Sexual health reflects overall well-being including emotional and physical dimensions. People always try to find new ways to improve libido and maintain reproductive wellness to enhance sexual pleasure. Cranberry juice is widely used for its advantages in urinary tract health. 

But what do you think? 

Is cranberry juice really good to improve libido? 

Read this blog to explore the connection between cranberry juice and sexual health. 

First of all, you need to understand that cranberries are not helpful only for men. Even females get a lot of benefits from this juice. These small, tart and red berries are rich in several nutrients and bioactive compounds like Vitamins, dietary fiber, minerals, antioxidants, low calories etc. So overall, cranberries have antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. 

Sexual Health: 

It involves physical factors like arousal and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Key components of sexual health include libido, mental and emotional satisfaction, reproductive system health, erectile, lubrication, prevention of infections etc. Many other factors like stress, infections, lifestyle, hormonal imbalances, poor circulation can also affect sexual health. 

How can Cranberry juice help you? 

(i) Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): 

Common infections like UTIs can cause discomfort during sex. As these infections affect the urinary tract so if untreated, they can lead to complications. So cranberry juice reduces UTIs by alleviating pain and discomfort. These berries include proanthocyanidins (PACs) that can prevent harmful bacteria like Escherichia Coli from going to the bladder walls. This healthy way can protect your ovaries and you can enjoy your sexual life with your partner in a more fertile way.

(ii) Antioxidant properties

Oxidative stress can damage nerves and blood vessels which are important for sexual arousal and performance so polyphenols present in the cranberries can combat oxidative stress and improve blood flow. This improvement can enhance erectile function in men and genital arousal in women. 

(iii) Anti-inflammatory Effects

Chronic inflammation can result in impaired sexual activities and discomfort. So, anti-inflammatory compounds present in this juice can improve sexual health and reduce inflammation or discomfort. It can also help to get rid of bad odor from that sensitive area. For better results, you can practice urinating before and after sexual activity. 

(iv) Hormonal Balance and Libido

Cranberry juice is full of Vitamin C that can improve functioning of gland and hormone synthesis. This can help to reduce stress and boost libido. A person with less or no stress can enjoy his sexual life in a better way.

(v) How Cranberry juice helpful for women: 

UTIs are very common in women because of anatomical factors so Cranberry juice can reduce UTI recurrence by lowering painful urination during or after sex. Moreover, several studies suggest that cranberry juice can help to reduce infections by maintaining healthy vaginal flora. Antioxidant effects of cranberry juice is good to mitigate stress related to menopausal symptoms.

(vi) How Cranberry juice helpful for men: 

Sexual health of men usually depends on vascular function or hormone levels. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is very common in men which is often caused by poor blood flow due to endothelial dysfunction. So, Cranberry juice can improve your vascular health and reduce stress by supporting your prostate health. These antioxidants present in this juice can improve sexual wellness. 

How to include Cranberry juice into your routine:

• Choose unsweetened or 100% Cranberry juice. You can dilute it with water or plain juice to limit sugar intake. Avoid taking frozen food. 
• If sugar is a concern then choose supplements with at least 36 mg of PACs. 
• For better results, women should adopt good habits like urinating before and after sex, avoid scented products near intimate areas and wiping front-to-back direction.
• Choose a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, daily exercise, proper sleep and stress management to get the best results. 

Overall benefits of Cranberry Juice:

• Cranberry juice contains Manganese, Copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and phenolic acids. It stops bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract so you can live a comfortable and happy intimate life. 
• This juice indirectly supports fertility by promoting a healthy reproductive system and protecting eggs from oxidant stress. 
• Natural antioxidants present in the cranberry help to expand blood vessels to improve the oxygenated blood. So, this juice is beneficial for vascular issues in males and females. 
• Cranberry juice helps to boost libido, blood flow, healthy ovaries, hormonal balance to increase sexual desire in men and women. Moreover, this juice helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. 

Potential side effects:

Cranberries are getting a lot of popularity but there are a lot of myths and rumours as well. These rumours only tell partial truths. So, research everything before following any social media posts blindly. Natural things are mostly harmless but the same things at commercial level come up with added sugar and other supplements so you should cross-check everything before taking it. Cranberry juice is generally safe but you should be aware of some potential side effects like:

• Some commercial cranberry juices have added sugars that can harm metabolic health. So, always choose low-sugar versions. 
• Over consumption of cranberry juice can increase oxalate levels that can lead to kidney stones. 
• This juice can interact with blood-thinning medications and give allergic reactions. 

Conclusion: Cranberry juice is gaining popularity because of its extraordinary benefits. You can add pomegranate juice, omega-3 fatty acids, maca root or ginseng as an alternative. Cranberries play a good role in preventing urinary tract infections that can give sexual comfort to women. Overall it is good but should be chosen mindfully. Consider PAC-focussed supplements and unsweetened forms as cranberries can contribute to a healthy life. But if you have any serious health issues, you should always consult with your doctor as natural remedies are good but how to use these remedies, only a well-experienced doctor can guide you. Every health condition is different. You can’t blindly follow others just because this treatment worked for them. Learn and understand your body needs first and then choose a treatment.