Red cherries taste delicious, but their juice may also have health benefits. Several universities have discovered that tart red cherry juice, from varieties such as Montmorency, have benefits that can play a role in good health. Tart cherry juice is usually sold in a concentrated form that must be mixed with water. The manufacturer King Orchards recommends mixing one part cherry juice concentrate with seven parts water. This equals two tablespoons of juice in an eight-ounce glass. Cherry juice concentrate can also be added to foods such as yogurt or oatmeal without dilution.
Pain Relief
Tart cherry juice has proven benefits in reducing inflammation, which in turn provides pain relief. Dr. Kerry Kuehl at Oregon Science and Health University discovered that tart cherry juice may be as effective in relieving pain as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Heart Health
A University of Michigan study led by Dr. Sara Warbler found that tart cherry juice had measurable benefits in improving heart health. The cardiovascular benefits may be due to the high antioxidant content of tart cherry juice. Antioxidants help the body fight free radicals, compounds associated with aging and disease.
Gout Relief
Gout is a form of arthritis in which uric acid builds up in the joints, causing severe inflammation and pain. The University of Michigan Health System reports that eating a half-pound of tart cherries or drinking an equivalent amount of cherry juice each day can reduce inflammation and relieve the pain of gout.
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