Nutrition Made Easy

Our nutrition experts and registered dietitians translate the latest nutrition research into tips you can use to eat healthier every day.

7 Healthy Foods That Deliver Just What Women Need

It's important for both sexes to eat an array of healthy foods. But if you're a woman, science shows these seven foods could offer that extra edge. By: Maureen Callahan, MS, RD|Text: Maureen Callahan, MS, RD

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Cranberry Juice

Sometimes natural cures really do work because when it comes to treating women's urinary tract infections, cranberry juice is a recommended strategy. Not because it's acidic or has a lot of vitamin C. Instead, antioxidants called proanthocyanins are the real medicinal heroes. These tannins prevent bacteria from adhering to the walls of the bladder where they can multiply and cause, or intensify, an infection. This just in: New studies are testing concentrated cranberry extracts and finding they can also help fight UTI's. No word on when these could be available, so stick to berries or juice for now.

The right dose: Varies. But drink unsweetened 100% cranberry juice (60 calories per cup) to avoid excess sugar.

View Recipe: Sparkling Cranberry Tea Cocktails