How Tart Cherries Help Fight Arthritis
Generations of people have reported that Tart Cherries helped them to keep painful osteoarthritis (OA) in check. Now, scientists are putting this popular folk remedy to the test, with promising results!
Researchers have tested different amounts of several varieties of cherries in almost every form, such as juice and pills. Although most studies are small and the findings were preliminary, evidence of the benefits of tart cherries helping to manage arthritis is quickly growing.
Montmorency Tart cherries are one of the highest sources of phenolic compounds, specifically anthocyanins, which have been shown to fight inflammation – even as much as some pain medications. In fact, some researchers have concluded that Montmorency tart cherries have more inflammation-fighting potential than any other food.
In a study conducted at Oregon Health and Science University, 20 females with osteoarthritis (ages 40-70 years) drank 10.5-ounce bottles of either Montmorency tart cherry juice or a placebo beverage twice daily for 21 days.
Participants assessed level of pain at baseline and after the invention, and blood was drawn to evaluate several different biomarkers of inflammation. The tart cherry group experienced a significant reduction in one of the inflammation biomarkers, C-reactive protein.
They concluded that Montmorency tart cherry juice may be an effective way for osteoarthritis patients to manage their disease.
View Study“With millions of Americans looking for ways to naturally manage pain, it’s promising that Montmorency tart cherries can help, without the possible side effects often associated with arthritis medications. I’m intrigued by the potential for a real food to offer such a powerful anti-inflammatory benefit – especially for active adults.” – Kerry Kuehl, MD, DrPH, Oregon Health & Science University
We recommend replacing the juice you’re currently drinking with Montmorency tart cherry juice, or you can look for Montmorency tart cherry juice blends.
All forms of Montmorency tart cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits, but on a per serving basis, Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate was found by researchers to have the greatest anti-inflammatory activity.
You can also try our fantastic range of delicious tart cherry recipes. Add a pop of colour, a nutrient punch and a hint of sweet-tart flavor to overnight oats, grain bowls, salads, side dishes, trail mixes and much more.
View RecipesTart or sour cherries (Prunus cerasus) are an American fruit, grown primarily in seven U.S. states: Michigan, Utah, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania and New York. The U.S. variety is called Montmorency.
While the name may come from a valley in France, Montmorency tart cherries are strictly grown in the U.S. So when you buy Montmorency tart cherries, you’re supporting American family farms, all the way from the UK.
Learn MoreStudies on these ruby red superfruits have also included research on gout, exercise recovery, sleep, heart health and gut health. Take a look at the many reasons to eat more Montmorency tart cherries.
Recent studies have shown that the consumption of Montmorency tart cherries helps reduce the risk of gout attacks.
Emerging research suggests Montmorency tart cherries may play a role in gut health and offer digestive health benefits.
Preliminary studies have explored Montmorency tart cherries and the effect on blood pressure and blood lipids.
Montmorency tart cherry juice is rapidly gaining a following among elite athletes and exercisers as a recovery drink.
Montmorency tart cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin, critical in regulating your sleep-wake cycle.