The Benefits Of Cranberry Gummies Explained
Supplements are an easy way to pop in extra nutrients when you aren't able to get them from your food. But they're not limited to only vitamins and minerals. There's one superfood in gummy form that we know you'll love: Cranberry gummies.
Cranberry is a fruit known for having quite a few natural health benefits. They're rich in vitamin C, according to MedicineNet, and if you're not getting enough B12 in your diet, cranberries could surprisingly aid with that, too, by helping you absorb it better. They're also chock-full of antioxidants and other nutrients, making it easy to get what you need without consuming a pill or a chalky power. Maybe you'd like a simple starter for the kids? Cranberry gummies are a look-a-like fruit snack hack to handle picky eaters. There are multiple other reasons these little red gumdrops are good for you. We've highlighted the most important aspects here, so you can decide what's best for your family.
Cranberry gummies keep your bladder healthy
Bladder and urinary health is an inside job. When bacteria travel into the urinary tract, infections, known as UTIs, tend to happen. People with high blood sugar and catheters are more likely to develop them. Compared to males, women and girls are more likely to experience urinary tract troubles due to the urethra's close proximity to other high-bacterial areas. The Urology Care Foundation reports around 8 million yearly medical visits are due to urinary tract infections.
Cranberry is revered as nature's remedy for UTIs. The anti-bacterial properties in cranberries can be used to treat and prevent this condition. Cranberry juice and extracts have phytonutrients (tannins) that repel bacteria from latching onto the bladder lining (via Healthline).
Staying hydrated and taking cranberry gummies may help keep your urinary tract clean. The efficacy of the gummies depends upon your health as well. Chewable cranberry drops may work preventatively; however, your doc may recommend a heftier treatment for a cure.
They fight free radicals
You've probably heard of oxidative stress. We're not referring to the type of stress that you might feel at work. All stress isn't created equal. This type of stress takes place internally. According to Healthline, oxidative stress occurs when the body is bombarded with pollutants, and free radicals are formed. Having too many free radicals is associated with illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
We naturally produce antioxidants to balance unnecessary free radicals. If that harmony is disrupted, we need an extra boost. Here's where your favorite gummies come in. When we're frequently subjected to toxins, like air pollution and cigarette smoke, the antioxidants in cranberries can repair that stress (per Preventative Nutrition and Food Science).
Other foods affect oxidative stress levels too. The double bonds in polyunsaturated fats make our cells prone to adverse free radical effects.
Filling your diet with antioxidant-rich foods creates equilibrium. Vitamins E and C and flavonoids — which are all found in cranberries — are key components that support overall health.
Cranberry gummies combat cavities
Are the kids having teeth troubles? Cavities form when bacteria, food, acid, and saliva combine, causing plaque to build up on the tooth's enamel (per Cleveland Clinic). Great dental hygiene cleans this away. However, without good oral care, holes called cavities can form on the tooth's surface. Cavities are painful, and none of us want them.
Dentists are thinking proactively. It turns out cranberry can fend off the cavity goon. MedicineNet mentions that cranberry's power fights bacteria all across the board. Dental hygienists at Dynamic Dental call it a "berry good" way to fight cavities. Sloshing around pure cranberry juice can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth. Cranberry has enzymes that form a hedge against these intrusions.
Cranberry gummies have a similar bacteria-fighting effect. Chewing cranberry gummies along with thorough brushing may also prevent gum disease. Prairie Kids Pediatric Dentistry notes, however, that you'll want to avoid gummy vitamins containing sugar or citric acid. Both can contribute to cavity formation.
They lower bad cholesterol
According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is a substance our liver produces that is used to make cells as well as hormones and vitamins. The liver makes all we need, although we also get some from our food.
There are two important types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). MedlinePlus explains that HDL is known as the "good" cholesterol because it takes cholesterol back to the liver for disposal. On the other hand, LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol because too much of it can cause plaque to clog your arteries.
Eating animal products and saturated fats creates an excess of LDL in our system. Julia Zumpano, R.D., L.D., told Cleveland Clinic that unhealthy foods like fried foods, baked goods, and processed meats like hot dogs and sausages should not be nutritional staples.
The antioxidants found in cranberry gummies may improve your cholesterol troubles. A 2008 study in Diabetic Medicine found that cranberry may be effective in reducing cholesterol profiles in people with diabetes. Diet changes accompanied with cranberry supplements may be the powerful combination you need.
Cranberry gummies safe for adults and kids
Experts at Mount Sinai say cranberry is safe for adults and children. Gummy supplements have a plethora of benefits. The properties occurring in cranberries naturally lower cholesterol, prevent cavities, fight free radicals, and keep your urinary tract clear. The best way to avoid health concerns is to take care of your health now. This will keep you from seeking treatment later in life.
Be sure to consult a physician before starting any new supplement. As with all things, there are pros and cons to consider. Although most supplements are not harmful, we'd like to remind you to look out for a few reactions. Symptoms like diarrhea, stomach aches, kidney stones, and nausea may indicate too high of a dosage (via MedicineNet). Specific medications like blood thinners, proton pump inhibitors, antidepressants, pain medications, and medications for stomach ulcers may cause unforeseen interactions as well. If you notice any new symptoms, be sure to seek medical attention right away.
Cranberry supplements come in multiple forms, with retailers offering them in capsules, powders, or extracts. Juices may be less potent because they often have additional ingredients.