The Health Benefits of Black Cherry Juice
Black cherry, or prunus serotina rosaceae, is part of the rose family. It shares the same benefits of other cherries such as bing, royal Ann and red cherries. Black cherries supply a good source of vitamins, provide powerful antioxidants and reduce inflammation, according to a study in a 2003 issue of "
Black cherry, or prunus serotina rosaceae, is part of the rose family. It shares the same benefits of other cherries such as bing, royal Ann and red cherries. Black cherries supply a good source of vitamins, provide powerful antioxidants and reduce inflammation, according to a study in a 2003 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition." They are used for kidney support and joint health, to treat gout and as a sleep aid.
Antioxidant Properties
Black cherries contain polyphenols, which are organic compounds with antioxidant properties. A study by N.P. Seeram published in a 2008 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" conducted tests on the antioxidant potency of different fruit juices such as black cherry, pomegranate, acai, blueberry, cranberry and concord grape juice. The study tested the juices' ability to inhibit low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol oxidation and total polyphenol content. Black cherry juice was in the top four juices for antioxidant capacity.
Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Inflammation in the body can lead to chronic diseases that affect your brain, heart and other body organs, according to DrSears.com. Cherries, both sweet and tart, have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in the body and lowering your risk of developing disease. The 2003 "Journal of Nutrition" study found that cherries inhibit inflammatory pathways and, thus, decrease inflammation.
Gout Treatment
Gout is a type of arthritis. Uric acid crystals form in the joints from a buildup of too much uric acid in the body. This causes the joints to become inflamed. Men and women both suffer from gout. One of the treatments for gout is drinking 8 to 16 ounces of any cherry juice, including black cherry juice, daily. After two weeks, this lowers the uric acid crystal buildup, preventing gout attacks, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Sleep Aid
Black cherries contain serotonin, which produces beneficial effects on sleep. A study in the September 2010 issue of "The Journals of Gerontology" performed a sleep study with volunteers. They found cherries from the Jerte Valley in Spain, such as black cherries, had a positive effect on sleep and sleep duration.