Cherry Juice Benefits
For those looking for natural ways to maintain healthy joint function*, enjoy a restful night’s sleep* and soothe sore muscles due to physical exercise, you’ll be pleased to learn that drinking cherry juice may be the answer. Simply adding this tangy red drink to your daily routine not only packs a powerful punch of antioxidants but a number of natural health benefits including those mentioned above.
So let’s take a closer look at the cherry juice benefits and the benefits of Michigan-grown Montmorency tart cherries.
Cherries to Maintain Healthy Joints*
For those wanting to relieve joint pain issues naturally, adding tart cherries to your diet may greatly increase your overall quality of life, while decreasing the pain associated with specific issues. Published studies from many leading research universities indicate this tangy fruit is a natural source of anthocyanins. This naturally occurring phytochemical may assist with easing minor joint pain due to physical activity.
Cherries Help with a Good Night’s Sleep
If drinking a warm glass of milk isn’t enough to induce a restful night’s sleep trying drinking some tart cherry juice a few hours before bed. The reason is tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin. This is a naturally chemical produced in the pineal gland at the base of the brain. This helps to regulate sleepiness during the night and wakefulness during the day. Two tablespoons of tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with 7 tablespoons of water to make a 100% pure glass of cherry juice may be just as effective as a melatonin supplement. So, enjoy a tasty glass for yourself about two hours before bed.
Soothe Sore Muscles*
Published research from the University of Vermont on the muscle soreness fighting ability of tart cherry juice was among the first to research the link between the cherry drink and muscles. The University conducted a study on 14 college students to determine if drinking the juice would help to prevent muscle damage from exercise. During the research, the participants were asked to drink 12 oz. of tart cherry juice twice a day for eight days. Upon the conclusion of the study, the analysis of the information suggested that those drinking the juice experienced less muscle strength loss then the placebo group.
Cherries Help to Keep You Trim
Did you know that one cup of fresh cherries contains less than 100 calories? In addition, it delivers 3 grams of fiber, which means this tiny red fruit helps to keep you fuller longer. It also contains other healthy B-vitamins including riboflavin, thiamin and vitamin B6. These are important for healthy metabolism and more. However, since the fresh cherries aren’t available year-round try to find the frozen cherries in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.
Antioxidant Benefits of the Tart Cherry
According to a published study in the 2009 edition of Journal of Nutrition, individuals consuming high levels of antioxidants daily enjoy a health body and healthy lifestyle. The consumption of antioxidants helps the body to combat oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are part of normal metabolism and digestion. By eating foods high in antioxidants, an individual can provide the body with the tools to stay healthy. The free radial fighting capability of a food is measured by its ORAC value.
ORAC is defined at Oxygen Radical Absorption Capability. Basically, the higher this value the more free radical fighting capability a food provides. Below is the result of a study conducted by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture). It purpose of the study was to analysis the top fruits. As you can see from the information below dried cherries and tart cherry juice concentrate rank at the top of the fruits studied.
Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate – 12000 ORAC Units
Dried tart cherries – 6800 ORAC Units
Prunes – 5770 ORAC Units
Blueberries – 2400 ORAC Units
Blackberries – 2036 ORAC Units
So the next time you’re looking for a great tasting way to remain health, check out the cherry juice benefits and enjoy a glass of cherry juice today.