Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber which offer health benefits. One intriguing effect of cranberries is their ability to enhance thermogenesis. The process of generating heat by burning calories.
When you consume fruit or juice it triggers the release of a hormone called norepinephrine. This hormone stimulates your system. Leads to an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen consumption. As a result more calories are burned, from fat.
Furthermore, cranberries can boost the activity of tissue (BAT) , a type of fat that generates heat by burning calories. Unlike adipose tissue (WAT) which stores energy as fat deposits, BAT helps regulate energy expenditure and body temperature. While BAT is commonly found in infants and hibernating animals adults also have some BAT located in their necks, chests and backs.
By promoting the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) cranberries stimulate the activity of BAT. This protein allows for heat production in the mitochondria. The powerhouses of our cells. By enhancing thermogenesis in BAT cells throughout the day consuming cranberries can help you burn calories and fat.
One more way that cranberry fruit can assist in weight loss is by enhancing your bodys sensitivity to insulin. Insulin is a hormone for regulating glucose levels in the bloodstream. In situations where your body doesn't produce insulin or becomes resistant to it blood sugar levels can increase, leading to the accumulation of fat, obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
By consuming fruit you can help reduce blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells and improving the functioning of insulin receptors. This helps prevent glucose from being stored as fat and encourages its utilization as energy.
Furthermore cranberry fruit has the ability to regulate hormones involved in glucose metabolism, like glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP 1) which stimulates insulin secretion and reduces appetite; and adiponectin, which enhances insulin sensitivity and promotes the oxidation of fatty acids.
Why You Should Drink Cranberry Fruit for Weight Loss
Drinking fruit or juice can serve as an effective method to reap the advantages of cranberries, for weight loss. Allow me to outline a few reasons why incorporating fruit into your diet can aid in achieving your weight loss goals.
- Drinking cranberry juice or consuming cranberries can aid in maintaining hydration and promoting a feeling of satiety. Cranberries are composed of 90% water. Are rich in fiber, which can contribute to a sense of satisfaction with smaller food portions thus preventing excessive eating. Additionally consuming fluids, including water prior to meals may help reduce the amount of food consumed overall.
- Drinking cranberry juice or consuming cranberries can aid in detoxifying your body and protecting against infections. Cranberries possess inflammatory, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that assist in eliminating toxins and harmful bacteria from the body. They are particularly effective in preventing tract infections (UTIs) which are prevalent, among individuals who are overweight or obese.
- Drinking cranberry fruit or juice can help you improve your mood and cognitive performance. Cranberries contain phytochemicals that can modulate the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in your brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating your mood, motivation, memory, and learning. Drinking cranberry fruit or juice can also reduce stress and inflammation in your brain, which can impair your mental health.
How to Drink Cranberry Fruit for Weight Loss
Drinking fruit or juice to aid in weight loss is a convenient approach. You have the option to enjoy dried cranberries as a snack or incorporate them into various dishes, like salads, soups, stews, sauces or rice preparations. Another alternative is to blend dried cranberries with water or other fruits like apples or oranges to make cranberry juice.
However, it's important to be mindful of your consumption of cranberry juice and the associated sugar and calorie intake. Many available cranberry juices have added sugars or artificial sweeteners that can counteract the weight loss benefits of cranberries. To maximize the advantages, seek out unsweetened juices without any added sugars or preservatives.
For weight loss, it is recommended to consume 8 ounces (240 ml) of cranberry juice per day. This amount is equivalent to around one cup of dried cranberries. It's crucial not to exceed this recommended quantity or use it for more than 6 weeks without consulting your doctor.
To maintain hydration and facilitate the elimination of toxins and fat from your body, ensure you drink plenty of water and other fluids alongside cranberry juice. Additionally, following a nutritious diet that includes ample fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is essential.
To improve your metabolism and facilitate weight loss it's essential to incorporate activity into your routine and ensure you get sufficient restorative sleep.
