Brenda Khan
Cherry juice has been linked to a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation and aiding sleep to improving short-term memory and reducing gout symptoms. It is rich in nutrients and beneficial plant compounds, including anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory and have antimicrobial properties. While it is generally considered a safe addition to most diets, it is important to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are taking medications. This is because cherry juice can interact with some medications, and certain varieties contain added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health Benefits | Anti-inflammatory, improved sleep, improved short-term memory, improved exercise recovery, reduced muscle pain and soreness, reduced gout symptoms, improved immunity, anticancer properties, improved osteoarthritis, improved cardiovascular health, improved eye health |
| Possible Side Effects | Abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight gain, interactions with certain medications |
| Recommended Consumption | 8-16 ounces, a few times a week, unsweetened variety, check nutrition labels for sugar content |
| Nutritional Information | Rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals, high in potassium, contains anthocyanins, quercetin, melatonin, tryptophan, antioxidants, phytonutrients |
| Type of Cherries | Tart cherries, Montmorency cherries, sour cherries |
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What You'll Learn
Check for added sugars and preservatives
When adding cherry juice to your diet, it is important to check for added sugars and preservatives. While cherry juice has numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving sleep, and potentially blocking cancer growth, some varieties contain added sugars and preservatives that can affect your health.
Firstly, look for 100% cherry juice with no added sweeteners. Cherry juice that is labelled as a "cocktail" typically contains added sugars and preservatives. If you want to avoid added sugars, opt for unsweetened varieties of cherry juice. These varieties will allow you to enjoy the health benefits of cherry juice without consuming excess added sugars.
Secondly, be aware of the different types of cherry juice and their sugar content. Tart cherry juice, for example, has a sour taste and naturally contains higher amounts of fructose and glucose, resulting in a higher sugar content compared to black cherry juice or sweet cherry juice. If you are concerned about your sugar intake, consider choosing black cherry juice or sweet cherry juice, which tend to have lower sugar levels.
Additionally, pay attention to the ingredients list on the product label. Added sugars can go by different names, such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, or dextrose. Preservatives may be listed as sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, or calcium propionate, among others. By familiarizing yourself with common names for added sugars and preservatives, you can more easily identify their presence in cherry juice products.
Finally, consider making your own cherry juice at home. By blending fresh or frozen cherries with water, you can control the ingredients and avoid any added sugars or preservatives. This way, you can still enjoy the health benefits of cherry juice while customizing it to your specific dietary needs and preferences.
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Consult a doctor if you have a medical condition
Cherry juice has been linked to a range of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to aiding exercise recovery and improving sleep. However, it's important to consult your doctor before adding it to your diet if you have a medical condition.
If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood sugar levels, it's crucial to speak to your doctor before incorporating cherry juice, especially tart cherry juice, into your diet. This is because cherry juice contains natural sugar alcohols like sorbitol, which can cause stomach pain and diarrhea in some individuals. Additionally, cherry juice may interact with certain medications, including those used to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cherry juice also contains quercetin, a plant compound that may interact with blood-thinning medications. Therefore, it is essential to consult your doctor if you are on any medications before consuming large amounts of cherry juice. The same advice applies if you are taking supplements or have any other medical concerns.
While cherry juice is considered safe for most people, it's always best to seek professional advice if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medication to ensure that adding cherry juice to your diet is suitable for your individual circumstances. Your doctor can advise you on any potential interactions or adjustments needed to safely include cherry juice in your diet.
It's also worth noting that some cherry juice products contain added sugars, so it's important to read labels carefully and opt for unsweetened varieties to maximize the potential health benefits and avoid any negative impacts on your health.
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$18.69 $21.91
Opt for unsweetened cherry juice
Cherry juice is a nutritious drink that can be a great addition to your diet. It is rich in nutrients like potassium, iron, vitamins A and C, and fibre. It may help boost immunity, regulate weight, and reduce inflammation, among other things.
When adding cherry juice to your diet, it is important to opt for unsweetened cherry juice to maximise its health benefits. While cherry juice is a nutritious drink, some varieties contain substantial amounts of added sugars. These added sugars can reduce the potential benefits of the juice and may even be harmful to your health. For example, if you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood sugar, you should avoid added sugars and speak to your doctor before adding cherry juice to your diet.
Unsweetened cherry juice, on the other hand, retains the rich nutritional profile of the fruit without the negative effects of added sugars. Tart cherry juice, in particular, has a higher amount of anthocyanins compared to black cherry juice, which is sweeter in taste. Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to combat some chronic diseases and provide needed relief for people with arthritis. They also give cherries their red colour and have antimicrobial properties, which can support your immune system in fighting off minor illnesses like a cold.
By choosing unsweetened cherry juice, you can also better manage your weight. While research on the effects of cherry juice on weight management is ongoing, a 2015 review and meta-analysis found that cherry juice had no effect on weight or body composition. This suggests that the added sugars in some cherry juice varieties may not be beneficial for weight management.
In addition to its health benefits, unsweetened cherry juice can also be a delicious drink. It has a sour taste that some people find refreshing and enjoyable. You can also blend your own unsweetened cherry juice by mixing two handfuls of tart cherries with some water.
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Drink in moderation
Cherry juice has been linked to a variety of health benefits, from reducing inflammation to improving sleep and exercise recovery. However, it's important to remember that while cherry juice can be a healthy addition to your diet, it should be consumed in moderation.
Firstly, it's important to consult your doctor before adding cherry juice to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. For example, cherry juice contains sorbitol, a natural sugar alcohol that can cause belly pain and diarrhoea for some individuals. It may also interact with medications for blood pressure and cholesterol control.
Secondly, when purchasing cherry juice, opt for an unsweetened variety without added sugars or preservatives. Check the nutrition label to make sure the juice is not high in added sugar. Some cherry juice brands contain substantial amounts of added sugars, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess.
It's recommended to drink cherry juice in moderation, a few times a week, rather than daily. A typical serving size is considered to be 8 ounces (240 millilitres), and excessive consumption may add too much sugar to your diet. While cherries are high in fibre, the juicing process removes most of the fibre content, so eating the whole fruit may be a better option.
Additionally, while cherry juice has been linked to various health benefits, the research is not conclusive. Some studies have shown positive results, especially for athletes and exercise recovery, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits for the general population.
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Consider the juice's health benefits
Cherry juice has been linked to a number of health benefits. It is rich in nutrients like potassium and iron, and vitamins A, C, and E. It may help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep quality.
Cherry juice is also a good source of antioxidants, which combat cell damage in the body. It contains anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds that may help to combat some chronic diseases. In a randomised, placebo-controlled study, tart cherry juice significantly reduced signs of inflammation that are common in chronic diseases. These anti-inflammatory properties may provide needed relief for people with arthritis. Studies show that tart cherries can help reduce the pain and stiffness that come with arthritis and other joint pain disorders.
Cherry juice may also have anticancer properties. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) states that there is convincing evidence that foods high in dietary fibre, like cherries, may help prevent colorectal cancer. The AICR also notes that there is limited evidence that shows cherries and cherry juice may help to prevent lung cancer and other cancers, like bladder cancer.
Cherry juice is generally safe, but it is always recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider before adding it to your diet, especially if you are on any medications or are at risk for diabetes.
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Frequently asked questions
A typical serving size is 8 ounces, but some people drink up to 16 ounces a few times a week.
Cherry juice has been linked to a range of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved sleep, better exercise recovery, and reduced muscle pain and soreness.
Yes, cherry juice contains natural sugars and some varieties have added sugars, so excessive consumption may lead to weight gain. It may also cause abdominal pain and diarrhea due to sorbitol content. If you have certain medical conditions or take specific medications, consult your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Look for 100% cherry juice with no added sweeteners. Unsweetened varieties tend to provide the most benefits as they avoid the negative effects of added sugars.
While cherry juice is considered safe for most people, it's generally recommended to avoid daily consumption. A few times a week is a more moderate approach to reap the benefits while avoiding potential negative side effects.
