Arthritis / Inflammation

For decades, tart cherries have quietly grown a devoted fan base of arthritis sufferers who routinely consumed the fruit (particularly as juice) to help soothe their symptoms. Today there is a body of research to support the cherry folklore.

A growing body of science continues to show that cherry consumption may help relieve arthritis symptoms.

A recent study by University of Michigan researchers revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 percent. Other studies indicate that the anthocyanins in cherries may be beneficial for a range of inflammatory-related conditions, including arthritis.

Studies also suggest antioxidant-rich foods, like cherries, may help reduce levels of nitric oxide, a compound associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Good news for those looking for natural health solutions.  In a recent survey most respondents said they’d prefer to eat or drink foods with health promoting properties over medical treatment or dietary supplements.  Reducing joint pain and inflammation were among the priority conditions. Also in the survey, 81% of consumers said they’d add more cherries to their daily diet if they knew the health benefits were virtually equal to dietary supplements*.

“Arthritis pain can be very debilitating, limiting activity and overall quality of life,” says,” said Leslie Bonci, Director of Sports Medicine Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh.  “As a registered dietitian, I like to recommend food as the first solution to good health. Cherries are great because they have these powerful anti-inflammatory properties and are easy and convenient to eat, from topping cereal or creating a smoothie.”

Click here to learn why Leslie recommends choosing cherries to as a natural way to manage and alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Learn more in the Cherry Nutrition Report.

For more information on arthritis, visit the Arthritis Foundation Web site at www.arthritis.org

*Survey of 1,517 adults age 45 and older, conducted by Opinion Research Corporation’s Caravan Services, November 2007, on behalf of the Cherry Marketing Institute.