Byline: Ethan M. Stone
It is generally understood that fruit is part of a balanced diet, but some fruits offer unique benefits that make them especially useful for people with certain health needs and conditions. As an example, Montmorency cherries, more commonly known as tart cherries, are frequently used in orchard tart cherry supplements and juices due to their potential anti-inflammatory and sleep aid benefits.
As with any supplement ingredient, however, it is important to know what exactly gives tart cherries their supposed health benefits and how those benefits may or may not be preferable to those found in standard medications.
What Makes Montmorency Tart Cherries Unique?
Tart cherries are unique in that they are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that could help reduce inflammation by lowering serum uric acid levels, a key trigger for gout attacks. Anthocyanins also happen to be one of the compounds that give cherries and other red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables their color.
Montmorency cherries also contain melatonin, quercetin, vitamin C, and potassium, all of which support joint health and, in the case of melatonin, can make it easier to support a healthy sleep cycle.
These cherries have long been recognized for their health properties and have therefore been used in a variety of forms, including juice, concentrate, capsules, gummies, and powders. It should be noted that, although all of these forms contain nutrients from tart cherries, the way the body incorporates them can vary, affecting their potency as a result.
How Orchard Tart Cherry Supplements May Help With Gout
Gout typically occurs when an excess of uric acid in the body forms urate crystals that accumulate in one’s joints. These crystals are often sharp and pierce into joints, causing inflammation and intense pain.
One of the most direct methods of addressing gout, then, is reducing the levels of uric acid in one’s blood. Fortunately, tart cherries contain substantial amounts of antioxidants that may help do just that. As WebMD points out, “multiple studies have shown that people who consumed tart cherries and cherry juice regularly reported fewer gout flare-ups than those who didn’t eat cherry products.”
Although tart cherries are by no means a cure for gout, they may serve as effective complements to medical treatments designed to address the issue, especially for patients seeking to integrate natural adjuncts into their treatment plans.
Potential Benefits for Joint and Mobility Support
Since tart cherries may help some people reduce inflammation in their joints, it stands to reason that they may also be able to help alleviate conditions like stiffness, arthritis symptoms, and exercise-induced muscle soreness when taken appropriately.
Tart cherry juice, in particular, is fairly popular among athletes looking to reduce muscle pain and damage following exercise and weight lifting. A typical serving size is 8 ounces, though people experiencing more intense discomfort might take upward of 10-12 ounces once or twice a day. These amounts should be discussed with a medical professional beforehand since tart cherry juice may interact with medications like blood thinners and antibiotics.
Considerations and Safety
Barring potential interactions with one’s medications, Montmorency cherries are generally considered safe for most users and rarely incur serious side effects. Some pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes and kidney complications, can limit the benefits of tart cherries due to their sugar and potassium content. People with these conditions should consult with a physician before taking tart cherry products.
As always, bear in mind that natural remedies like tart cherries should be part of a holistic joint health plan that also includes proper hydration, movement, and diet. Rarely, if ever, is a single product effective enough to treat a condition all on its own.
Tart cherries and other natural remedies are a great way to support a healthy lifestyle, but they are no replacement for medical expertise. Rather than fighting against modern medicine, remedies like cherries should work in conjunction with today’s medications and treatments to get the best results possible.
FAQs
Q: How do Montmorency cherries reduce gout symptoms?
A: Tart cherries contain antioxidants that lower uric acid levels, subsequently reducing joint inflammation and the severity of gout flare-ups.
Q: Are tart cherry capsules as effective as juice?
A: Typically, yes, provided they are made with high-quality ingredients. Plus, capsules generally lack the sugar content found in some tart cherry juices.
Q: Can tart cherries prevent gout attacks long-term?
A: Tart cherries manage gout’s symptoms instead of curing them, making them complementary to a broader health strategy that includes diet and medical care.