
At one point during the trial, oxidative stress was nearly 30% lower in the tart cherry group compared to the other group. The researchers collected blood samples and found that markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were significantly lower in the cyclists who consumed the tart cherry juice concentrate compared to those who did not. On days five, six and seven, the participants performed prolonged, high-intensity cycling intervals designed to replicate the demands of a three-day race. The findings support past studies that have determined the benefits of tart cherries on muscle damage, bone and joint pain, heart health and weight management.įor this study, researchers at Northumbria University gave 16 well-trained, male cyclists about 1 ounce (30 ml) of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate mixed with water (equivalent to 90 whole Montmorency tart cherries per serving), or a calorie-matched placebo, twice a day for seven days. Adults with insomnia may be able to add nearly 90 more minutes of sleep to their bedtime if they drink two cups of the juice every day, according to researchers from Louisiana State University.** And because the fruit is rich in anthocyanins - a disease-fighting agent found in plant-based foods - it has also been shown to encourage healthy circulation, ensure proper nerve function and offer cancer fighting properties.NEWCASTLE, United Kingdom≼yclists who drink anthocyanin-rich tart cherry juice concentrate before a high-intensity cycling event may experience less inflammation and oxidative stress compared to those who drink another beverage, according to a new study published in the journal Nutrients. Exercise-induced upper respiratory problems are common in endurance athletes for up to two days after a race, but a new pilot study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that tart cherry juice reduced respiratory symptoms associated with marathon running.* But runners aren't the only ones who can reap the benefits of the tart cherry. OTHER BENEFITS: Researchers have recently discovered yet another benefit of tart cherry juice for runners: the fruit also alleviates post-race sniffles.

"Dehydration in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use - which is common among runners - can damage the kidneys." "There are an estimated 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths per year due to internal bleeding caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatories," Kuehl says. Kuehl points out that regular use of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin or ibuprofen can lead to kidney failure, heart and stomach problems.

According to Baylor College of Medicine, this is due to the relatively high sorbitol content of tart cherry juice which can also aggravate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). THE SOUR SIDE: The strong, sour flavor of tart cherry juice may cause uncomfortable digestive issues such as a stomach ache, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort if the juice is consumed in large quantities. In case you're wondering, 12 ounces of tart cherry juice equals about 50 cherries. Kerry Kuehl, MD, lead author on the study. "It was the equivalent to taking 600 to 800 milligrams of ibuprofen," said Dr. They tested it out at Oregon's "Hood To Coast" relay - that stretches 193 miles and more than 24 hours - and found that runners who consumed 12 ounces of Montmorency cherry juice twice a day for a week prior to the race, and on race day, reported significantly less pain than runners who received a placebo.

The anti-inflammatory substance found in the peel of the fruit contains the same enzyme as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen. That's because tart cherries have the highest anti-inflammatory content of any food, including blueberries, pomegranates and other fruits. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University say tart cherry juice is a safer, natural way to treat muscle pain and inflammation. Tart Cherry Juice Pain Releif - Research SummaryīACKGROUND: Runners may want to open the refrigerator instead of the medicine cabinet when treating their post-marathon aches. Women with osteoarthritis who drank 10 ounces of tart cherry juice twice a day for three weeks saw a significant reduction in C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation in the blood.Ĭontributors to this news report include: John Hammarley, Field Producer Amber Sumpter, News Assistant and Brent Sucher, Editor. Tart cherry juice is also effective in reducing chronic inflammation. "What I like is the fact is that the long-term effects are going to benefit me versus hurt me," McCall said.
