This juice is safe and suitable for most people, but it does contain high levels of sorbitol, a sugar alcohol that can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Tart cherry juice also includes quercetin, which is a compound found in plants that can interact with blood thinners and certain medications.
A daily intake of one ounce or two tablespoons of tart concentrated cherry juice can be helpful in relieving arthritis pain. Because tart cherries, particularly Montmorency tart cherries contain anthocyanins as well as two important antioxidants, isoqueritrin, and queritrin.
Anthocyanins are responsible for the dark red color of cherries. Prostaglandin is the hormone that causes inflammation and pain in arthritis. It is directly linked to two enzymes which cause tissue inflammation and the resulting pain. Anthocyanins block these enzymes, decreasing joint pain and inflammation. The pain-inhibiting power of anthocyanins is comparable to naproxen and ibuprofen. And laboratory tests at Michigan State University find that tart cherry compounds are at least 10 times more effective than aspirin in reducing inflammation–without any of aspirin’s side effects.
Flavonoids include queritrin, isoqueritrin, and isoqueritrin. Flavonoids are antioxidants. They destroy free radicals in the body and help to prevent cancer. Queritrin, isoqueritrin, and other flavonoids help to reduce stress-related side effects and slow down aging. Queritrin has anti-inflammatory properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Queritrin may also be used to reduce the body’s production inflammation-causing histamine and leukotrienes.
Anthocyanins also have other beneficial properties. Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants. They destroy free radicals in the body and help to prevent cancer. Anthocyanins have a greater power than vitamin E. Tart cherries contain 26.5 grams of anthocyanins, which is the highest amount of any fruit. Anthocyanins are also known to prevent plaque buildup within the arteries, which can help prevent heart disease. They’re also diabetic-friendly.
Additional benefits are also available from antioxidant queritrin. It is one the strongest anti-cancer agents currently known. It has antioxidant properties that are superior to vitamins C or E.
Tart cherry juice also contains ellagic acids, which is thought to be the most powerful substance to prevent cancer. It has been shown to stop the growth of cancer cells.
Two tablespoons of Montmorency tart cherries per day is equivalent to eating 60 cherries. You can add the tart cherry juice to any beverage such as water, tea, or coffee. You can also add it to a fruit smoothie as a breakfast or afternoon treat.
The 68 brix measurement is the highest quality Montmorency cherry-juice. Clear and unrefined juice is the best. It’s amazing how good it can taste to relieve arthritis pain.
