Periods - that time of the month when you are all cranky, bloated and in a lot of pain. In fact, some of you even face acute pain along with diarrhoea. How many times have you wondered whether there is something to ease this discomfort? Many times, right? In this blog, we will talk about a period pain wonder - cranberry juice. Yes, you heard that right. What your grandmother has been telling you for years now is the truth – it is a miraculous drink that has several other benefits as well.
Cranberry juice is often regarded as a superfood when it comes to menstruation. Thousands of women across the world religiously drink it for its amazing properties.
Is cranberry juice good for your period
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! We would say you must. The antioxidants present in cranberry juice can help you with the discomfort associated with menstruation. So if you have been wondering whether you should try this period routine or not, start sipping away discomfort.
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.
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.