UTIs? Ever tried Cranberry Extract Capsule!

INTRODUCTION

Cranberry is an evergreen dwarf Shrub or trailing vines found in the realms of North America. These are actually small, tart and bright red coloured berries that are used in food and beverages. These have an acidic taste that usually overwhelms its sweetness that is why one can not eat them in raw form. These are consumed more commonly in the form of juices which are normally sweetened and blended with other fruit juices. In the ancient times, their uses were more common for bladder, stomach and liver disorders and also helpful in diabetes, wounds and other chronic diseases. Now-a-days, Cranberry Extract Capsules are the good option to have these above benefits.

Cranberry Extract Capsules

Cranberry extract capsules are made from dried and pulverised Cranberries. One can easily purchase these capsules from a Pharmacy Store or by online mode. Normally one capsule of Cranberry is equivalent to 237 ml glass of pure Cranberry Juice however, this amount may vary in different brands. Cranberry capsules give many health benefits to the body. For enhancing their effects usually Vitamin C or probiotics may also be added within them.

Nutritional values

Cranberries have good nutritional values. Following are the main nutrients present in 100 grams of raw and unsweetened Cranberries-

• Calories: 46
• Water: 87%
• Protein: 0.4 grams
• Carbs: 12.2 grams
• Sugar: 4 grams
• Fiber: 4.6 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams

Also Cranberries are the rich source of many vitamins and minerals. Indeed Vitamin C is present abundantly in Cranberries. Due to its presence these have good antioxidant quality.

So looking at the above richness, now-a-days Cranberry is used as a dietary supplement in the form of extract, powder, capsules and tablets. In this article further we shall know about the health benefits and side effects Cranberry extract capsules.

Reference: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cranberry

Health Benefits

Cranberry extract capsules are full of nutritional values. In fact, these are full of antioxidant qualities. Following are the health benefits that one can ingather by using Cranberry capsules in a proper and regular amount.

1. Can prevent UTIs

UTIs stand for urinary tract infections. Human females are more prone to them than human males. Result from some studies is that intake of Cranberry extract capsules can prevent the growth of E.coli bacteria in the urinary tract. In fact, Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins which prevent the E. coli bacteria from attaching to the wall of urethra and urinary bladder. So prevent the chances of UTI. However researches show that Cranberry capsules are not much more effective in preventing infection from fungus or bacteria other than E.coli.

2. Have powerful antioxidants

Cranberry extract capsules are full of antioxidants. These antioxidants help in removing harmful free radicals and thus preventing the body from oxidative stress. Due to the antioxidant qualities, these capsules can also restrain the risk of some chronic disease like cancer, heart disease, diabetes etc.

Absorbingly Cranberries have more antioxidants than other fruits and berries.

3. Other Possible Health Benefits

Cranberry Extract Capsules claim many more health benefits. Although these claims are with less or even no evidence.

• Maintain Heart Health
• Increases Immunity
• Prevent Stomach Ulcers
• Reduces from risk of Cancer
• Maintain Blood Sugar levels
• Protect from teeth cavities and Gum Diseases

References: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cranberry

Dosing

The recommended dose of Cranberry extract is 400 grams twice daily. Cranberry extract capsules are made by keeping this in mind.

The mileage of taking Cranberry extract capsules over its juice or any other recipe is that these capsules do not contain extra added sugars. While in juices or in other Cranberry recipes some extra sugar is added to overwhelm the tart or acidic taste of Cranberry. So this sugar may cause diabetes or any other heart disease.

Side Effects

Cranberry capsules appear to be well-tolerated. Even though handful of people have reported some side effects of these capsules which are listed below-

•  Stomach or Abdominal upset
• Diarrhoea
• Kidney stones at its high doses
• Increased risk of cancer oxalate uroliths in predisposed patients
• Increased Urination

Additionally, Cranberry Capsules are high in Salicylic Acid. So anyone who is sensitive to the allergy of Salicylates should avoid these capsules.

Epilogue

Cranberry extract capsules are a good option for those who want to experience the health benefits of Cranberries without eating them.

They have many nutritional values. Vitamin C is present in abundant amounts in these capsules which provide antioxidant qualities to them. These capsules are boon for those who are susceptible to frequent urinary tract infections of E.Coli bacteria. These above capsules are also linked to many other health benefits like preventing the risk of cancer, maintaining heart health, blood sugar levels etc. Apart from very little side effects, these capsules give many promising health benefits to the body. Eventually, Cranberry extract capsules are of much worth for those who want to restrain the risk of Urinary  tract infection and also want to gain some additional antioxidants.