Then, add the rest of your water. Before putting the lid on, make sure the cherries are completely covered, and tap the jar a few more times. Cherries are one of the top anti-inflammatory foods. A study published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition evaluated cherries’ ability to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise. In the single blind, two-phase study, 12 healthy participants were invited to drink CherryActive’s Montmorency cherry concentrate to test how it affected the levels of uric acid in their blood and urine. They drank either 30ml or 60ml of the concentrate mixed with 100ml of water. Blood and urine samples were taken at regular intervals following consumption of the concentrate.

Not only are cherries low in calories, but research suggests that they help reduce the concentration of fats in your blood too. In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Medical Food, rats that received whole tart cherry powder for 90 days, mixed into a high-fat diet, didn’t gain as much weight or build up as much body fat as rats that didn’t receive cherries. Tart cherry intake was associated with reduced concentration of fats in the blood, percentage fat mass and abdominal fat weight.In fact, there are many more studies to support the claims that Montmorency Cherry does in fact reduce inflammation, and we would recommend taking the supplement to improve recovery time, as well as if you suffer from the painful effects of Gout. Sleep Anthocyanins from sour cherries have been shown to not only possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but to inhibit tumor development in mice and the growth of human colon cancer cell lines. The body uses antioxidants to prevent itself from the damage caused by oxygen, which plays a major role in diseases today and has been linked to health conditions like cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Research also suggests that the anthocyanins and fiber in cherries contribute to heart health by reducing metabolic risk factors, improving LDL cholesterol levels and benefiting glucose metabolism. High sensitivity scores also declined after the cherry treatment. This suggests that the tart cherry juice provided symptom relief for patients with osteoarthritis. What’s more, cherries are rich in powerful polyphenol antioxidants, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and catechins, which may help keep your heart healthy by protecting against cellular damage and reducing inflammation ( 15).

To make a jam or jelly with cherries, use a saucepan to cook the cherries down over medium heat. Add a little water, and give them time to break down. These high levels of uric acid are called hyperuricemia, and the pain comes from the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response to the crystals. High uric acid levels can lead to more serious health issues, such as diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that the anthocyanins and cyanidin isolated from tart cherries exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity than aspirin.

Tart cherry juice and concentrate have been found to accelerate muscle recovery, decrease exercise-induced muscle pain, and prevent strength loss in elite athletes, such as cyclists and marathon runners ( 6). It’s easy to take out the pit of a cherry. Just use a knife, and cut the cherry in half — the pit will come right out.The nutrients and bioactive components in cherries support their preventive health benefits. A 2018 review of the health benefits of cherries published in the journal Nutrients summarized the results of 29 published human studies that examined the positive effects of cherry consumption. Researchers found that eating cherries and products made with cherries helped decrease oxidative stress, inflammation, exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength, LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, arthritis symptoms, and loss of sleep. Many studies show that diets rich in fruits are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease ( 12). A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2010 using Montmorency Tart Cherry juice concluded that there was a positive effect on insomnia, with participants showing effects similar to melatonin or valerian root. There was however, no effect on sleep duration and other factors, indicating that the cherry may best be beneficial for those who have trouble getting to sleep. [5] Plus, they can decrease uric acid levels in your body, making them especially beneficial for those with gout. The cherry season is short, so thankfully cherries freeze very well. You can keep cherries in the freezer for up to a year!

Many studies show that cherries help inhibit oxidative stress and decrease inflammation by suppressing inflammatory proteins, which can help reduce symptoms related to arthritis. Cherries are widely available in grocery stores, especially when they are in season during the summer months. Off season, you can find frozen or dried cherries and cherry juice. While there are certainly not as many studies of Montmorency Cherry that focus on the sleep benefits, and more human trials are needed (particularly in comparison to the anti-inflammatory benefits), there is one we should take note of that many have referred to before.

What is Montmorency Cherry?

The melatonin in cherries is also valued for its ability to induce a feeling of calmness and help relieve insomnia, headaches and irritability. How to Add to Diet The cherry is also used to strengthen the spleen, relieve digestive issues like diarrhea, rejuvenate the body and stimulate appetite.