Anti-Inflammatory Cherry
Juice Helps Relieve the
Pain of Arthritis and Gout
If you suffer from the pain
of arthritis or gout, you will
be happy to know that
simply adding tart cherry
juice to your diet can help.
Chronic gout and arthritis are
very painful conditions
afflicting millions of people and
cherry juice is a natural remedy
which is easy to take.
A new study also says one of
the benefits of cherry juice is
muscle repair after a strenuous
workout. Scroll down for information on a study done on Olympic Athletes using cherry juice instead of sports drinks for recovery after work outs.
Cherry juice, and especially tart cherries, can be used to relieve the pain and inflammation
of:
Cherries Contain Anti-inflammatory Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants which give cherries their rich red color. These nutrients are believed to help relieve inflammation in the body. Besides arthritis, many other health condidtions are thought to have their cause in excess inflammation. These same anthocyanins are also found in blueberries and other purplish-red fruits and vegetables and they may also offer some protection from colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.
Gout is caused by increased levels of uric acid in the blood and tart cherry juice works by lowering these levels.
A study at the University of California Davis showed that one serving of cherries daily significantly lowered blood uric acid levels by as much as 15 percent in women. The study used fresh cherries but cherry juice concentrate or dried cherries would also have this affect.
What type of Cherry is Best - Types of Cherries
There are two types of cherries, tart and sweet cherries. Both of these contain anthocycnins so no matter which you choose, both should offer similar benefits. Generally, tart cherries have been found to have higher concentrations of phenolics and anthocyanins than sweet cherries.
Also, tart cherry juice is probably more readily available in capsule and concentrate at your local health food store or online.
How much cherry juice should you drink of receive benefits?
The majority of people seem to benefit from consuming two tablespoons per day of tart cherry juice concentrate, or one serving of dried or fresh cherries. Since all people respond differently to foods, experiment to see where you notice significant benefit.
Results vary. Some people notice improvement in as little as a few days while others continue cherry juice for several weeks before they achieve the results they want. We have been adding tart cherry juice concentrate to our smoothies each morning, as well as using frozen cherries to give a nice sweet flavor.
Cherry juice for muscle damage repair
A recent study suggests that cherry juice, taken before strenuous exercise and immediately afterward, can alliviate muscle pain. Try drinking 2 ounces of cherry juice before and after exercise.
Consumed as a food or concentrate, cherries have no known adverse effects taken in small doses. They do contain sorbitol, which may aggravate some symptoms for people who have irritable bowel syndrome. However, maximum safety dosage studies haven’t been done so those who are pregnant or nursing should consult their physician.
Where to find tart cherries in juice and capsule form.
Tart cherry juice can be found at health food stores and online in juice concentrates and capsules. Add a little tart cherry juice to your morning smoothie and keep it on hand for those times when you overdo a little with weekend exercise or extra yard work.
Cherries taste good and can be used in a variety of recipes as well as consumed in juice or capsules. Try them for a week or two and see if you notice a difference in the pain you suffer from arthritis or gout.
More articles on the health benefits of cherry juice and how to add cherry juice to your diet.
© Copyright 2012 by Path2HealthyLiving
