We all know what cranberries are. They’re the small, tart red berries that are perhaps most famously associated with Thanksgiving. But cranberry juice is also a great addition to a balanced breakfast, as it’s been shown to have a wide variety of health benefits.

That’s because cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect your body against disease-causing particles.

But you may not have heard of cranberry pills. They’re made from dried, powdered cranberries, and their purpose is to offer the benefits of cranberries in a way that’s easier to consume.

It’s important to understand the effects of cranberry pills, including the health benefits, so you can decide if they might be a good solution for you.

Of course, it should be noted, if you have any concerns about allergies or other questions about if cranberry pills are right for you, talk to your physician. Regardless, it’s always good to get your doctor’s advice before starting a new health routine.

The Benefits of Cranberry Pills

While cranberries are available year-round, they may not be something you want to eat all the time. With that in mind, cranberry pills are marketed as a convenient supplement, allowing you to get the benefits without eating cranberries all the time.

Here’s what those benefits are:

Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants, powerful disease-fighting compounds that can boost your immunity and shielding your body from disease-causing particles known as free radicals. These are tiny, microscopic pathogens that lurk in everything from cleaning chemicals to air pollutants.

| Related: The 12 Most Antioxidant-Rich Foods |

They’re nearly impossible to avoid, but stocking up on antioxidants like the ones found in cranberries can offer your body some protection.

Linked to Fewer UTIs: Urinary tract infections (or UTIs) can be unpleasant and painful, and unfortunately they’re one of the more common infections. Cranberries have been linked to a reduced risk of UTIs, so adding cranberry pills to your daily routine could be a great way to help keep these uncomfortable infections at bay.

Boosted Heart Health: Cranberries have also been shown to help maintain healthy heart function. They offer an excellent source of vitamin B, which is a proven heart health booster. Most berries contain compounds that are great for heart health, and cranberries are no exception.

| Related: The Heart-Healthy Benefits of the Barberry |

Fiber: It might surprise you to know that cranberries are a potent source of fiber. That means they could help with digestive issues, such as gas and bloating, and help keep you regular.

Uncomfortable digestion can be embarrassing or disrupt the pattern of your day, so taking care to keep your digestive tract with a healthy source of fiber is a great way to keep yourself on track.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a powerful vitamin that many people don’t realize they need. It can help slow the aging of cells, and it is an antioxidant that can really supercharge your health.

More Energy: Cranberries contain loads of one potent nutrient that can help keep you on your feet during the day—riboflavin. Riboflavin has been shown to help your body break down fats and convert them into energy.

| Related: 8 Health Benefits of Eating Pineapple |

If you’ve ever suffered from that midday crash when your cup of coffee has run its course, and you feel low on energy, a boost of riboflavin via cranberry pills could be a way to ensure you stay alert and productive throughout the day.

Mental Focus: With more energy comes more focus. It’s no secret that having more energy and proper nutrition helps make sure your brain is functioning at an optimal level. Cranberries, with all their vitamins and nutrients, can help maintain healthy cognitive function, like memory and recall.

| Related: How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain |

Joint Health: Cranberries contain another powerful compound known as niacin. Niacin can help keep your joints running smooth.

So if you feel a little creaky after a long day typing at work, or doing labor with your hands, or even if you’ve been hanging around your house and just feel a bit of discomfort in your joints, it might not be a bad idea to consider adding cranberry pills to your routine, provided you don’t have any allergies.

Fire Up Your Fat Burners: The nutrients inside cranberries have been linked to an improved breakdown of fats, which can provide more energy, as mentioned above.

But all this fat-burning energy can also help boost weight-loss efforts. If you’re exercising regularly and trying to eat healthy, introducing cranberry pills to your morning could be just the added kick you’re looking for.

Improved Skin Function: Once again, we come back to niacin. This compound really is a health game-changer, and it has been linked to better skin protection from UV damage.

Cranberries have an antiseptic quality, and one of the antioxidants in cranberry juice, resveratrol, can be effective for acne. It’s one of the benefits of cranberries that many people don’t seem to realize.

Of course, every human body is different, so cranberry pills might not give you instantly clear skin. But if you’re looking for a long-term solution that doesn’t require too much effort, it could be a technique worth trying.

Better Mood: Thiamin (also known as vitamin B1) is another health booster found in cranberries. Thiamin has been shown to to have many benefits, but one of the most important could be its ability to improve mood.

When you’re in a better mood, you’re more productive, more active, and it’s easier to be healthy overall. Of course, cranberry pills won’t keep the occasional bad day from happening.

We’re all going to have those days where we wake up on the wrong side of the bed, spill our coffee, or just can’t seem to find our rhythm. But to help fight mood swings relating to low energy or poor nutrition, cranberry pills could help keep you balanced throughout the day.

The Bottom Line

Cranberries are deliciously tart and tangy, yet they are one of the more underrated berries it seems. Blueberries, strawberries, and even blackberries are often front and center at the grocery store when you make your way to the produce section.

But it’s worth it to hunt for the cranberries.They are loaded with powerful health boosters, from vitamins and nutrients to other potent compounds that can help with everything from heart health to brain function.

If your daily routine is looking for a little pick-me-up that won’t give you the jitters or a crash, cranberry pills could be a gentle, natural option that proves effective for you.

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