Health and Nutrition

Supporting Science

An extensive and growing body of research suggests that the powerful antioxidants in tart cherries that give the super fruit its bright red color are also responsible for their anti-inflammatory properties and health benefits. Today, there are more than 50 studies specifically on tart cherries and scientists continue to uncover new and important benefits of today’s hottest Super Fruit.

A number of studies have specifically linked tart cherry consumption and cherry anthocyanins to decreased inflammation and inflammatory-related conditions. 1-3 One study from University of Michigan researchers revealed a cherry-enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 percent 4 and another found drinking eight ounces of tart cherry juice daily for four weeks significantly reduced important markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults.5

This inflammatory benefit is behind cherries’ ability to reduce risk for arthritis and gout, promote cardiovascular health and most recently to aid muscle recovery and reduce oxidative stress in athletes. 6

Click here to view The Red Report, a new, scientific look at the power of tart cherries – a red hot Super Fruit.

Page References:

  1. Seymour EM, Urcuyo-Llanes D, Bolling SF, Bennink MR. Tart cherry intake reduces plasma and tissue inflammation in obesity-prone rats. FASEB J 2010; 24:335.1.
  2. Traustadottir T, Davies SS, Stock AA, Su Y, Heward CB, Roberts, LJ, Harman SM. Tart cherry juice decreases oxidative stress in healthy older men and women. J Nutr 2009;139:1896-1900.
  3. Mulabagal V, Lang GA, DeWitt DL, Dalavoy SS, Nair MG. Anthocyanin content, lipid peroxidation and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibitory activities of sweet and sour cherries. J Ag Food Chem 2009;57:1239-46.
  4. Seymour EM, Singer AAM, Kirakosyan A, Urcuyo-Llanes DE, Kaufman PB, Bolling SF. Altered hyperlipidemia, hepatic steatosis and hepatic ppars in rats with intake of tart cherry. J Med Food 2008;11:252-259.
  5. Martin KR, Bopp J, Burrell L, Hook G. The effect of 100% tart cherry juice on serum uric acid levels, biomarkers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk factors. FASEB J 2011;25:339.2.
  6. Bowtell JL, Sumners DP, Dyer A, Fox P, Mileva KN. Montmorency cherry juice reduces muscle damage caused by intensive strength exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43:1544-1551