Cherries For Arthritis Pain
Cherries are a known and effective anti-inflammatory food whose effects are scientifically proven. Eating cherries for arthritis pain is proven to reduce inflammation in the body which, in turn, reduces swelling in the affected joints and associated pain. The benefits of regular cherry consumption for arthritis extend to include improved mobility and use of the affected joints, but also improved mental health and quality of life as well as better sleep .
Might Promote Brain Health
Degenerative brain disorders like Parkinsons and Alzheimers are thought to be caused, in part, by oxidative stress.
Tart cherries and their juice contain large amounts of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may have protective effects on brain cells .
In one study, consuming 16 ounces of tart cherry juice daily improved antioxidant defenses in healthy older men and women .
In another study, older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia consumed either 6.5 ounces of tart cherry juice or a placebo for 12 weeks.
Adults in the cherry juice group experienced improvements in verbal fluency and short-term and long-term memory, whereas those in the placebo group experienced no improvements .
Summary:
The high antioxidant levels in tart cherry juice may help improve brain function and reduce symptoms of mild-to-moderate dementia.
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How Cherries May Help Prevent Gout
Scientists know that cherries contain high levels of antioxidants, including anthocyanins and quercetin, as well as other nutrients. It is unclear how these nutrients may work individually or together to lower urate levels and decreases the chance of a gout attack.
Some researchers2 theorize that cherries:
- Have anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the painful inflammation related to gout attacks
- May help counteract the process that leads to changes in bones in gout-affected joints
- Reduce oxidative stress , which is associated with gout
Experts suspect that oxidative stress in the body begins a biochemical cascade that promotes inflammation, which over time leads to gout and other degenerative diseases.
More researchparticularly large studies involving human subjectsis needed to find out exactly if and how cherries prevent gout attacks.
See Gout Prevention
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Cherries Uric Acid And Gout Attacks
A painful gout attack occurs when excess uric acid in the body forms crystals that collect in one or more joints, causing inflammation. Cherries have been shown to lower the levels of uric acid in the body and therefore might lower the risk of a gout attack.
See Hyperuricemia – High Uric Acid Levels and Gout
For example, one large online survey3 asked people with gout to report their experiences over the course of one year. People answered questions about their intake of cherries and cherry extract, alcohol, and certain foods and medications in the two days leading up to a gout attack.
The survey results found:
- People who ate cherries or supplemented with cherry extract were 37% less likely to report gout attacks than people who had no cherry intake.
- People who ate cherries or supplemented with cherry extract and also took allopurinol, a drug prescribed to reduce urate in the blood, were 75% less likely to report gout attacks than people who did neither.
For this study, researchers defined one serving of cherries as ½ cup, or about 10 to 12 cherries. More than 3 servings did not seem to provide additional benefits.
Where To Find Tart Cherries:
We sometimes hear from people who would like to know where to find cherries out of season. Some report that their local market does not carry cherry juice. There are a number of reputable online vendors who could supply cherry concentrate so you can use cherry juice to see if it helps your arthritic joints. Cherry juice concentrate is more affordable than fresh cherries or juice. It can be added to seltzer water or made into a tea.
Those who are interested in the powdered Montmorency cherries can also purchase the product used in the athlete study mentioned above. The brand is CherryPURE®. The dose was 480 mg/day. We have no affiliation with Shoreline Fruit, the makers of this cherry concentrate.
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Cherry Juice Helps Arthritic Hands:
Q. I spend summers in Michigan. A few years ago, I was developing painful hip and hand arthritis. A neighbor had arthritis so badly he could not even hold a glass of water.
The following year he was outside spreading gravel with a rake. He said drinking cherry juice daily had made all the difference. I tried it and five weeks later I was pain free.
A. A review of the scientific literature in the journal Maturitas found that tart cherry juice can slow the progression of osteoarthritis via decreased inflammation and reduced cartilage degradation.
Cherries Boost Brain Health
Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are a few risk factors for cognitive decline and changes in brain health during aging. So finding ways to lower these factors could keep your brain healthier for longer.
A 2019 study found drinking tart cherry juice daily may improve brain functions like memory and learning.
Another study linked anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant found in cherries, with improved cognitive function in older adults with dementia. After 12 weeks of drinking cherry juice daily, the participants had improved verbal skills, short-term memory, and long-term memory.
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What Is The Exact Shelf Life Of Cherries
When you bite into a cherry, the tart, sour, and bitterflavors can be a surprise. Sometimes these flavors are caused by build-up of sugar in the pit, but other times they can be the result of microbial contamination. The sour and bitterflavors of cherries can come from several different sources. One is the loss of an enzyme called diastase. This enzyme can break down the sugar in the pit, leading to a bitter flavor. Another reason for sour or bitter tasting cherries is microbial contamination. This can appear in several stages from the fruit stage to harvest. There are three types of microbes that produce lactic acid: lactobacilli, yeast, and acid bacteria. But some fruit have not been properly washed before shipping.For this reason it is recommended to wash your cherries thoroughly with water before eating them if they dont taste fresh enough to you right after picking them or buying at the market as much as 2 hours after picking! You should then dry them off completely on paper towels and put them into storage in airtight containers or even freezer bags , preferably near vegetables so they dont spoil faster. What is the exact shelf life of cherries? Cherries can last up to a week in the fridge, but they are best when they are eaten fresh.
What Is It About Tart Cherries
One of the key players in the health benefits of tart cherries appears to be the phytochemicals responsible for the dark red color of the cherry. They are called anthocyanins 1 and 2 and there is increasing evidence that they may be anti-inflammatory and reduce oxidative stress in the bodys cells they are effective antioxidants.
Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are antioxidants that block cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 enzymes. So tart cherries may have some similar effects or properties to anti-inflammatory COX-2 inhibitor drugs like Celebrex. While anthocyanins are found in other berries like strawberries and raspberries, tart cherries have the highest concentration of them.
Cherries also contain high levels of beta carotene , vitamins C and E and are a source of potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and fiber. Interestingly, they are also a a hormone that helps regulate sleep.
Cherry juice is a natural remedy that I have heard about and tried. I didn’t see much benefit from it, but then I never drank cherry juice for more than a few days at a time. Perhaps it needs to build up in one’s system. In personal accounts, most people have said that it either helps their arthritis symptoms somewhat or that they didn’t really see a difference.
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Rich In Antioxidants And Anti
The high concentration of plant compounds in cherries may be responsible for this fruits many health benefits.
Though the amount and type can vary depending on the variety, all cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
This high antioxidant content may help combat oxidative stress, a condition that is linked to multiple chronic diseases and premature aging .
In fact, one review found that eating cherries effectively reduced inflammation in 11 out of 16 studies and markers of oxidative stress in 8 out of 10 studies .
Cherries are especially high in polyphenols, a large group of plant chemicals that help fight cellular damage, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health (
9 ).
Tart cherries and their juice seem to be more effective than sweet varieties, though both may aid athletes.
Tart cherry juice and concentrate have been found to accelerate muscle recovery, decrease exercise-induced muscle pain, and prevent strength loss in elite athletes, such as cyclists and marathon runners .
Additionally, some evidence suggests that cherry products may enhance exercise performance.
A study in 27 endurance runners demonstrated that those who consumed 480 mg of powdered tart cherries daily for 10 days before a half-marathon averaged 13% faster race times and experienced less muscle soreness than a placebo group .
Summary Consuming cherries,
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Are Cherries Good For You
This classic summer fruit may help control inflammation
This is the season when piles of fresh cherries are spilling over at your local farmers market or grocery store. And those small red fruits arent only delicious to snack on but also provide a surprising array of important nutrients.
There are two types of cherries: sweet and tart . The sweet ones typically have dark red skin and are best eaten raw. Tart cherries are sometimes sold fresh and can be eaten raw but are more frequently found dried, pressed into juice, or frozen or canned for use as cherry pie filling.
Sweet and tart cherries may have different culinary uses, but both lay claim to several potential health benefits. Cherries, tart cherry juice, and cherry supplements have been linked to improvements in arthritis pain, gout, blood pressure, muscle soreness, and sleep. But can cherries really do all that? We looked at the latest science.
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Full Of Vitamins And Nutrients
Because the dried cherries that are grown at the Sunrise Fresh farm are harvested at the peak of ripeness, they are full of vitamins and minerals. This includes fiber, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron that our bodies need to thrive. The natural sugars they contain will sweeten any dish so less sugar needs to be added to recipes.
Health Benefits Of Tart Cherry Juice For Arthritis Pain
There are several beneficial alternatives which can enhance your health beyond the doctors office, recommendations, and prescribed medications. For those with Rheumatoid Arthritis however, options are not near so many. Sure, there are the typical home remedies such as exercise and hot or cold applications for flare-ups.
Your doctor probably tells you to relax, try not to stress too much. There must be something else that can offer some relief!
Cherry juice benefits arthritis in various ways and it can be a good remedy to try.
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Fights Inflammation And Arthritis Pain
Research shows that the antioxidants in tart cherry juice can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis .
A 2012 study showed that drinking cherry juice twice a day for 21 days reduced the pain felt by people with OA. Blood tests also showed that they experienced significantly less inflammation.
Should Cherries Be Stored In The Refrigerator
Cherries are best stored in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to two weeks. If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them. When storing cherries, be sure to keep them in a plastic bag or container so they dont dry out.cherries are best stored in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to two weeks. Be sure to wash them before eating.
In conclusion able cherries should be stored in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight where they shouldnt get wet or smelly otherwise they will get moldy this can happen quickly so keeping them in sealed containers such as mason jars with lids should be fine as long as they are kept in good conditions . The best place would be in pantry cupboard away from sunlight . When stored correctly cherries can last up till 3 weeks . When eating cherries make sure if they smell bad throw them away as sometimes bad mold or fungus grows on these fruits The same goes if they start getting soft or look moldy throw them in trash bin .
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Cherries Can Help Fight Inflammation
If youre looking for a plant-based food that fights inflammation, look no further than a bowl full of sweet cherries. Research suggests eating sweet cherries can lower inflammatory biomarkers in your body and help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases like diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. Isaacs adds anthocyanins are strongly associated with lower levels of inflammation.
Additionally, Nelson says that cherries contain polyphenols, which are compounds found in plants that have an antioxidant effect. This can protect against damage and slow down the inflammatory process.
Cherries Powerful Arthritis Pain & Inflammation Relievers
Eating cherries every day is one of the standard âmust doâ arthritis treatments . Hereâs why the experts agree this is one of the best remedies for arthritis when done correctlyâ¦
Article by Troy Sawyer
The fact is cherries are a âtried and testedâ arthritis pain and inflammation reliever. This healthy fruit has been consumed for centuries and used successfully to treat arthritis â along with gouty arthritis â for well over a hundred years. So rather than taking dangerous anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers, why not try eating some cherries instead!
Heres what health expert, Mike Adams, has to say about cherries as an authentic home treatment for arthritis
âI bet the big drug companies wish they had invented cherries theyve proven to be the most powerful medicine in the world for eliminating gout and reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. If the public finds out the truth about cherries, after all, they wont need arthritis drugs anymore . As youll see in the collection of quotes about cherries, gout and arthritis , cherries are extremely safe, effective and fast-acting for eliminating swelling and pain.â
Andto whet your appetite, hereâs a few of those timely quotes from some of theworlds most respected leaders and authors in the natural health field
Healing With WholeFoods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition by Paul Pitchford
Unleash the Inner Healing Power of Foods by The Editors of FC& A
Miracle Medicine Foods by Rex Adams
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Cherry Juice Testimonial For Arthritis Pain:
Another reader offered her experience with cherry juice rather than Montmorency cherry extract.
Q. My husband and I take black cherry juice concentrate for arthritis aches and pains. I buy it at the local health food store. We take a teaspoon a day, like cough syrup.
My finger joints are no longer swollen and painful. On those rare days where I still have some discomfort, I just take another dose.
A. Tart cherries, sour cherries and black cherries have all been used to combat inflammation associated with arthritis or gout. Animal studies have shown that the red compounds in cherries have anti-inflammatory activity . A review of the health benefits of cherries, cherry juice, cherry powder or cherry concentrate found that the compounds in both sweet and sour cherries can reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, lower oxidative stress, ease arthritis pain, help control blood pressure and decrease HbA1c .
Drinking Orange Juice Every Day Could Help Prevent Kidney Stones
If you regularly suffer from kidney stones, you might benefit from choosing to drink orange juice every day. That is because studies have demonstrated that citrus juices and orange juice, in particular, may help prevent recurrent kidney stones, as noted by WebMD.
Kidney stones can form when minerals build up in your urine, eventually crystalizing, per the site. The citrate in orange juice naturally decreases the acidity in urine, preventing the formation of these stones in the first place. Orange juice could potentially play an important role in the management of kidney stone disease and may be considered an option for patients who are intolerant of potassium citrate, Dr. Clarita Odvina, assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, told WebMD.
So if you would rather skip the stones than pass them , pour yourself a glass of orange juice.
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How To Include Cherries It In The Diet
A lot of studies has been done on cherries. It has been found that the medicinal qualities of cherry are attributed to the anthocyanins present in its pulp and fruit.
Hence consumption of the whole fruit is the best method of inclusion of this fruit in the diet.
However scientific evidence proves that tart cherry juice or consumption of cherry extracts also show similar effects as the whole fruit.
In fact, now cherry capsules are also available for medicinal use.
Each capsule has been found to contain 100 mg of anthocyanins found in cherry 9. Thus inclusion of any of these forms could show positive results.
For best results, it is recommended to eat tart cherries which have been grown organically. Usually, due to high amounts of pesticides in natural cherry, its health benefits are lost.
Thus care must be taken to purchase the best organically grown fruit from the market.