Cherries are generally classified into two categories: sweet or sour. The sour variety may also be referred to as tart cherries or bitter cherries. According to Tandurust.com, sweet cherries are very high in important vitamins and minerals that are required to support good health. However, bitter cherries have a much greater concentration of two antioxidants, called anthocyanins and phenolics, which give the bitter cherry far greater health benefits. Individuals can obtain the health benefits of the bitter cherry by consuming them raw, dried or in juice form.
Gout Relief
Gout is a painful disease that is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. The excessive amount of uric acid can cause crystal formation and deposits in the joints of the body, which can cause severe pain in the affected joint. According to Joint-Pain.com, bitter cherry juice has been proven effective in reducing uric acid levels and ultimately relieving pain associated with gout.
Muscle Pain and Inflammation
According to researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University, tart cherry juice may be a safer method to treat muscle pain and inflammation than over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen. A research study led by Kerry Kuehl, M.D., at OHSU School of Medicine compared muscle pain in runners who received bitter cherry juice for a week before a race with that in runners who received a placebo. The results of the study revealed the runners who received bitter cherry juice had less inflammation and faster muscle strength recovery.
Cardiac Health
According to Choosecherries.com, a diet rich in tart cherries can lower levels of c-reactive protein in the body. C-reactive protein is a product in the blood that indicates inflammation but also is directly linked to heart disease. The higher the level of c-reactive protein is in the blood, the higher the risk of heart disease is. According to Cleveland Clinic, elevated levels of c-reactive protein in the blood and high blood cholesterol levels are equally predictive risk factors for heart disease.
Bone Strength
Consumption of tart cherries may be beneficial in maintaining bone strength. A nutritional analysis performed by American Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Corp and posted on mi-cherries.com revealed that cherries of all kinds contain a high level of the element boron. They also contain the essential nutrients calcium and magnesium. According to Complementary Prescriptions.net, both boron and magnesium are essential for the body to properly absorb calcium. Inadequate levels of boron in the body may lead to accelerated bone loss and osteoporosis.
References
- Tandurust: Tart Cherry: Health Benefits of Dried, Juice and Concentrate of Tart Cherry
- Joint-Pain: Foods High In Uric Acid
- Oregon Health and Science University: Tart Cherry Juice Reduces Muscle Pain and Inflammation
- Choosecherries: Cardiovascular and Heart Health
- Cleveland Clinic: What is High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein?
- Michigan Cherries: Nutritional Analysis Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate
Member Comments