Better sleep, helps with arthritis in kids, boosts the immune system, the well-being of the brain and reduces the risk factors are some of the health benefits of tart cherry juice for kids.
Tart cherries aren’t like the ones that you find in markets and grocery stores which are sweet and dark. In contrast, they are comparatively small, sour and bright red in color. People use them in filling cherry pies. The tart cherry juice which is made from tart cherries has become progressively widespread these days, given the number of health benefits they provide.
So, here are the stunning health benefits of tart cherry juice for kids:
5 Amazing Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice for Kids
Better Sleep
Tart cherry juice inhibits an enzyme called indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase. In other words, it inhibits an enzyme that’s known to cause insomnia. This also helps with inflammatory problems as the same enzyme is associated with inflammation too. Do you have a kid or a toddler who has insomnia, wakes up every now and then or who is an early riser? Then consider giving them tart cherry juice before they go to bed. Tart cherries are concentrated with melatonin, a hormone which is responsible for sleepiness. So, this will help them sleep better and peaceful as it enhances the sleep quality and duration.
Helps with Arthritis in Kids
As said above, tart juice helps with inflammatory problem inhibiting the inflammation causing enzyme. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a type of arthritis which has now become common in kids is now treatable with tart juice benefits.
This is because Tart cherries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which therefore reduce pain and inflammation with no side effects. It also helps in treating Osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis is now a growing concern for women and is also the most common type of arthritis.
According to a study, Tart cherry juice has lead to a reduction in certain serum inflammatory biomarkers in women who suffer from Osteoarthritis. In this study, 20 females (40-70 yrs) were given 10.5 oz of tart cherry juice twice a day for 21 successive days. After administering their blood samples, it showed that OA patients found relief. [2]
So if your kid has a type of arthritis, do give a tart cherry drink every day to treat it more effectively.
Read More: Health Benefits of Brandy for Kids
Boosts the Immune System
Researchers conclude that the antioxidant properties of tart cherries help in preventing infections. It improves the performance of kids who are hyperactive and who do a lot of physical activity. It also helps in the recovery of muscle strength. Tart cherry juice, if drank daily or often, helps in preventing congestion, cough and sore throat. [3]
One should drink tart cherry juice every day to regulate diabetes and high blood pressure. These days kids get these awful health issues too. So it’s better to prevent it earlier than to regret it later. Tart cherry juice also aids in proper digestion of the food intake.
The well-being of the Brain
Tart cherry juice has protective effects on the brain cells of kids suffering from degenerative brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease. These diseases are caused partly by oxidative stress. So, the tart cherry juice is a great benefit for this health problem as it is antioxidant rich. It will help reduce the symptoms.
Drinking tart cherry juice frequently in childhood assists in short-term and long-term memory as well as verbal fluency.
Read More: 1 Must have Fruits during Monsoon for Kids
Reduces the Risk Factors
Tart cherry juice is greatly rich in Vitamin C. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant which reduces the risk of chronic diseases including heart disease risk factors and it helps in avoiding blood pressure. Vitamin C is also very necessary to the body in the growth, repair and development of tissues and in turn aids in many body functions and maintenance. Kids hurt themselves very often while playing and having fun. Vitamin C will help heal it better by aiding in the wound healing process. It also helps in the maintenance of bones, teeth and cartilage.
Nutrient Rich
Tart cherry juice is rich in diverse nutrients and they are a good source for various vitamins. Here are the nutritional facts of tart cherries for 8 oz which amounts to about 240g : [1]
Amount per Serving :
Calories – 128
- Calories from Fat – 0
Total Fat (0g) – 1%
Cholesterol (0mg) – 0%
Sodium (145mg) – 6%
Potassium (289mg) – 8%
Total Carbohydrates (31g) – 10%
- Dietary Fiber (0.2g) – 1%
- Sugars – 29g
Protein – 0.3g
Vitam A – 0.8%
Vitamin C – 100%
Calcium – 0.6%
Iron – 3.3%
So mothers and fathers out there! Adding a tart cherry juice to your kid’s daily diet will serve impressive health benefits and also deliver various important nutrients into the body.
Note: Not all tart cherry juices are health benefactors. Some of them contain a considerable amount of added sugars. So look out for that. An easy way to differentiate the tart cherries from the sweet varieties is by their color. Tart cherries cling on to their bright red color after being harvested, whereas the sweet cherries are darker in color. Some of the famous unsweetened varieties of tart cherries are Montmorency and Balaton cherries.
On another hand, it is best appropriate and advisable to blend a handful of cherries with some water on your own, rather than going for a ready-made option. Homemade is always better and healthier.
