Science Shares Some 'Juicy' Advice

by WiredBerries Editors — September 18, 2007

Juice has become a controversial topic, but recent studies have found that certain juices are linked with some very specific health benefits. While all fruit and vegetable juices have some healthful properties, scientists have discovered that some are better than others depending on what benefit you're looking for. Here's a list of some of the best juices that science has so far found to really 'pack a punch':

• Pomegranate juice--Pomegranate juice is a rich source of antioxidants and has been shown to lower "bad" artery-clogging LDL cholesterol. It also may slow the growth of prostate cancer. Pomegranate juice has been shown to stabilize the levels of men's PSA, or prostate specific antigen. Another study found that pomegranate juice may increase blood flow to the heart in people with ischemic coronary heart disease.
• Orange juice--This famous 'breakfast drink' is not only high in vitamin C and other nutrients but may also help prevent people from developing kidney stones. A study has found that a daily glass of orange juice can help reduce the incidence of the painful problem.
• Cranberry juice--Long thought of as a home remedy for urinary tract infections, cranberry juice now appears to be most helpful before the UTI ever develops. Studies indicate that cranberry juice is effective at preventing a UTI. However, it shouldn't be relied on as a cure for an existing infection.
• Blueberry juice--Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, blueberries also have some of the same properties as cranberries that allow it to prevent certain infections. Blueberry juice was also linked to increased memory and balance in another study.

But don't forget that other juices likely have hidden benefits as well. In the future, scientists will likely continue to find different properties associated with other juices. Experts advise drinking a variety of colorful juices to enjoy a range of benefits. Studies have indicated that an overall increase in consumption of fruits and vegetables reduces one's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, for example. A 2006 study showed that people who drank fruit or vegetable juices more than three times a week were 76 percent less likely to develop Alzheimer's than those who drank juice less than once a week. That's a pretty big payout for such a tasty task!