How Tart Cherries Help Fight Gout

Let’s look at some studies!

1 – Study in the USA

A study from USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis, found that healthy women ages 20 to 40 who consumed 2 servings (280 grams) of cherries after an overnight fast showed a 15% reduction in uric acid levels, as well as decreased inflammatory markers nitric oxide and C-reactive protein.

2 – Study in the UK

Researchers used 2 different amounts of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate, 30 and 60 mL mixed with water to investigate the bioavailability of anthocyanins and the impact on uric acid levels and inflammation.

In this single-blind, two-phased, randomized, cross-over designed study, 12 healthy participants without gout (male and female) were given the 2 different doses of the juice with a washout period of at least 10 days between the phases.

The tart cherries were found to significantly reduce uric acid levels up to eight hours. The levels began to increase back to the starting levels after 24-48 hours. The 30 mL dose (equal to about 90 whole Montmorency tart cherries) was just as effective as the 60 mL dose.

3 – Internet study

An internet study coordinated through the Gout and Uric Acid Education Society’s website (gouteducation.org) used a cross-sectional survey of 220 gout patients to assess the use of tart cherry juice and other supplements.

Gout attacks or flares were common: 87% reported one or more attacks in the last month. Among the survey participants, 54% had been prescribed medication (allopurinol or febuxostat), 43% were taking cherry extract or cherry juice and 25% were taking other natural supplements.

Compared to gout patients not taking supplements, those that took tart cherry or other supplements reported significantly lower number of gout flares in the last month. While this suggests an association and not causation, it does indicate that patients have a high degree of interest in non-pharmacological therapies for gout.

How can I incorporate tart cherries into my diet?

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.

So where do Montmorency Tart Cherries come from?

Tart 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.