Cranberries & Blood Pressure

Does Cranberry Juice Lower Blood Pressure?

The biggest question we often get asked is does cranberry juice lower blood pressure? It may come as a surprise that cranberries are one of the few fruits native to the United States. Every year, from mid-September to mid-November, farmers across the US harvest their cranberry crops in preparation for the holiday season. In fact, we produce so many cranberries at this time of the year that this bright red fruit is visible from space in harvest season. Imagine that amount of cranberry juice that is created and how many people we can help with high blood pressure. 

Cranberry Juice Benefits

Cranberries also have many under-appreciated health benefits (which is why they’re one of the six key ingredients of 120/Life). So in this installment of the Circulatory, we thought we’d share some of the properties that make this tiny fruit so special. Some of the benefits of cranberry juice include:

Cranberries are high in phenolic compounds

• This means that Cranberries can have an anti-inflammatory effect. One study showed a decrease in C-reactive protein, which is a marker for cardiovascular inflammation.

Cranberries are a great source of antioxidants

• Red foods tend to be rich in them. In one 2011 clinical study, people who drank cranberry juice saw an overall improvement in their heart health, including a drop in their Diastolic pressure.

Cranberries are high in fiber

• Studies have shown that high-fiber foods may help lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and even inflammation.

Cranberries are packed with vitamins

• One cup of chopped raw cranberries, for example, contains 14.6 mg of vitamin C per serving, while one cup of dried cranberries contains 0.3 mg. It’s worth noting that dried cranberries are closer to candy than they are to fruit. Most of the nutrients found in raw cranberries are not to be found in the dried version.

Cranberries also contain other phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory properties

• Inflammation plays a role in damaging blood vessels over time, including the arteries. The damaged arteries then attract plaque, causing atherosclerosis. Phytonutrients in cranberries could help guard against inflammation, delaying the process and offering protection against heart disease.

Cranberries also appear to reduce blood levels of triglycerides

• High triglyceride levels can result in a hardening of the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart disease. 

According to Maya Vadiveloo, an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of Rhode Island, "Cranberries may be a little underutilized. They're not nearly as expensive as many other berries, and at Thanksgiving, the greater variety of fruits and vegetables that you have around – things like stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy – if you're balancing your plate with a little bit of everything, you tend to eat less of all the things and still feel very satisfied.” 

Can Cranberries Actually Help Lower Blood Pressure?

All of these properties have led researchers to conclude that cranberries have a cardioprotective effect. Meaning that they are here to serve and protect your heart or any coronary arteries from any sort of injuries, diseases and even malfunctions. In short yes, Cranberries can help in lowering blood pressure. Check out our e-book for more information on cranberries and the other natural ingredients in 120/Life! 

Here’s to lowering your blood pressure and caring for your health! 

Get started drinking 120/Life today!