Cherry juice increases muscle strength and reduces muscle soreness, helps to sleep better, reduces symptoms of arthritis and gout, promotes brain health, strengthens the immune system, prevents infections, protects against cancer and reduces blood pressure.
Cherry juice is made from the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree, native to southwest Asia and Europe and is linked to a number of interesting and awesome health benefits.
In this article:
15 Health Benefits of Cherry Juice
Nutrition
Recipe
How Much to Consume?
Side Effects of Cherry Juice
15 Health Benefits of Cherry Juice
It provides awesome health benefits which are as follows –
Increase Muscle Strength and Reduce Muscle Soreness
Cherry juice intake in the days leading up to and immediately following intense physical exercise may reduce muscle strength loss, soreness and muscle breakdown and also speed up recovery in resistance-trained individuals. It helps in recovery post-exercise because it is high in potassium which conducts electrical impulses throughout the body.
Help to Sleep Better
It helps increase the body’s melatonin ( a hormone responsible for sleepiness) levels which reduce symptoms of insomnia and can result in better quality sleep. It may be a safe and effective way to treat insomnia and increase the amount of sleep. It contains a good amount of tryptophan and anthocyanins which help the body create melatonin and lengthen its effects.
Reduce Symptoms of Arthritis and Gout
It has anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout such as joint pain and inflammation.
Promote Brain Health
The antioxidants present may help improve brain function and reduce symptoms of mild-to-moderate dementia and degenerative brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Strengthen the Immune System
It is rich in many vitamins, minerals and beneficial plant compounds that offer a boost and strengthen the immune system.
Prevent Infections
It is rich in antioxidant content that may help to prevent infections.
Protect Against Cancer
Contain antioxidant present may help turn off genes involved in cancer growth.
Might Reduce Pain
It may help in peripheral neuropathy which is a type of pain caused by nerve damage.
Reduce Blood Pressure
It may lead to modest reductions in blood pressure levels.
Regulates Metabolism and Lose Weight
It may reduce weight, belly fat and blood cholesterol levels. It helps in adjusting the body’s metabolism and ability to lose abdominal body fat.
Hydration
It keeps the body hydrated.
Reduce Swelling
It can reduce inflammation and pain-related behavior which treats swelling.
Improved Vision
Anthocyanins present in it may benefit people who have glaucoma.
Urine Production
It increases urine production.
Digestion
It also helps in easy digestion.
Nutrition
Cherry juice is rich in various nutrients. An 8 ounce (240 ml) serving provides 119 calories. Also, it provides 28 gm carbs, 5 gm fibre, 2 gm, 1 gm fat, 62% of the RDI vitamin A, 40% of the RDI vitamin C, 14% of the RDI manganese, 12% of the RDI potassium, 12% of the RDI copper and 7% of the RDI vitamin K.
It also contains small amounts of vitamin B, calcium, iron, magnesium, omega 3 and omega 6 fats, antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds.
Keep in mind that some varieties of cherry juice contain substantial amounts of added sugars, so go for an unsweetened variety.
Recipe
Making cherry juice can be cheaper and a more healthful alternative to buying juice. The steps to cherry juice are –
- Wash and stem fresh cherries.
- Combine 1 cup of cherries with one-quarter of a cup of water.
- Blend in a food processor until cherries come just loose from the pits.
- Sieve into a bottle or jar.
- Drink within 5 days.
How Much to Consume?
To drive the benefits of cherry juice, drink 1 cup of this juice a day and it can provide plenty of antioxidants to the body. Some cherry juice brands may contain a high amount of sugar. To avoid overload of calories, it is better to consume the unsweetened variety.
Side Effects of Cherry Juice
Cherry juice is likely safe and well-tolerated. It should be followed by dosage instructions. Some side effects can be –
- Though it is safe for women during pregnancy and breast-feeding, the safety of taking large doses for medicine is unknown.
- Allergic reactions in people who are sensitive.
- It contains high amounts of sorbitol ( a type of sugar alcohol) that can cause stomach pain and diarrhea for some.
- It also contains quercetin, a plant compound that may interact with certain medications, especially blood thinners. Individuals on medications should contact a doctor before adding large amounts of cherry juice to the diet.
Conclusion
Cherry juice is rich in nutrients and provides many health benefits and is considered safe for most people. The dosage instructions may help to maximize health benefits.
References
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-tart-cherry-juice-benefits#section9
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5872786/