What Are the Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate?
Written by Janet Renee; Updated November 27, 2018
1 What Are the Benefits of Tart Cherry Capsules?
2 Is Cranberry Juice Acidic or Alkaline?
3 What Are the Benefits of Passion Flower Herbs?
4 What Are the Benefits of Turmeric Capsules?
Scientists have given the green light for making tart cherry juice concentrate a part of a healthy diet. Tart cherries, also known as Montmorency cherries, are a variety grown in the United States that have a slightly sour taste. Unlike sweet varieties that are typically eaten fresh, tart cherries are commonly enjoyed dried or as a juice concentrate. The current body of research shows evidence for anti-inflammatory qualities of tart cherry juice that offer a range of whole-body benefits.
Tart cherry juice concentrate offers a wide variety of healthy benefits, from protecting your heart and easing arthritis to boosting sleep quality.
Richest Anti-inflammatory Content of Any Food
The antioxidant compounds in tart cherries and other fruits and vegetables make up a vital part of your diet. These nutrients help your body stave off disease to remain healthy. A domino effect of inflammation and chronic disease occurs when the body doesn't have enough antioxidants. Luckily, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables means you'll get the antioxidants your body needs to keep inflammation in check.
Out of all the anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, the crown for highest anti-inflammatory content of any food goes to tart cherries, according to research the Oregon Health and Science University presented at the 2012 American College of Sports Medicine Conference.
Promotes Healthy Blood Pressure
The antioxidant compounds in tart cherry juice may protect your heart, according to a study the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published in June 2016. Tart cherry juice concentrate caused a significant drop in blood pressure over the course of three hours in 15 men with early stage hypertension. The authors of the study theorize that the rich antioxidant content is likely responsible, since inflammation is a hallmark of high blood pressure. Of course, scientists will need to duplicate the study with a larger sample size over a longer period to strengthen this evidence, but the results are encouraging.
Beats Insomnia
Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep is common problem that increases with age. Drinking tart cherry juice concentrate may help older adults get more shut eye, the American Journal of Therapeutics reported in March 2017. The trial consisted of adults over age 50 who reported having insomnia at least three nights a week. Volunteers were instructed to drink 8 ounces of tart cherry juice concentrate in the morning and 1 to 2 hours before bed for two weeks. Tart cherry juice was found to help older adults fall asleep and increased total sleep time by over an hour.
May Ease Knee Arthritis Inflammation
Inflammation is a major component of arthritis. Knee arthritis, the most common form, is characterized by pain and swelling of the knee joint that reduces range of motion and can significantly impact your quality of life. Women with knee arthritis who drank tart cherry juice twice a day experienced a significant reduction in inflammatory markers, according to a trial published in the July 2012 issue of the Journal of Food Studies. Pain scores in arthritis are linked to the level of inflammation. Generally, lower inflammation results in less pain.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Effects of Montmorency Tart Cherry Consumption on Vascular Function in Men with Early Hypertension
American Journal of Therapeutics: Pilot Study of the Tart Cherry Juice for the Treatment of Insomnia and Investigation of Mechanisms
Journal of Food Studies: Efficacy of Tart Cherry Juice to Reduce Inflammation Biomarkers Among Women with Inflammatory Osteoarthritis
Eureka Alert: Researchers Say Tart Cherries Have the Highest Anti-inflammatory Content of Any food
Janet Renee is a registered dietitian with a focus on hormonal imbalance. She helps clients with issues like polycystic ovary syndrome and insulin resistance balance their hormones and lose weight through dietary changes. Renee shares her knowledge and expertise through regular contributions to health and wellness publications, including Shape, Women's Health and Vegetarian Times.
Renee, Janet. "What Are the Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate?" Healthy Eating | SF Gate, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-tart-cherry-juice-concentrate-7126.html. 27 November 2018.
Renee, Janet. (2018, November 27). What Are the Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate? Healthy Eating | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-tart-cherry-juice-concentrate-7126.html
Renee, Janet. "What Are the Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate?" last modified November 27, 2018. http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/benefits-tart-cherry-juice-concentrate-7126.html
What Are the Benefits of Taking Essential Fatty Acids?
What are the Benefits of Ashwagandha?
What Are the Benefits of Una De Gato Herb?
Hog Plum Health Benefits
What Are the Benefits of Guava?
Chinese Wolfberry Benefits & Doses
Bilberry Vs. Blueberry
What Are the Benefits of Bilberry Supplements?
What Are the Benefits of Fish Oil Concentrate?
Teas That Help Brain Function
What Are the Health Benefits of Hawthorn Extract?