Cherries have great taste and now research shows that they pack a health-promoting punch. That's because ruby-red tart cherreis are bursting with health benefits from arthritis relief to sleep enhancement to cancer prevention and more.
According to ongoing research, daily consumption of tart cherries has the potential to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and gout. To date, no other fruit or vegetable has been found to have the pain relieving properties of tart cherries.
There are 17 compounds in tart cherries with antioxidant properities, which, in total, may help fight cancer and heart disease.
Ongoing research shows that tart cherries are a natural source of antioxidants. Melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that attacks free radicals is also present in significant quantities in tart cherries. Tart cherries are also loaded with nutrients, including high amounts of Vitamin A and beta carotene.
Chronic gout and arthritis are very painful conditions afflicting millions of people.
For those who suffer with these conditions, drinking cherry juice or eating cherries may offer some relief.
Cherries contain anti-inflammatory anthocyaninsThese powerful antioxidants, anthocyanins, found in cherries, give them their rich red color and are believed to help relieve inflammation in the body. These same anthocyanins are also found in blueberries and other purplish-red fruits and vegetables and they may also offer some protection from colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.
Gout is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and tart cherry juice works by lowering these levels. The anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice helps relieve the symptoms of chronic arthritis.
A study at the University of California Davis showed that one serving of cherries daily significantly lowered blood uric acid levels by as much as 15 percent in women. The study used fresh cherries but cherry juice concentrate or dried cherries would also have this affect.
Types of cherries
There are two types of cherries, tart and sweet cherries, both containing anthocycnins so no matter which you choose, both should offer similar benefits. Generally, tart cherries have been found to have higher concentrations of phenolics and anthocyanins than sweet cherries.
Also, tart cherry juice is probably more readily available in capsule and concentrate at your local health food store or online.
How much cherry juice should you drink of receive benefits?The majority of people seem to benefit from consuming two tablespoons per day of tart cherry juice concentrate, or one serving of dried or fresh cherries. Since all people respond differently to foods, experiment to see where you notice significant benefit.
Results vary. Some people notice improvement in as little as a few days while others continue cherry juice for several weeks before they achieve the results they want.
Cherry juice for muscle damage repairA recent study suggests that cherry juice, taken before strenuous exercise and immediately afterward, can alliviate muscle pain. Try drinking 12 ounces of cherry juice before and after exercise.
Consumed as a food or concentrate, cherries have no known adverse effects taken in small doses. They do contain sorbitol, which may aggravate some symptoms for people who have irritable bowel syndrome. However, maximum safety dosage studies haven’t been done so those who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physician.
Where to find tart cherriesTart cherry juice can be found at health food stores and online in juice concentrates and capsules. Add a little tart cherry juice to your morning smoothie and keep it on hand for those times when you overdo a little with weekend exercise or extra yard work.
There is a huge variety of different brands on the market today. Most of them are similar and no one brand is more good for you than another, so shop around and buy the one that looks good to you.
Cherries taste good and can be used in a variety of recipes as well as consumed in juice or capsules. Try them for a week or two and see if you notice a difference in the pain you suffer from arthritis or gout.
