The Health Benefits Of Organic Cherry Juice

Cherry juice is a popular alternative remedy for arthritis pain, gout, as a sleep aid and for other health problems. Organic cherries are grown without synthetic chemical fertilizers or pesticides, so they are a toxin-free source of natural cherry juice. Cherry juice is not FDA-approved as a treatment or cure for any disease.

Strength Study

According to the National Library of Medicine, a study by the University of Vermont that measured the effects of isometric elbow exercise indicated that tart cherry juice significantly reduced the symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. The study was randomized and placebo controlled, with crossover participation of the placebo group following the initial segment of the study. Strength loss after the exercise was 22 percent with the placebo group and 4 percent with the cherry juice group.

Antioxidants

Cherries are some of the highest ranked fruits on the Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity test charts, according to Cherryjuicepower.com. Tart cherry juice concentrate is the highest on the list, with an ORAC value of 12,000, followed by dried tart cherries at 6,800. Cherries contain 17 antioxidants, which are readily assimilated by your body. The antioxidants limit free radicals that contribute to disease and aging and they provide other health benefits.

Pain and Inflammation

Many people who use organic cherry juice take it to relieve the pain and inflammation from arthritis or gout. Anthocyanins, potent antioxidants, are believed to possess the anti-inflammatory properties. They give cherries their dark red color; the darker the cherry, the greater the concentration of anthocyanins, according to Path2healthyliving.com. Other purple or red fruits, such as blueberries and raspberries, also contain anthocyanins. Cherry juice may also relieve back pain and muscle aches from overexertion.

Sleep

One of the antioxidants in cherry juice is melatonin, which helps your body maintain a sleep-wake cycle. Eureka.com reports that a study published in the "Journal of Food Medicine" suggests that tart cherry juice can be used as a sleep aid. Participants drank fruit juice in the morning and the evening during the study. Those who drank cherry juice had decreased severity of insomnia and they reportedly were able to fall asleep an average of 17 minutes faster than those who drank other fruit juice.

Buying Organic Cherry Juice

Organic cherry juice is available in health food stores and in many regular grocery stores. Many cherry growers and processors offer organic cherry juice products for sale on their websites. An economical way to buy organic cherry juice is as a liquid concentrate or dried powder to mix with water, other juices or foods such as yogurt. Organic cherries are also available in capsules. The concentrated forms are easy to handle and easy to store and they contain the same nutrients that fresh cherries or fresh cherry juice contain.