Cherry juice may have multiple health benefits, it contains potassium, iron, and anthocyanins. Anthocyanins promote anti-inflammatory action in the body. There are many different types of cherry juice on the market. I advise you to look for juices that are 100% cherry juice with no added sweeteners to achieve optimum health benefits.
Different types of cherries are used to produce juice. Tart cherry juice is sour to the taste but has a higher concentration of anthocyanins than black cherry juice which taste sweeter with less anthocyanins. However, both can be nutritious and may provide health benefits.
Drinking cherry juice prior to working out may help muscle function recovery post workout. The potassium in cherries conducts electrical impulses throughout the body. Potassium helps heart and kidney function, nerve transmission, and muscle contraction.
Research has shown that antioxidants in tart cherry juice may reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis. A review done in 2018 on the health benefits of cherries showed a decrease in inflammation in chronic conditions like OA and throughout the body.
In 2019 a study showed that drinking 2 cups (16 oz) of cherry juice daily for 4 months reduced pain in the knees of people with osteoarthritis. A 2023 review also found drinking cherry juice on a regular basis reduced inflammation.
The anthocyanins in cherry juice may have antimicrobial effects, which means they kill microbes, like bacteria, that can cause disease. This boosts your immune system to fight off minor illnesses, such as a cold.
Cherries also contain vitamins A and C which also promote immune health. Cherries have 12% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C, and 11% of the daily recommended dose of vitamin A. The effects of cherries on the immune system continues to be researched at this time.
A study in 2018 with people who have insomnia, found that drinking cherry juice twice a day helped improve the quality of their sleep. Cherries contain melatonin and tryptophan which are natural chemicals that promote sleep.
Some research has shown that cherries and cherry juice may have certain anticancer properties. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) states there is evidence that foods high in dietary fiber, like cherries, may prevent colorectal cancer.
The bottom line is even though more research is needed, cherries have nutrients that may help fight inflammation and manage sleep. As well there is no question, they are beneficial to a healthy balanced diet.
Until next time,
Peace, Love, and Blessings ❤️
