I received compensation in return for this post. This post was made possible by ‘Mom Spark Media’, however all opinions are my own.

If it’s one thing I have learned on my journey to health living that just because the label seems healthy, doesn’t mean the product is. I’ve seen foods, vitamins, and drinks all claim to be healthy yet once I researched a bit further they were very far from it.  Unfortunately they can claim whatever they’d like, but it doesn’t always make it true. I found this out as I was looking through the labels of some different cranberry juices at my local grocery.

Why Recommend High-Contest Cranberry Juice?

• 8 oz. of cranberry juice, with a minimum of 27% cranberry juice, provides the same health benefits as 1 1/2 cups of whole berries
• The rich red color of cranberry juice is derived from anthocyanin’s which are naturally occurring flavonoids – a type of antioxidant with health promotion potential
• Cranberry juice contains a unique and abundant polyphenol proanthocyanidin (PAC-A) which sets it apart from other juices and is responsible for its bacterial anti-adhesion properties
• Cranberry juice ‘cocktails’ may contain high-fructose corn syrup as a sweetener but still provide the same calorie, carb and sugar content as 100% juice blends. The difference is the 100% juice blends provide vitamins and phytonutrients from the other juices, HFCS sweetens but does not provide nutritional value
• Other healthy and popular juices like apple juice and orange juice have similar carb and sugar content as cranberry juice products
• 100% cranberry juice is considered a ‘nutrient dense’ beverage – per calorie, it packs more nutritional value than other beverage choices. However, pure cranberry juice is very tart
• 70% of Americans do not meet the daily allowance for fruits and vegetables. Although whole foods contain more fiber and contribute better to satiety than juice, the 2010 Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate acknowledge a serving per day of 100% juice as a fruit and/or vegetable allowance
• The National Kidney Foundation suggests drinking a glass of cranberry juice daily may help prevent urinary tract infections

If you don’t like the acidic flavor of cranberry juice (sometimes it bothers me), try these simple summer ideas to cut the tartness and enjoy the nutritional benefits, and find more tips & info at BeBerryAware‘s website.

• Mix 1/4 cup of pure cranberry juice (or 1 cup of cranberry cocktail or 100% juice blend) with 1 cup of sparkling lime water. If you prefer a sweeter flavor add a few drops of liquid stevia or subsitute a diet lemon-lime soft drink. Serve over ice.
• Mix either 1/4 cup of pure cranberry juice, or 1 cup 100% juice blend or cocktail with 1 cup of iced tea, add a few drops of liquid stevia or honey if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Serve over ice.
• Cranberry Sangria: Simply combine the following ingredients and chill for 4 hours. A bottle (750 ml) of fruity red wine, 4 cups of cranberry juice, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 thinly sliced orange, 1 cored and thinly sliced apple, 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries. Serve over ice

Other Tips:

• In the wintertime try a hot mulled cranberry drink. Simple combine 1 cup of cranberry juice, 1/2 Tbsp maple syrup, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves and a slice of orange in a saucepan. Simmer gently and strain before serving. For an adult version add a splash of brandy before serving.
• When making oatmeal try replacing the water with cranberry juice.
• Add pure cranberry juice to a vinaigrette with a touch of honey to perk up your salad greens or add a unique flavor to a marinade.

I received compensation in return for this post. All opinions are my own.