Cranberry Juice: A Powerful Remedy for Arthritis Pain

A common type of autoimmune arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain and damage throughout a person’s body. In this condition, the immune system attacks its own tissues, thereby causing inflammation and pain in the joints, especially in the wrist and small joints of the hands and feet. Look in the following at the power of cranberry juice for arthritis.

Fortunately, researchers in Brazil have found a natural solution to reduce joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis. In their study, conducted at the University of Londrina, the results revealed that a certain compound found in blueberries and other wild foods can help reduce genes that cause inflammation.

During the 90-day study period, 41 women were followed and divided into two groups: a group of women who continued their normal diet and a group who added cranberry juice to their diet. At the end of the study, researchers found that those who drink half a liter of cranberry juice daily have lower levels of antibodies that attack the immune system, resulting in less swollen and less tender joints.

What’s inside blueberries? cranberry juice for arthritis

Blueberries are rarely eaten raw due to their very pungent and bitter taste. They are often consumed in juice form. Fresh blueberries are almost 90% water and the rest is mainly fiber and carbohydrates. The juice extracted from cranberries is a rich source of several vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, B6, C, E and K1, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, manganese, folate, zinc and copper.

The fruit also contains important bioactive and antioxidant plant compounds, in particular polyphenols and flavonol:

Quercetin:

a polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce genes that cause inflammation in the joints and protect the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. Depending on the quality of the fruit, half a liter of raw cranberry juice contains approximately 82 units of quercetin.

Proanthocyanidins type A:

Also called condensed tannins, these polyphenols have antibacterial properties that are believed to be effective against urinary tract infections and may help prevent stomach cancer.

Ursolic acid:

It is a triterpene compound that is concentrated in the skin of blueberries. It has been used in many traditional medicines due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It can protect the musculoskeletal system and the cardiovascular system.

Prescription:

This flavonoid has anti-inflammatory effects that contribute to the overall effects of cranberry juice. Studies have also found that it can help improve heart health and brain health.

The authors of the study state that: cranberry juice for arthritis

"EL PRESENTE ESTUDIO INDICÓ QUE EL JUGO DE ARÁNDANO DISMINUYE LA ACTIVIDAD DE LA ENFERMEDAD Y, POR LO TANTO, TIENE EFECTOS BENEFICIOSOS PARA LOS PACIENTES CON ARTRITIS REUMATOIDE, AUNQUE SE NECESITAN ESTUDIOS MÁS AMPLIOS Y A LARGO PLAZO PARA PROBAR DEFINITIVAMENTE ESTE EFECTO Y ACLARAR LOS MECANISMOS INVOLUCRADOS".