Drinking Cranberry Juice Has An Unexpected Effect On A Man’s Prostate Health
It’s not only that cranberry juice is a common addition in cocktails. It has a high concentration of antioxidants and is a powerful source of vitamin C. Vitamin E, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and choline are also present in cranberries. Cranberry juice is claimed to support the health of your urinary tract, prevent ulcers, strengthen your immune system, fight artery plaque, and enhance digestion. Additionally, as men age, they may opt for natural ways to maintain the health of their prostates; cranberry juice may be helpful in this regard.
A 2016 randomized control experiment that was published in Biomedical Papers found that patients with prostate cancer who consumed powdered cranberry fruit on a regular basis had lower serum levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). An higher risk of active cancer has been associated with elevated PSA values. Modifying your diet and exercise regimen are examples of lifestyle adjustments that may help naturally reduce PSA levels.
A brief note on the history and composition of cranberries before we examine their potential benefits for prostate cancer. Round or oblong-shaped red berries with a vibrant, acidic flavor are called cranberries. They originate from tiny plants that are members of the Ericaceae family of creeping or trailing plants. They are used in pies, breads, cookies, muffins, cocktails (cranberry juice), salads, dips, and more. They are native to northeastern North America. The juice has a bitter aftertaste that some people don’t particularly like. It tastes slightly sweet and sour.
How do cranberries help with prostate cancer?
According to the 2016 study, there are substances in cranberries that may control the growth of prostate cancer. Cranberry extract may be able to lower levels of cyclins, a particular protein implicated in the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer, according to research. Additionally, they lessen matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. An earlier study that was published in Nature Reviews Cancer found that MMPs can increase the migration, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels) of cancer cells.
Additionally, it is believed that cranberry juice inhibits or prevents H. pylori infection, which is a key contributor to gastric or stomach cancer. Regarding prostate cancer, the majority of research conducted so far appears to concentrate on the ways in which the components in cranberry juice aid in preventing the cancer from spreading among individuals with prostate cancer. Thus, it’s difficult to say how this natural cure will assist protect healthy men from developing prostate cancer.
Still, there are other health issues that men can benefit from cranberry juice besides prostate cancer. It turns out that men who have been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate are commonly advised to use this at-home cure. The fruit may be advised for urinary tract infections (UTI) since the phytonutrients in it are believed to support bladder health. The healthy ingredients in the juice may help relieve some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, including poor urine flow, frequent nocturnal urination, and urgency to urinate.
How to consume cranberry juice for prostate health
To begin with, it’s crucial to remember that nutrition is just one of the most significant factors in preserving prostate health. Other variables include controlling stress, exercising, obtaining enough vitamin D, stopping smoking, and getting examined for prostate cancer, particularly if you are at risk. The greatest approach is usually a holistic one; a man’s prostate health can be unexpectedly improved by doing yoga.
Having said that, if you have BPH, it is not harmful to include one glass of cranberry juice per day in your diet. But be aware of the preservatives and extra sugars found in store-bought varieties. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a cup of cranberry juice without added sugar has roughly 31 grams of sugar. Making better food choices can involve checking the ingredient list to make sure there are no artificial additives, flavorings, preservatives, or added sugars, as well as avoiding fruit cocktails.
To create the concoction at home, simply place the cranberries in a pan of water and bring it to a boil. Straining the mixture into bottles and allowing it to cool, cook until the berries explode. Juice overconsumption can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea, in certain individuals. It is also conceivable for someone to be allergic to cranberries, however rare. Among the symptoms include breathing difficulties, mouth swelling, hives, and itching.
