Tart cherry juice with turmeric and ginger benefits

Tart cherry and turmeric are an amazing cardiovascular and joint health duo. Antioxidant compounds within these two herbs are clinically shown to benefit both joints and heart health, and their free radical fighting power extends to support wellbeing throughout the body. Let’s take a look at how they help.

Benefits of Turmeric

From turmeric lattes and golden milk to turmeric supplements and even turmeric skincare, this superfood ingredient is trending. That’s because it lends antioxidant protection to so many areas of the body, from the skin and brain to your digestive system, joints and heart.

Turmeric may be best known for neutralizing free radicals and promoting joint health, movement and physical function, and studies show it can also support joint comfort, but research shows a lot of promise in the realm of heart health too.1

Studies on curcumin, the most active compound within turmeric, revealed as much as a 65% reduced risk of heart health concerns among a test group taking curcumin supplements, and another study claimed it may even be as effective as exercise for supporting heart function.1

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should stop exercising—exercise is important for so many reasons. It just means you can get an extra dose of heart-loving support from turmeric.1 And you can pair it with tart cherry to double up on the benefits.

Benefits of Tart Cherry

Tart cherries are among nature’s most potent sources of flavonoids, including anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are the plant pigments that give these berries their color, and they’re known to have substantial antioxidant activity.2

The antioxidant flavonoids in tart cherries benefit your body in several ways. Tart cherry supports joint health by protecting joint tissues against free radicals and supporting healthy collagen structures, and the anthocyanins may help metabolize uric acid to keep it at a comfortable level.3 Healthy uric acid levels play an important role in the health and comfort of our joints.

Studies have also shown that tart cherry may support vascular function, supporting healthy blood pressure already within the normal range and promoting the health of blood vessels, which researchers believe may be linked to phenolic compounds within tart cherry.4,5

Tart Cherry & Turmeric Together

The combined antioxidant properties of tart cherry and turmeric make this a winning combination for overall wellness, and especially for joint and heart health. That’s why you’ll often find combination supplements with both turmeric and tart cherry in the same formula.

Want to learn about more powerful turmeric pairings? Read Turmeric & Boswellia: The Perfect Joint-Heath Duo 

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, Swanson Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally-recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for pie. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food.

Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and, ultimately, led her to Swanson Health.

Sources

1 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric

2 Tart Cherry. Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-10009962

3 Bell, et al. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 11, November 2014, Pages 82-90 doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2014.09.004

4 Keane, et al. Br J Nutr. 2016 Dec;116(11):1935-1944. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516004177. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

5 Keane, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun;103(6):1531-9. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.123869. Epub 2016 May 4.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Overview

Cherry juice is not only refreshingly delicious, but it provides some solid health benefits, too. With about 120 calories per 1-cup serving, it’s rich in nutrients like potassium and iron.

There are many different varieties of cherry juice. Look for juices that use 100-percent cherry juice with no added sweeteners. Cherry juice “cocktails” typically add sugar and preservatives.

You will also see juice “from concentrate” and “not from concentrate.” Both options are nutritionally similar.

“Not from concentrate” means they put the fresh juice directly into the bottle. “From concentrate” means they squeezed and then filtered the juice, extracting water. It is then rehydrated and packaged.

There are also different types of cherries used to produce juice. Tart cherry juice is sour to taste and provides a higher amount of anthocyanins compared to black cherry juice, which is sweeter in taste and has less anthocyanins. Anthocyanins promote anti-inflammatory processes in the body. Both are great, nutritious options.

Read on for seven reasons to sip and savor cherry juice.

1. Helps post-workout recovery

Cherry juice may help recovery post-exercise. It is naturally high in potassium, which conducts electrical impulses throughout the body.

This mineral also helps maintain blood pressure, hydration, muscle recovery, nerve impulses, digestion, heart rate, and pH balance. Cherries contain about 330 milligrams (mg) of potassium per cup, which is almost 10 percent of your daily recommended value.

2. Fights inflammation and arthritis pain

Research shows that the antioxidants in tart cherry juice can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis (OA).

A 2012 study showed that drinking cherry juice twice a day for 21 days reduced the pain felt by people with OA. Blood tests also showed that they experienced significantly less inflammation.

3. Reduces swelling

When people experience pain from swelling, they often turn to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, the effects of these drugs can be harmful, especially when you take them too often or have allergies.

A 2004 study found that cherry juice supplements can reduce inflammation and pain-related behavior in animals, showing promise as a treatment for swelling in humans.

4. Boosts immunity

Like all fruits and vegetables, cherries pack a powerful antioxidant and antiviral punch. Flavonoids, a type of antioxidant in cherry juice, are made by plants to fight infection. Research shows that these chemicals can have a significant impact on immune system function.

5. Regulates metabolism and fights fat (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

There is some evidence in animals that tart cherries can help adjust your body’s metabolism and your ability to lose abdominal body fat. One study showed that anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid responsible for cherries’ red color, act against the development of obesity.

Another study in rats found that tart cherries can help reduce inflammation and abdominal fat, and lower the risk of metabolic syndrome.

6. Helps you sleep

The anti-inflammatory properties of cherry juice combined with a dash of sleep-regulating melatonin may help you sleep better, according to a small 2010 study. The results suggest that tart cherry juice has similar effects as insomnia medications like valerian or melatonin on older adults.

7. Blocks cancer growth

In a 2003 study, researchers pitted cherry juice against the NSAID sulindac, which is the most common preventive anti-inflammatory treatment for colon tumors. Although an animal study, it is notable that cherry juice — unlike the NSAID — reduced the growth of cancer cells.

Even without its antioxidants and nutrients, cherry juice is deliciously tart and refreshing. Try replacing sodas and sports drinks with something that can really make a difference to your health.

Shop for cherry juice.

Did You Know?

Most cherry tree varieties are chosen for how pretty they are. Many don’t even yield actual cherries! Cherries are also a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Can you take turmeric and tart cherry together?

Tart Cherry & Turmeric Together The combined antioxidant properties of tart cherry and turmeric make this a winning combination for overall wellness, and especially for joint and heart health. That's why you'll often find combination supplements with both turmeric and tart cherry in the same formula.

What is tart cherry turmeric used for?

Tart Cherry, Nettle and Turmeric blend is commonly used for joint pain and inflammation, rheumatism, gout and sports injuries. Tart Cherry - Tart cherries are especially rich in anthocyanin flavonoids which, in addition to their antioxidant properties, are often used to help maintain health inflammatory response.

How long does it take tart cherry juice to help inflammation?

Research shows that the antioxidants in tart cherry juice can reduce pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis (OA). A 2012 study showed that drinking cherry juice twice a day for 21 days reduced the pain felt by people with OA. Blood tests also showed that they experienced significantly less inflammation.

How much tart cherry juice should you drink a day?

Published research and many clinical studies suggest you should drink the equivalent of 8 ounces of tart cherry juice daily. You can meet this requirement by enjoying CHERRiSH, a 100% all-natural cherry juice, with no added sugars.