There's no secret to getting a flat stomach — it
takes proper diet and regular exercise, a combination that creates a
daily caloric deficit to help you lose total body fat. Cranberry juice,
which is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, can be a healthy
addition to a nutritious diet and a substitute for sugary sodas, but it
will not give you a flat stomach on its own. Incorporate cranberry juice
into your diet and exercise regimen for best results.
Nutritional Profile
Cranberry juice is a good source of many essential
nutrients, and it is chock-full of antioxidants that boost the immune
system and protect against disease. According to the USDA National
Nutrient Database, 1 cup of unsweetened cranberry juice contains 23.5
milligrams of vitamin C, almost one-third of the recommended daily
allowance for adult females, and almost one-fourth of the RDA for adult
males. Cranberry juice is also a good source of vitamins E and K, as
well as polyphenols, plant compounds that may help prevent cancer. With
30.61 grams of sugar in a 1-cup serving, cranberry juice is not a
low-calorie drink.
Sweetened vs. Unsweetened
Many store-bought brands of cranberry juice
contain added sugar, because unsweetened cranberry juice is very acidic
and not palatable to many people. Sugar-sweetened varieties should be
avoided, especially by those wishing to lose weight and get a flat
tummy. However, even unsweetened cranberry juice is high in sugar.
Dieters looking to take advantage of the nutrients in cranberry juice
should limit their intake or dilute the juice with plain or mineral
water to avoid taking in excess calories from sugar. Because the sugars
in cranberry juice are fruit sugars, the drink may be a viable
substitute for sodas and other drinks sweetened with high-fructose corn
syrup.
Diet and Exercise
The best way to get a flat stomach is to eat a
nutritious diet of whole foods and engage in regular cardiovascular
exercise and strength training. Focus on eating whole grains, fresh
fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, legumes, and nuts and
seeds in moderation. Limit your intake of sugary beverages and fruit
juices, such as cranberry juice, because excess sugar not burned off
through exercise is stored as fat in the body. Get at least 30 minutes
of cardiovascular exercise, such as brisk walking, running or swimming,
most days of the week, and engage in strength training at least two
times per week. Unsweetened cranberry juice diluted with plain or
mineral water can be a refreshing way to replenish fluids and nutrients
after a vigorous workout.
Other Benefits of Cranberry Juice
Besides boosting the immune system and protecting
against cancer, cranberry juice has long been touted as an effective
prevention for urinary-tract infections. According to MedlinePlus,
cranberries contain chemicals that inhibit bacteria from attaching to
the cells that line the urinary tract, which prevents the bacteria from
multiplying. If you are prone to urinary-tract infections, the
University of Maryland Medical Center suggests drinking 3 ounces or more
of pure, unsweetened cranberry juice per day; however, you should
consult your health-care practitioner for individual dosing information.
Because of its high sugar content, using cranberry juice to prevent
urinary-tract infections could impede your weight-loss progress, so
other low-calorie treatments should be considered.
References
University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
MedlinePlus: Cranberry
Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin C
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