How Valuable is Cherry Juice?

Cherry Juice Linked to Reduced Heart Disease Risk

A recent study suggests that tart cherry juice may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cherries, which contain polyphenols, have been used for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Polyphenols may have anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; however, scientific evidence confirming this is limited. Additionally, some research suggests that drinking cherry juice may reduce exercise-induced muscle pain. More well-designed clinical trials are necessary before conclusions can be made.

In a recent study, researchers randomly assigned five overweight patients and five obese patients to eight ounces per day of 100 percent tart cherry juice or a placebo drink for four weeks. After a two week washout period, the patients switched treatments. Blood samples were taken before and after treatment to measure uric acid levels, biomarkers of inflammation and risk factors for heart disease.

The researchers found that 70 percent, 20 percent and 10 percent of the patients displayed reductions in uric acid levels, slight reductions in uric acid levels and no change in uric acid levels after tart cherry juice consumption, respectively. Additionally, biomarkers of inflammation were significantly reduced following cherry juice consumption when compared to placebo. Furthermore, triglyceride levels, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol risk ratios were all significantly reduced in patients following tart cherry juice consumption.

The authors concluded that the findings from this study suggest 100 percent tart cherry juice may reduce uric acid levels, inflammation and risk factors for heart disease. Additional well-designed clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

For more information about cherries, please visit Natural Standard's Foods, Herbs & Supplements database.

References

1.Martin KR, Bopp J, Burrell L, et al. The effect of 100% tart cherry juice on serum uric acid levels, biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk factors. The FASEB Journal. 2011;25:339.2.

2.Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. http://www.naturalstandard.com/

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