Researchers Say Tart Cherries Have ‘the Highest Anti
Tart cherries may help millions reduce inflammation to manage pain, according to new research
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
LANSING, Mich., May 30, 2012 Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating joint pain and arthritis, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented today at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, Calif.1 In fact, the researchers suggest tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory content of any food” and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease.
In a study of twenty women ages 40 to 70 with inflammatory osteoarthritis, the researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks led to significant reductions in important inflammation markers especially for women who had the highest inflammation levels at the start of the study.
“With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, it’s promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications,” said Kerry Kuehl, M.D, Dr.PH., M.S., Oregon Health & Science University, principal study investigator. “I’m intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit especially for active adults.”
Go Red Instead to Manage Pain
Media Contact
How To Use Cherry Juice For Your Joint Pain
Whoever said Growing older isnt for sissies! probably had arthritis. Although it sometimes strikes younger people, the constant ache in knees and hips can make it hard to keep moving. Pain in the shoulders, arms and hands can interfere with important activities like cooking or playing music. Unfortunately, the drugs that doctors generally recommend for arthritis pain carry unpleasant side effects such as bleeding ulcers and heart attacks. Simple remedies might be very welcome. Could you use cherry juice for your joint pain?
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 .
Read Also: Is Bee Pollen Good For Arthritis
When To Take Tart Cherry
When To Take Tart Cherry. Tart cherry supplements can be taken up to three times per day. If you are taking the supplement to treat such things as inflammation, diseases, arthritis, weight loss, etc., try taking the supplement with each meal. If you are taking the supplement to promote a healthy sleep schedule, take it an hour or two before bed.
Drinking Cherry Juice Can Help Reduce Inflammation And Promote Sleep
Tart cherries are incredibly high in antioxidants and may be able to help reduce chronic inflammation, which can occur from osteoarthritis and arthritis. In fact, tart cherries actually have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any other food out there, passing up other known antioxidant powerhouses like blueberries and pomegranates.
The antioxidant compounds in cherries called anthocyanins may be able to reduce inflammation just as effectively as certain popular pain medications.
Anyone can be at risk for developing the most common form of arthritis osteoarthritis. Osteoarthrits can form from any repetitive wear and tear on the body or excessive joint use that leads to a breakdown in cartilage in the body.
This is often seen in professional athletes who train and compete most of the time without giving their body proper time to rest and recover. Keeping up the exercise while dealing with the pain of osteoarthritis is actually important for keeping the joints lubricated and for keeping the muscles around the joints strong and agile. This can be a challenge however, since osteoarthritis causes so much pain and stiffness.
Read Also: What Helps Lower Back Arthritis
Are There Health Benefits To Tart Cherry Juice
Shira Cohen is studying Nutrition at the School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition at McGill University, specializing in Global Nutrition.
If you are suffering from headaches, muscle pain or inflammation, you may be interested to hear that tart cherries may function in a fashion similar to drugs like Aspirin and Ibuprofen. It seems that the anthocyanins they contain prevent the formation of certain prostaglandins that are linked to pain and inflammation, much like aspirin.
For people who enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights, there is some evidence that drinking 10-12 ounces of tart juice twice daily may reduce muscle pain and damage during and after exercise.
For those of you who are into running, it is interesting to note that Kyle Levers of Texas A& M University published a study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine in which athletes were asked to consume 480 mg of tart cherry extract for 10 days prior to a half-marathon. The athletes who consumed the extract finished the race in a significantly shorter time compared with those who took the placebo . Fifteen minutes is quite a significant difference!
Gout is another form of inflammatory arthritis, usually experienced in the toe due to a buildup of uric acid. Cherry intake has been found to decrease uric acid, but it is important to note that the American College of Rheumatology does not recommend cherries or cherry extract to treat acute gout attacks.
What To Eat When You Have Arthritis
A diet focused on easing arthritis symptoms typically includes foods that can help decrease inflammation, not promote it. But “there’s no one-size-fits-all approach,” Dr. Melepura says. “What works for one may not work for another.”
With that in mind, here are some loose guidelines to follow, but be sure to adjust where you need to based on your individual symptoms.
Recommended Reading: Bananas And Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Cherry Juice
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!
HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.
Health Benefits Of Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries, also known as sour, dwarf or Montmorency cherries, have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years.
Compared to sweet cherries, which tend to be enjoyed fresh, tart cherries are often consumed dried, frozen or juiced.
Tart cherry juice is made from the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree, native to southwest Asia and Europe, and is linked to a number of interesting health benefits.
That said, some tart cherry juice varieties can contain substantial amounts of added sugars. Thus, its reasonable to expect the most benefits from unsweetened varieties.
Here are 10 science-based health benefits of tart cherry juice.
Recommended Reading: What Helps Lower Back Arthritis
May Reduce Symptoms Of Arthritis And Gout
Tart cherry juice is often claimed to reduce arthritis symptoms, such as joint pain and inflammation.
In one study, tart cherry juice reduced certain blood markers of inflammation in women with osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis .
In another study, patients who consumed two 8-ounce bottles of tart cherry juice daily experienced slightly less pain and stiffness after six weeks (
20 ). However, the total number of studies on this topic is limited and most are observational.
Thus, it is difficult to determine whether the cherry juice is the cause of the reduced symptoms or whether people with fewer gout symptoms are more likely to use alternative treatments like cherry juice.
Summary:
Tart cherry juices anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout. However, the effect seems small and more research is needed.
So What Are The Side Effects
Regular use of over the counter medicines such as Aspirin and other promising pills can have long term side effects such as ulcers, kidney problems and gastrointestinal issues.
As there are side effects to any long-term remedy, cherries will likely cause abdominal discomfort and occasional diarrhea. This is due to a high content of Sorbitol a sweet-tasting sugar compound found in some fruits. These are merely short-term side effects though, remember.
Long-term side effects could very well save your life. In one study, an astounding sixty five percent reduction in mortality was found because tart cherry constituents can switch critical genes off and on, modulate cell-signaling molecules and target multiple cardiovascular factors. These must be amazing results with all the scientific terms!
The benefits of ingesting Tart Cherry Juice far outweigh the negative here. These results are in. You may be relieved, give cherries or cherry juice a try and see how it affects your symptoms. Cherry juice benefits arthritis and statistics show that you wont be let down.
As for getting a hold of tart cherry juice. It can be found online. You can find tart cherry concentrate in health food stores as well.
Dont forget to splurge once in a while. Bake an all American Apple Pie. Youre more likely to enjoy it during the summer months unless youre buying frozen cherries.
Take a Break and Enjoy One of Summers Finest Treats. Youre supposed to Be Relaxing Anyway. Tell Us Will You Do So?
Also Check: Is Eating Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis
How To Take Cherry Juice For Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint inflammation is a very common disorder which is characterized by joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Its treatment is marked with the reduction of the pain. One of the natural and normal ways to cure the joint pain is drinking the cherry juice, Which is also effective in gout pain. Scientific studies have found that drinking Cherry juice or eating the tart Cherry have huge potential to reduce and cure the joint pain. Here we explain how we can use Cherry juice for arthritis and reducing its symptoms.
Article Contains
Are There Any Side Effects Of Consuming Tart Cherry Juice
Too much of anything is bad. Overconsumption of tart cherry juice could cause diarrheabecause of the prevalence of high amounts of sorbitol a type of sugar alcohol and excessive fiber. Moreover, if you are allergic to tart cherry juice, it would be advisable to consult a doctor first.
Important Notice:
Read Also: Are Eggs Bad For Psoriatic Arthritis
How Should You Consume The Cherries
You can purchase tart cherry juice or cherry juice concentrate at most grocery stores and health food stores. Some are concentrated and need to be diluted with water or you can add them to iced tea, smoothies, and other drinks. Consuming tart cherry juice mixed with other liquids can reduce the significantly sour taste.
Tart cherries are not a cure for RA, but may provide partial relief for some people. Responses vary between individuals and like any drug, treatment, or home remedy, it is unlikely to be the one, single answer for anyone with RA.
Do You Use Cherry Juice For Gout
Cherries have been studied for their ability to ease joint pain due to gout . Patients who are surveyed online frequently report that they find cherry juice helpful . Although doctors generally prefer to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines to lower uric acid, some physicians think that cherries may offer a nondrug treatment option . They would like to see rigorous studies of cherries in combination with urate-lowering therapies such as allopurinol.
You May Like: Is Banana Good For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How Can I Incorporate Tart Cherries Into My Diet
We recommend replacing the juice youre currently drinking with Montmorency tart cherry juice, or you can look for Montmorency tart cherry juice blends.
All forms of Montmorency tart cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits, but on a per serving basis, Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate was found by researchers to have the greatest anti-inflammatory activity.
You can also try our fantastic range of delicious tart cherry recipes. Add a pop of colour, a nutrient punch and a hint of sweet-tart flavor to overnight oats, grain bowls, salads, side dishes, trail mixes and much more.
Feel Strong Today With These Foods For Joint Health
If youre looking for foods for joint health, its crucial to know what to eat. Take the foods listed above and make sure to incorporate them into your diet. Each one has its own benefits and you would love them in your food.
If you or a loved one are in pain, you need a place where experts can help you manage it every day.
We are your prime choice in pain management and helping you get your mobility back. With our expert healthcare, youll be back to life in no time.
Read Also: Is Banana Bad For Arthritis
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.
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.
You May Like: Is Tomato Bad For Arthritis
Health Benefits Of Tart Cherries
There has been a growing body of research about the positive health benefits of eating tart cherries or drinking the juice. For instance, several studies have shown that drinking tart cherry juice can reduce the risk of gout flares by 50 percent. Another study showed that when women with osteoarthritis drank tart cherry juice, it resulted in a significant reduction in the inflammation marker C-Reactive Protein .
The beneficial effects of tart cherry juice are not limited to varieties of arthritis. Studies on other health conditions have shown that there is potential for tart cherry juice to , reduce muscle pain, and help manage the symptoms of diabetes.
Navigating Your Arthritis With Diet
If your specific type of arthritis has you confused about which type of foods you should eat, don’t let that worry you. “An anti-inflammatory eating pattern can be perfectly safe for any type of arthritis,” Wyosnick assures.
If you have food allergies or want to confirm an allergy or intolerance that may be aggravating your arthritis pain, speak with your doctor.
In addition, a registered dietitian can help you evaluate your current diet, remove troublesome foods from your diet and add in foods that may help provide some relief.
You May Like: Are Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis Sufferers
Which Is Better Tart Cherry Juice Or Concentrate
From concentrate means they squeezed and then filtered the juice, extracting water. There are also different types of cherries used to produce juice. Tart cherry juice is sour to taste and provides a higher amount of anthocyanins compared to black cherry juice, which is sweeter in taste and has less anthocyanins.
Osteoarthritis Patients May Benefit From Drinking Tart Cherry Juice
Tart cherries have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food, according to researchers, and may help individuals suffering from osteoarthritis manage their disease.
The study, conducted by researchers from Oregon Health and Science University, involved 20 women aged 40-70 with inflammatory osteoarthritis. The study was presented May 30th at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference in San Francisco, California.
The researchers found that drinking tart cherry juice two times per day for three weeks resulted in considerable reductions in vital inflammation markers, especially for participants who had the highest inflammation levels at the start of the study.
Lead researcher of the study, Kerry Kuehl, M.D., Dr.PH., M.S., Oregon Health & Science University, said:
With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, its promising that tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications. Im intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit especially for active adults.
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, athletes are at particular risk for developing osteoarthritis, due to excessive joint use that can a breakdown in cartilage and lead to pain and injury.
Furthermore, the antioxidant compounds in cherries have also been shown to reduce muscle and joint soreness.
Also Check: Is Eating Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis