High levels of uric acid can precipitate an excruciatingly painful attack of gout. When uric acid levels are elevated, it can cause crystals to form within your joints. Gout, a type of arthritis, typically affects the joint of the big toe and is more common in men over the age of 40. Uric acid crystals can form in the joint if your uric acid level gets too high or not enough uric acid is excreted in your urine. Black cherries have a long history of use in fighting gout. Black cherries contain a wealth of potent antioxidants that appear to be effective in relieving the symptoms of excess uric acid in the joints.
What Is Uric Acid
Uric acid is a breakdown product derived from purines found in some of the foods you eat, such as liver, mackerel, anchovies, beer, wine, gravy, asparagus, dried peas and beans. According to MayoClinic.com, certain vitamins and medications can also cause uric acid levels to rise, including vitamin C, niacin and diuretics. Most of the uric acid is processed by your kidneys and excreted in your urine, never causing a problem. However, if you develop hyperuricemia, or high levels of uric acid, health problems may ensue. It's possible for hyperuricemia to lead to gout, kidney stones, high blood pressure and heart disease.
Uric Acid Reduction
You can help lower uric acid levels by eating black cherries fresh, frozen, from concentrate or juiced. Black cherries contain potent antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. These plant pigments are responsible for the deep, dark color of many fruits, including black cherries, as well as being the source of many of their health benefits. Although more clinical studies are needed, a 2003 study reported in "The Journal of Nutrition" found eating cherries effectively lowered blood levels of urate in the 10 women participating in the study. Discuss the role of black cherries in treating high uric acid levels with your doctor.
Anti-inflammatory
High levels of uric acid crystals within the joints can cause extreme pain and inflammation. The anthocyanins in black cherries also appear to reduce inflammation associated with elevated uric acid levels. According to "The Cherry Nutrition Report," anthocyanins help block two enzymes involved in the inflammation process and may be more effective than the antioxidants in vitamin C and vitamin E. Anthocynanins in black cherries may be as effective in reducing inflammation as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, including aspirin and ibuprofen.
Other Benefits of Black Cherries
Black cherries are full of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, C and folic acid; they also provide several B vitamins, including B1, B2, B6 and niacin, as well as calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. Black cherries are also rich in melatonin, and may be beneficial for insomnia, your heart and immune system. The anthocyanins in black cherries may help reduce your risk of developing some cancers, including colon cancer, brain cancer and breast cancer. They may also help support pancreas function and insulin-secretion in type 2 diabetics.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Gout; Steven D. Ehrlich; March 2010
- MayoClinic.com; High Uric Acid Levels; 2010
- Innvista: Black Cherries
- Cherry Marketing Institute: "The Cherry Nutrition Report"
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Consumption of Cherries Lowers Plasma Urate in Healthy Women"; R.A. Jacob, et al.; June 2003
