Sour Cherries

Sour cherries' vibrant red color comes from anthocyanin pigments, which enhance appearance and provide health benefits.

Sour cherries offer a range of health benefits due to their unique nutritional composition. They possess anti-inflammatory properties attributed to their rich anthocyanin content, which may alleviate symptoms of conditions like arthritis and gout. These cherries are also packed with antioxidants such as anthocyanins, quercetin, and vitamin C, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals and contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases and premature aging. Moreover, the melatonin naturally present in sour cherries regulates sleep-wake cycles, potentially improving sleep quality and duration, benefiting individuals with sleep disorders or insomnia. Sour cherries or tart cherry juice may aid in exercise recovery by reducing muscle soreness and promoting faster recuperation due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. Additionally, some studies suggest that sour cherry consumption could alleviate muscle and joint pain, potentially attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties.


References:

Kelley, Darshan S., et al. "A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries." Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 3, 2018, article 368. doi:10.3390/nu10030368.

Vitale, Kenneth C., et al. "Tart Cherry Juice in Athletes: A Literature Review and Commentary." Current Sports Medicine Reports, vol. 16, no. 4, Jul/Aug 2017, pp. 230-239. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000385.

Losso, Jack N., et al. "Pilot Study of the Tart Cherry Juice for the Treatment of Insomnia and Investigation of Mechanisms." American Journal of Therapeutics, vol. 25, no. 2, Mar/Apr 2018, pp. e194-e201. doi:10.1097/MJT.0000000000000584.