Crimson cranberry is a tiny emblem of autumn, particularly in the American northeast. And cranberries are a staple at the Thanksgiving table. We think of them almost as decoration but cranberry benefits are remarkable.
But cranberries as an aphrodisiac? Can this food of traditional Holiday meals really be something sexy? You might be surprised to discover cranberry sex benefits, which include some impressive benefits of drinking cranberry juice.
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A brief history of cranberries in America
They are among North America’s native fruits and were originally named “craneberries” by the Pilgrims, who thought the plants’ blossoms resembled the bill of the Sandhill crane.
By the 19th century, the popularity of cranberries took off in Europe. And farmers began to plant the American fruit throughout Britain and Scandinavia.
Thanks to Ocean Spray, cranberries are now enjoyed year-round in juice blends, the Cape Codder cocktail and dried and served like tart raisins. But if you want to experience the best of fresh cranberries, try my candied cranberry recipe.
However, cranberries are better known as an aid in fighting urinary tract infections than as a tool in amorous pursuits. But believe it or not, the fact that cranberries clean out the urinary tract is potentially beneficial to sexual health.
More on that later…In the meantime, here’s some information linking these nutritious berries with sexual health to reshape the way you look at cranberries.
Cranberry sex benefits – why this berry is a sexual superfood
Cranberries may look unassuming, but these glistening, red globes are packed with potential health benefits for your sex life.
Let’s start out by taking a look at some basic cranberry nutrition facts. One cup of whole, raw cranberries contains:
46 calories
.4g protein
4.6g fiber
13.3mg vitamin C
1.2mg vitamin E
5.1mcg vitamin K
.4mg manganese
It is also worth noting that the fruit contains traces of vitamin B6, potassium and copper. That’s not bad for a 46 calorie serving!
But as far as your sexual health goes, one of the most notable benefits of cranberry is that this crimson fruit is rich in vitamin C. This is good news for your immune system. But in addition to boosting immunity, vitamin C is clinically proven to aid blood flow and promote the production of nitric oxide, making sexual arousal possible.
Fresh and dried cranberries also serve as a a pretty impressive source of fiber. A 1/4 cup serving of dried, sweetened cranberries offers around 2 grams of fiber. That’s pretty good for a tasty snack. (Just watch out for added sugar.) Fiber might not sound sexy. But neither is constipation. Getting daily fiber will banish bloat and help you look and feel your best.
The berries are also a source of vitamin A, important for reproduction. (Incidentally, vitamin A is also key for a healthy immune system.)
RELATED: 5 Foods to Eat for Fertility
Is cranberry juice good for you?
You probably have had someone suggest drinking cranberry juice to cure one ailment or another. Cranberry juice is associated with fighting aging and other skin benefits, preventing urinary tract infections and even boosting immunity against the common cold. But if you’ve also heard that juice is just another sugary soft drink, you’re probably wondering, “What is cranberry juice good for treating, if anything?”
It is true that cranberry juice has sugar, a lot of sugar. (There are over 30 grams per cup in unsweetened cranberry juice). You might want to take this into consideration before starting to drink cranberry juice daily.
That being said, this fruit juice does have some proven benefits to heart health and even digestive health. But the most remarkable benefits of cranberry juice seem to all be linked with sexual health.
What does cranberry juice do sexually?
Cranberries boast several nutrients to help with heart health beyond vitamin C. Interestingly, most of the studies investigating the benefits of cranberries on heart health have used cranberry juice instead of fresh fruit. This juice isn’t exactly what you would call a sensual drink but is cranberry juice an aphrodisiac? Several scientific findings seem to point toward yes!
Scientific investigations such as this 2011 cranberry juice study illustrate the benefits of cranberry juice to vascular function and indicate that the polyphenols in cranberry juice may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
But how does the cardiovascular benefit of cranberry juice help your sex life?
You may not initially think there’s a relationship between heart disease and your sex life. But according to the AHA journal Circulation, your heart is one of the most important organs for your sex life.
According to an article in the publication entitled, “Sexual Health Concerns in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease,” somewhere between 60% and 90% of those with chronic heart failure report sexual dysfunction. In other words, consuming foods and beverages that benefit heart health like cranberry juice will go a long way toward promoting your sexual health.
RELATED: The 10 Steps to Sexy Diet
How cranberry juice benefits females sexually
Another 2011 cranberry juice study demonstrated the heart health benefits of the juice specific to women. This study found that drinking cranberry juice regularly increased plasma antioxidant capacity in women with metabolic syndrome and that it reduced their LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
How much these benefits would impact women with normal heart function and cholesterol levels is unclear but these findings certainly indicate that cranberries can support women’s heart health, which in turn can improve sexual health.
And this is not the only cranberry juice sex benefit for women. There is some evidence that drinking cranberry juice may have a positive effect on the vaginal microbiome. It may enhance the flavor of a woman’s vaginal secretions, thereby increasing the pleasure of certain sexual experiences for her and her partner.
Cranberry juice for kidney health and sexual health
You may know that cranberry juice can help clean the urinary tract, including the kidneys. A study published in 2017 implies that the effect is thanks to cranberries’ antibacterial properties.
This is, of course, good news for any woman who suffers from urinary tract infections or UTIs. But it is also important for supporting fertility and sexual health. Chronic kidney disease is associated with reduced fertility. And with the decline of kidney health, sexual health also declines.
It should be noted that other studies have contradicted the benefits cranberry juice can offer to women suffering from urinary tract infections. But even the National Kidney Association promotes the use of cranberries for kidney health. So if your goal is sexual health, cranberry juice for women sounds like a sure thing.
Can cranberry pills benefit females sexually?
There are so many cranberry products on the market claiming to offer the benefits of fresh cranberry.
You may have heard that taking cranberry supplements can offer the same benefits to a woman’s urinary tract as can drinking cranberry juice. Cranberry extract is considered safe when taken as a powder or pill form and there is evidence that these supplements can aid in the health of the urinary tract and kidneys. (More on how this can benefit your sex life below.)
But it is recommended that you talk with a medical professional about dosage before starting treatment with cranberry pills.
Cranberry juice benefits for male sexual health
Cranberry juice may be just as beneficial to male urinary tract health as it is for women’s health.
According to one Czech study, cranberry juice may improve urinary tract health and reduce PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels. High PSA levels are linked with an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. A low PSA level is desirable for optimal prostate health.
Cranberry juice and oral health
One last benefit of cranberry juice that could improve the romantic lives of both men and women is the fact that this juice is linked with the prevention of gum disease. According to this 2014 research, the polyphenols in cranberry juice may improve oral health. And a healthy mouth is a sexy mouth!
Whole fruit vs juice
Like most fruits, cranberries have more benefits in their whole, fresh form than they do as a juice. These cranberry health benefits impact sexual health as well as overall health.
A relative of the blueberry, cranberry is an excellent source of antioxidants. (In a recent study, cranberry juice rated among the five highest juices for antioxidant activity. In fact, it was right up there with grape juice and red wine).
RELATED: Blueberry Aphrodisiac & Natural Antioxidants
To reap the most antioxidant rewards, choose the ripest berries you can find. A product of the ripening process is something called NCC’s, (nonfluorescent chlorophyll catabolites). These NCC’s are powerful antioxidants that protect the plant, (not to mention the human body, once the NCC’s are ingested).
Look for the brightest, sexiest red berries and start pumping up your libido with the vibrancy of tart cranberries.
Recipes
Cranberry Persimmon Fruit Salsa
Cranberry Chocolate Daiquiri (made with cranberry puree)
Turkey Congee with Cranberries
Massaged Kale Salad with Cranberries and Persimmons
Manhattan Cocktail with Cranberry Bitters
Discover more of the world’s greatest aphrodisiac foods
This article was written in 2010 and most recently updated in September 2022.
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We recommending consulting a medical professional before making drastic changes to your diet.
How often should I drink cranberry juice a day