Changing your diet might help you to get rid of those pimples and cysts a little quicker. The Western diet, which promotes inflammation in the body, disrupts hormonal activity in the body, which can aggravate acne in some people. Nutrients in cranberry juice may help to battle the effects of a Western diet and improve acne. However, more research is needed to confirm the benefit of cranberry juice for acne.
Cranberry Fights Inflammation
Inflammation is a key player in acne, particularly cystic acne. The more deeply that inflammation penetrates into a pimple, the worse it will be. Cranberries and cranberry juice contain phytochemicals that have potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to inhibit inflammation-causing chemicals such as cyclooxygenases, according to a study published in the “Journal of Nutrition” in January 2007.
Cranberry’s Vitamin C Factor
Cranberry juice is rich in ascorbic acid, more commonly known as vitamin C. This nutrient is a major antioxidant, which helps to fight free radicals that can increase inflammation in the body. Vitamin C is also essential for producing collagen and helps to repair skin. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, the recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adult women and teen boys is 75 mg; for adult men, it’s 90 mg; and for teen girls, it's 65 mg. Cranberry juice and other vitamin C-rich foods can help you meet this intake.
Daily Amount
Teens and adults should limit their intake of 100-percent juice -- of any variety -- to 8 to 12 ounces daily, recommends the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It’s preferable to drink pure, unsweetened cranberry juice than sweetened cranberry juice or cranberry cocktail, especially if you have diabetes or metabolic syndrome. If you cannot find cranberry juice without added sugar at your supermarket, make it at home using raw, dried or frozen cranberries.
Precautions
Cranberry juice is generally safe to consume, even if you’re pregnant. However, due to the high acidity of cranberry juice, you should drink it through a straw to reduce acid erosion of your teeth. Also, acidic foods can cause, or worsen, gastrointestinal problems or diarrhea. If you have kidney stones, or are at risk for developing kidney stones, do not drink cranberry juice since this beverage is high in oxalates. Consult your doctor first.