Six Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
Remember when we were kids and felt there was nothing more refreshing than a huge glass of juice? Many of us have given up those days of drinking juice, as we realized that, unless it’s the right kind of juice, it’s mostly laden with extra calories and sugar. So we did what responsible adults do. We began replacing juice with water. But what if I told you that there’s a juice out there that not only tastes good but that is good for you? Is your interest piqued?
What kind of juice is this? It’s tart cherry, with tart being the operative word here.
Tart cherry juice is extracted from Montmorency (or sour) cherries (don’t confuse these cherries with the sweet kind!), and recent research has found that there are numerous health benefits we can gain from drinking it on a daily basis.
What’s so special about tart cherries? We’ll explain!
1) It contains vitamins and minerals our bodies need to stay healthy.
Tart cherry juice is a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium. All of these benefit our bodies, but we especially need optimal potassium levels to keep our blood pressure in a healthy range and to help reduce our risk of having a stroke. Plus, this juice contains Vitamins A and C, which are good for the immune system.
2) It has anti-inflammatory effects.
Inflammation in our bodies leads to a whole host of health problems. Inflammation can be acute when it happens as a result of injuries or sickness, but it can also be a chronic problem. When this happens, it can damage our joints. That’s why what we put in our bodies matters. It’s important to fuel our bodies with anti-inflammatory foods like leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and fish with Omega 3s. Tart cherries are also an anti-inflammatory food. WebMD explains that “in a randomized, placebo-controlled study, tart cherry juice significantly reduced signs of inflammation that are common in chronic diseases.” This is great news for people with arthritis or other disorders that result from inflammation.
3) It can help combat insomnia.
Having trouble sleeping? Try drinking eight ounces of tart cherry juice about an hour before bed. Research has shown that this juice “increases sleep time and sleep efficiency for people with insomnia.” Why? It helps tryptophan enter the bloodstream, and it increases our body’s melatonin production.
4) It aids in exercise recovery.
Tart cherry juice has a low glycemic index, anti-inflammatory properties, an anti-oxidative capacity, and it aids in blood flow. Because of these characteristics, it helps with recovery after exercise. In fact, that’s why Performance Inspired added tart cherry to two of our most popular products: our Plant-Based Protein powder and our BCAA with Energy powder. So not only do you get the benefit of our clean and protein-packed powders, but you get the healing benefits of the tart cherry.
5) It could help reduce symptoms of gout.
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Arthritis is caused by inflammation. According to Healthline, “Tart cherry juice seems to reduce blood levels of uric acid—a chemical that can trigger gout when present in too high concentrations.” This is another great reason to reach for a glass of this juice!
6) It might help brain health.
Tart cherries contain antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds. We need these nutrients to help protect our brain cells. Studies have shown that, in older adults, tart cherries reduce oxidative stress, which occurs when our antioxidant levels are low. This stress can lead to the breakdown of both cells and tissue, which harms our brain functioning. Protecting our bodies with foods that reduce the effects of this stress is vital.
How much should I drink?
Most of the studies done on tart cherry juice had the participants drink two eight-ounce glasses of the juice per day. Participants who used a powder consumed about 480 mg per day.
You may want to start with one glass and then work your way to two. As with any change in your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions, check with your doctor before you begin, as the compounds in the juice may interact with some meds, including blood thinners and some antibiotics. Further, those who are watching their sugar levels may not want to add juice to their diets. And while most people tolerate the juice well, the compounds in tart cherry juice could cause an upset stomach, depending on how much you consume.
Is the juice really sour?
Now that you’re excited to try tart cherry juice, you may be wondering how it tastes. Or maybe you’re worried that it will not be palatable because of its tartness. But there’s no need to worry! It’s not as sour as you might imagine. While I have only tried the RW Knudsen brand, I imagine the taste is similar across brands. I would define the taste as sour with a strong hint of sweetness. It’s quite good, and I daresay enjoyable!
As we grow older, we must pay more attention to what we put in our bodies and consume mostly healthy foods. Tart cherry juice is just one additional tool we can use to help maximize our overall health.
So the next time you head to the store, stop in the juice aisle and find a bottle of tart cherry juice. Make sure it’s unsweetened so you don’t load up on the sugar. Then take it home and reap the benefits!
What products do you have with tart cherry?
Our Plant-Based Protein and BCAA with Energy Formula are both formulated with tart cherry! Loaded with 1B probiotics to help with your digestive health, our Plant-Based Protein contains 200mg of tart cherry for recovery, 20g of multi-plant source protein, and 5g of filling fiber with soothing digestive enzymes to help you get the most out of your protein intake. Our BCAA with Energy special CherryPURE formula is produced with Montmorency tart
cherries.
These cherries are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients and help reduce inflammation, muscle damage, and muscle soreness after exercise in addition to aiding in performance. Try them today!
