How Tart Cherries May Play A Role In Gut Health

Emerging research suggests tart cherries may play a role in gut health.

One of the hottest nutrition topics today is gut health – and there’s been an explosive growth in fermented foods and probiotics that may offer digestive health benefits. Scientists know that it’s not only the addition of “good bacteria” that may benefit gut health.

Foods that are abundant in fiber and natural plant compounds, such as polyphenols, may also positively impact our microbiome — or the trillions of bacteria and other microbes that live in our intestinal track.

Tart cherries are a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A and Copper. They also contain 56mg of flavonoids, including anthocyanins.

Let’s look at a study!

Tart cherries have been reported to exert potential health benefits attributed to their specific and abundant polyphenol content. Researchers conducted laboratory experiments to determine the impact of Montmorency tart cherries on the microbiome.

A short-term (5 days, 8 oz. daily) human dietary intervention study was also conducted for microbiota analyses. Tart cherry concentrate juices were found to contain expected abundances of anthocyanins (cyanidin-glycosylrutinoside) and flavonoids (quercetin-rutinoside) and high amounts of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.

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“These data confirm that gut microbiota metabolism, in particular the potential existence of different metabotypes, needs to be considered in studies attempting to link tart cherries consumption and health.” – Food Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States

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.

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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.

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What other health benefits do tart cherries offer?

Studies 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.