The Art of the Tart: Creative Ways to Add Cherries to Your Diet

Tart cherry juice is packed with potent nutrients that support health on many levels. Here are some key reasons you may want to add tart cherry juice concentrate to your daily health routine.  

1. Antioxidant activity 
   Tart cherry juice is a rich source of powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A and C that can help support healthy inflammation. For example, a study featuring adults aged 65 to 80 found that drinking tart cherry juice daily for 12 weeks significantly reduced several key signs of inflammation compared to those who did not drink the juice. 
2. Uric acid control 
   The body creates a chemical known as uric acid to help break down substances that are called purines found in some foods. When uric acid accumulates in the blood it can lead to a painful form of joint inflammation known as gout. Several studies have shown that tart cherry juice can significantly reduce uric acid build-up, which also reduces the risk of a painful gout flare-up. 
3. Sound sleep 
   Tart cherry juice is also a great natural source of melatonin, the hormone that helps with sleep. Research shows that drinking tart cherry juice can help support optimal sleep quality and quantity. 
4. Reduces sore muscles 
   Studies involving athletes have shown that drinking tart cherry juice can reduce muscle soreness. In fact, a study with long-distance runners found that those who drank tart cherry juice had three times less pain during and after the race compared to the runners who did not drink the juice. 
5. Heart health 
   As it turns out, drinking tart cherry juice is also good for your heart. Studies show that tart cherry juice can have a positive effect on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.  

To get the most out of your tart cherry juice product, be sure to choose a 100% juice concentrate that does not contain sweeteners, preservatives, and additives made from certified organic tart cherries. Whether you are looking for uric acid control, sound sleep, or just improving your overall wellness, tart cherry juice is a convenient way to supplement your diet. Just drink a tablespoon of tart cherry juice concentrate each day or add it to smoothies or other foods. And the liquid concentrate is ideal for individuals who want to reduce the number of pills they take each day.   

Selected references 

Chai SC, Davis K, Zhang Z, et al. Effects of tart cherry juice on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in older adults. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):228. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413159/ 

Martin KR, Coles KM. Consumption of 100% tart cherry juice reduces serum urate in overweight and obese adults. Current Developments in Nutrition. 2019;3(5). https://academic.oup.com/cdn/article/3/5/nzz011/5364543 

Zhang Y, Neogi T, Chen C, et al. Cherry consumption and decreased risk of recurrent gout attacks. Arthritis Rheum. 2012;64(12):4004-4011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510330/ 

Howatson G, Bell, PG, Tallent, J, et al. Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhance sleep quality. Eur J Nutr. 2012;51(8):909-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22038497/ 

Kuehl KS, Perrier ET, Elliot DL, Chesnutt JC. Efficacy of tart cherry juice in reducing muscle pain during running: a randomized controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010;7:17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2874510/ 

Chai SC, Davis K, Wright RS, et al. Impact of tart cherry juice on systolic blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Food & Function. 2018;6. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/fo/c8fo00468d