5 Mood-Boosting Benefits of Tart Cherry
You may know cherries for being yummy to snack on during the summer or fun to throw in a pie, but did you know they actually can play a strong role in health support?
The tart cherry gained its name for its sour (and more acidic) properties than the typical sweet cherry. Not only is it unique by name and flavor, but also for what it may offer those who consume it!
Where Do Tart Cherries Come From?
Native to Europe and Southwest Asia, these cherries were originally cultivated in the 18th century where they first got their name. Since then, they can be found in many different countries, growing on many different farms--the U.S. being the main one (holding rank with 94% of consumed cherries being grown there).
The best time of year to grab freshly harvested tart cherries is June through July. But no worries if you aren’t living in a region where they’re locally grown. They’re available for purchase as a frozen fruit, dried, or in supplement form.
Benefits of Tart Cherry
Antioxidant Rich
What is the benefit of having antioxidants so readily available? Antioxidants are like little crime fighters. They neutralize free radicals and prevent them from wreaking havoc on cells. Tart Cherry has a much higher amount of antioxidants than other common foods, so they stand out by playing a huge role in protecting cells!
Immune System Support
Tart cherries are jam-packed with really good nutrients that may boost one’s immune system!
Some of the nutrients include: vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, potassium, vitamin K, and fiber.
Post Workout Recovery
Looking for a good post-workout snack? Tart cherries work great for that! People have reported that it can relieve muscle soreness after a good gym or cardio session. It may be a good recovery aid to check out!
Sleep Aid
Nearly 70 million people in the United States suffer from a sleep disorder. We all know someone who struggles to get enough sleep every night. This fruit may be beneficial for someone needing that relief!
For those trying to beat insomnia or repeated night wakings, they may want to consider tart cherries. They are naturally rich in melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that helps our bodies sleep. Tart Cherry contains two compounds (tryptophan and anthocyanins) that help the body create its own melatonin to help better improve sleep.
Reduces Inflammation
Fruits and vegetables deep in color get their hues from anthocyanins, and tart cherries come in a bright, gorgeous red color!
Tart cherries contain a high source of anthocyanins which can help fight inflammation associated with many chronic diseases such as arthritis and gout. It’s been reported that this product can reduce inflammation almost as much as an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Tart cherries also may reduce blood levels of uric acid, which is a chemical in the body that can lead to gout development if concentrations are too high.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage for tart cherries 2,500 - 3,000 mg of the product daily. We encourage speaking with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplements, like tart cherry, to one’s diet.
Conclusion
We love that tart cherries are so versatile! Being informed about how this fun snack is also good for the body in many ways makes them seem even better. With tart cherry’s powerful antioxidants and ability to help fight inflammation, they would make a great addition to anyone’s daily routine!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-tart-cherry-juice-benefits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunus_cerasus
https://www.choosecherries.com/tart-cherries-101/?cn-reloaded=1
https://www.shorelinefruit.com/blog/5-things-you-need-to-know-about-tart-cherries
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/insomnia/insomnia-statistics/
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Posted in
Antioxidants, Cognitive Health, Immune Support