cranberries are epigynous berries which are found in abundance in the northern hemisphere. A major commercial crop in some of the American states, cranberries are not just consumed as fruits, but are also used in processed forms, like juice, sauce, in a dried form, and even as pills. While cranberry sauce is an integral part of the menu in the United States, cranberry pills and juice are considered excellent health boosters.
As these pills are in a concentrated form, they are nutritionally more viable than the juice. In fact, commercially available juice is more often diluted, which leads to a loss of its nutritional value. The composition of cranberry pills varies from brand to brand. The nutritional value of some of these tablets and capsules is equivalent to five glasses of cranberry juice.
That some researchers argue that cranberry pills are better than cranberry juice or actual berries, shouldn’t come as a surprise.
Benefits of Cranberry Pills
As we said, the health benefits of these pills exist in plenty―a large number of which have also been acknowledged by the clinical trials at the United States National Institute of Health (NIH). In fact, the benefits of these pills far exceed the benefits its juice.
Antioxidant Properties
Cranberry pills act as powerful antioxidants, destroying the free radical diseases that are caused owing to the diet and surroundings of the individual. Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and other minerals present in these pills help in strengthening the immune system, thus protecting us from various ailments.
Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
These pills soothe inflammation and help in minimizing the amount of pain that the individual experiences when suffering from urinary tract infections. Like cranberry juice, even these pills prevent the bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder, thus reducing the chances of bladder infections.
Prevention of Heart Problems
Cranberry pills contain a high amount of flavonoids, which helps in preventing the formation of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol in the arteries. LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis and eventually result in a stroke or some other cardiovascular disease. If one is to curb the formation of LDL cholesterol and prevent various cardiovascular diseases, then cranberry pills might the answer.
Other Ailments
Some studies reveal that the strong antioxidants present in cranberry pills curb the growth of cancerous cells in the body and help in fighting cancer. These pills also help in detoxification by carrying all the toxins and bacteria in the body to the liver and eventually, out of the body.
What About the Side Effects?
While they are extremely helpful in tackling various ailments, cranberry pills are also known to cause adverse effects on the body. The alleged side effects can surface as a result of an allergy to cranberries, or when these pills react with some other prescribed medicine. Additionally, in cases that require proper medical attention, the temporary relief provided by cranberry pills is likely to do more harm than good in the long run. Therefore, it is in your best interest to consult a doctor before going for cranberry pill supplements.
These pills have tremendous potential; some have been discovered, while some are yet to be discovered. With all these health benefits to their credit, it makes perfect sense to call these pills wonder pills.