Tart cherry juice contains powerful phytonutrient compounds called anthocyanins, which give the cherries their deep red color. Anthocyanins are believed to help relieve inflammation and reduce uric acid levels. Just 2 tbsp. of tart cherry juice concentrate can lower uric acid levels by 15 percent. Other health benefits include relieving muscle pain and the pain caused by fibromyalgia, as well as preventing colon cancer.
Gout Relief
Anthocyanins in cherries have been shown to lower uric acid levels in your blood, the primary cause of gout pain. Two tablespoons of tart cherry juice concentrate or two servings of fresh or dried cherries had the same impact on relieving gout pain in a study done by the University of California, Davis.
Muscle Pain Relief
Anthocyanins have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve muscle pain after strenuous exercise. A study of runners by the Oregon Health & Science University, showed "people who drank tart cherry juice while training for a long-distance run reported significantly less pain after exercise than those who didn't. Post-exercise pain can often indicate muscle damage or debilitating injuries."
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain disorder with no known cause. A study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine suggests that tart cherry juice concentrate could reduce inflammation and "may even help maintain muscle strength for those suffering from fibromyalgia."
Colon Cancer
A Michigan University study showed that tart cherry anthocyanins inhibit tumor development and that regular intake of tart cherry juice concentrate can prevent the growth of colon cancer.
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