Tart cherry botanically called Prunus cerasus (also called sour cherries) is one of the most popular types of cherry grown in the U.S. A delicious fruit eaten raw is also used as an ingredient to make tart cherry juice besides other tart cherry products. In some kitchens tart cherries are also used for cooking and baking. Over the last few years, tart cherry juice has come in the list of superfood as it contains nutrients that can help bolster overall health by maintaining blood pressure, aiding muscle recovery, improving nerve impulses, maintain digestion and pH balance as well.
Extracts of these deep red cherries apart from making tart cherries are also a part of dietary supplements, usually in the form of capsules designed to be taken with other vitamins, extracts, and minerals. Also being naturally high in potassium, it conducts electrical impulses throughout the body and helps recovery post-exercise.
Imbued with essential vitamins and minerals, tart cherries also contain ample vitamins A and C that are vital for human health. Moreover, anthocyanins present in almost all bright red fruits are the pigments that give red or purple fruits as well as vegetables their colour. Of course, they make the fruits look lovely too! Besides potential benefits, these pigments are also high in antioxidants, which play a key role in keeping the body in pink health.
Also Read: Cornelian Cherries: Benefits, Nutrition And Easy Smoothie Recipe Of This Rare Red Fruit
Improves Heart Health
Cherry fruits are super high in flavonoids, and this can help to protecting the heart against oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which are all involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. This is known to be a major cause of cardiovascular diseases. Tart cherry juice is said to improve heart health in many ways
Treats Insomnia
Tart cherry juice may be a safe and effective way to treat insomnia and increase the amount of sleep you need every night. This happens because tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Therefore, it is often used as a supplement to treat insomnia.
May Promote Brain Health
There are chances that brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s can aggravate because by oxidative stress. Tart cherries and their juice contain large amounts of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may have protective effects on the cells of the brain
May Strengthen Immune System
Tart cherry juice is rich in many vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds proven to offer a boost to your immune system as Vitamin C and high antioxidant content may help prevent infections of the body.
May Protect Against Cancer
Certain antioxidants found in tart cherry juice may help turn off genes involved in cancer growth and inhibit the spread of deadly cancerous cells
May Reduce Blood Pressure
Tart cherry juice if consumed in limited amounts and regularly is believed to improve and cause modest reductions in unusually elevated blood pressure levels
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Apart from several health benefits of both sweet and tart cherries as well as products of these extracts such as juice, powder, concentrate, and capsules, here is a simple recipe that you can try if you happen to come across these tangy cherries in a grocery store:
How To Make Tart Cherry Juice?
- Put one cup of washed and half-cut tart cherries in a blender or food processor
- Add one cup of water
- Blend the cherries until the pits and juices become separate
- Use a sieve to separate cherry flesh from the pits
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate
- Use within a week
Precautions With Tart Cherry Juice
The side effects of this juice are few but can be worrisome. If you are taking antibiotics, blood thinners, or anti-inflammatory drugs, you should talk to your doctor before drinking this juice. If you have diabetes, its sugar content (even if it is natural) can negatively impact your blood sugar level. Other potential side effects include abdominal discomfort and weight gain.
References
Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults, Sheau C. Chai,1,* Kristina Davis,1 Zugui Zhang,2 Longying Zha,3 and Kenneth F. Kirschner4. Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, College of Health Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6413159/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872786/
