The powerful cranberry has long been used for its detox properties. The 24 hour cranberry cleanse and the cranberry detox are highly popular detox methods. Is it all a myth or does the cranberry flush detox really work?
What are Cranberries
Cranberries are a berry that grows on a low shrub or vine. They are considered a healthy fruit and are related to blueberries, lingonberries, and bilberries.
Cranberries are known for their sharp and bitter taste. Due to their taste, cranberries are rarely eaten raw. They are mostly consumed as juice that is sweetened either with sugars or other fruits. The cranberry makes its way into popular recipes, sauces, teas, powders, and supplements.
At 87% water, Cranberries are low in calories and sugars while being high in carbs and fiber. They are rich in nutrients.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Copper.
- Manganese.
- Vitamin C.
- Vitamin E.
- Vitamin K1.
Plant Compounds:
- Quercetin.
- Myricetin.
- Peonidin.
- Ursolic acid.
- A-type proanthocyanidins.
How Does Cranberry Help Detox
Our bodies naturally detox. But often we want to speed up the process or to help our systems along to perform more optimally. The cranberry is indeed an ally in the detox department. With high amounts of organic acids, cranberries help emulsify fat deposits. Additionally, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties found in cranberries can assist the body’s digestive systems.
How Much Cranberry to Detox
Always consult your primary care provider before doing an at-home detox. Different sources will provide different lengths of time to do a cranberry detox. Some extreme versions recommend only drinking cranberry juice for 24 hours. After the 24 hour cranberry flush you return to eating; however drinking more liquids and eating softer foods in following days.
Many health sites will say this flush may help act as a “reset” to your digestive system but the process isn’t sustainable. It also isn’t helpful if you just return back to the toxins the next day. Instead of a crash detox, incorporating cranberry into your diet would provide a better, long-term support for your natural detox systems. Try adding cranberry supplements to your routine or have a cup of cranberry detox tea a few times a week. Recipe below!
Cranberry Detox Tea Recipe
For our recipe we will provide directions to make your own cranberry juice to ensure you are sugar free. However, to skip making your own, simply look for an all natural and sugar free cranberry tea at your grocery store and skip to step 2 in the recipe below.
Step 1
Cranberry Juice Ingredients
- 24oz of raw cranberries (generally sold in 12 oz bags)
- 1 large lemon
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- 6 whole cloves
- Thoroughly wash your cranberries in cold water and put in a large pot. Add four cups of water. Turn on heat and stir in cinnamon sticks and cloves. On medium heat, cook for 15 minutes or until the cranberries pop and are mushy.
- Scoop the hot, cooked mixture into a large bowl. Use a spoon intended for straining or a potato masher to separate the liquid out.
- Use a strainer to further separate until you have just liquid.
- Juice the lemon and add to the now cranberry juice.
Step 2
Cranberry Detox Tea Ingredients
- 12oz of cranberry juice from above or 12 oz of water and your tea bag
- ½ lemon
- ½ inch chunk of fresh ginger root sliced thin
- Option for 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar for added detox results
- Option for honey to sweeten – but advised against for best detox results
- Combine 12oz of cranberry juice or water with a tea bag and ginger in a pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Take off heat and pour into a mug.
- Add lemon and optional ingredients if desired.
- For the tea bag option, allow about a minute for the tea bag to seep.
Potential Cranberry Side Effects
As with most things, an excessive amount of cranberries can have some side effects. Consult your primary care practitioner before starting a cranberry detox. For those with a history of kidney issues, the high calcium content in cranberries may not be beneficial. Too much calcium can cause kidney stones.
Additionally, if you are taking aspirin frequently or you have an allergy, the cranberry detox could have some chemical contradictions. Salicylic acid is present in both aspirin and cranberries. If you are intolerant of salicylic acid or are already taking aspirin, the cranberry juice detox may not be your best detox option.
Cranberries in normal serving sizes, such as those present in supplements, are loaded with benefits and not harmful to the body.