If you are looking for an ideal evening snack, then munch on a bunch of sweet and tangy tart cherries and embrace the wonderful tart cherry benefits for health and beauty.
What is Tart Cherry?
Popularly known as Montmorency, dwarf, and sour cherries, tart cherries originated in Europe and are now cultivated in several parts of Europe and southwestern Asia. Tart cherry belongs to the Prunus cerasus tree and is considered to be a superfood vested with a plethora of remarkable health benefits(1). As compared to sweet cherries, tart cherries possess a tangy note in its flavor and can be eaten in juiced, frozen and dried forms.
Tart Cherry Nutritional Profile
Tart cherry is vested with a host of different nutrients. Its rich density of nutrients makes it a superfood that can be eaten to fight against different disorders and ailments and become fit and healthy. Its nutritional composition consists of vitamins A, B, C, K, minerals like copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and manganese, and nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids, proteins, dietary fiber, and carbohydrates.
Top 8 Excellent Tart Cherry Benefits for Health
1. Cognitive Function
The tart cherry extract can be taken by diluting the concentrated extract with water and having two glasses of the same on a regular basis. Tart cherry benefits the health of the brain in different ways. Daily consumption of organic tart cherry helps in the enhancement of brain functioning and memory power.
Tart cherries contain anthocyanins that are potent antioxidants which protect the brain against oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals. It has been revealed by extensive medical research that tart cherries can boost the power of cognition and recognition and keep Alzheimer’s disease at bay.
2. Arthritis
One of the most significant tart cherry benefits is the natural treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Tart cherries possess calcium that helps in increasing the strength and mineral density of bones and thus protects against osteoarthritis and its symptoms.
Drinking tart cherry juice is highly beneficial for the suppression of the symptoms of arthritis that include swelling, pain, and inflammation of the affected area. The analgesic nature of tart cherries alleviates the pain and swelling. The antioxidants anthocyanins present in tart cherries cure the disease by fighting against oxidative stress inflicted by toxic free radicals that are responsible for arthritis.
3. Sleep Disorders
Organic tart cherry juice possesses tryptophan and melatonin which are incredibly beneficial for the natural cure of insomnia and sleeplessness. Melatonin is a hormone that is responsible for feeling sleepy. Tryptophan is an amino acid that gets metabolized slowly and is used by the body for the production of melatonin.
Drinking fresh and organic tart cherry juice helps in treating insomnia by increasing the amount of sleep by 90 minutes and by keeping away with restlessness and anxiety. It generates a feeling of calmness which is highly advantageous for drifting into a deep slumber.
4. Gout
Regular consumption of tart cherry treats gouts and inflammation. Gouts are caused by the accumulation of uric acid which crystallizes beneath the skin and forms hard corn that feels painful at the touch(2). Organic tart cherry contains anthocyanins that are powerful antioxidants that can destroy free radicals and prevent them from causing oxidative damage to the body.
Tart cherry consists of phytochemical compounds that decrease the levels of uric acid and prevent the buildup of the same around the tissues and joints. Regular consumption of the tart cherry extract is one of the quickest and most effective ways of curing gouts.
5. Skin Health
Tart cherry benefits include controlling the breakout of acne and pimples, elimination of blemishes, cure of skin rashes, allergies, sunburns, insect bites, and minor cuts and wounds. Topical application of tart cherry juice and honey on the skin helps to keep the skin hydrated, well-nourished, and healthy. Tart cherry juice also helps in the maintenance of the pH balance of the skin.
6. Hair Health
Smear your hair and scalp with the mixture of tart cherry juice, tart cherry extract, and olive oil to hydrate the scalp and prevent diseases like scalp psoriasis, dandruff, blistering of the scalp, infestation of lice, hair fall, and hair thinning. Tart cherry juice keeps the scalp healthy, well-nourished and profoundly hydrated and promotes the growth of long and healthy hair.
7. Muscle Cramps
Doctors and experts have declared that tart cherry juice is more effective than chemical pain-killers and ointments. Drinking tart cherry juice helps in reducing the pain and stiffness of muscles. The tart cherry extract acts as a muscle relaxant. It’s analgesic nature is incredibly beneficial for the alleviation of muscle cramps, swelling, redness, and tautness of the affected region.
8. Digestion
The rich fibrous content of organic tart cherry benefits the digestive system. Regular consumption of tart cherry helps in the regulation of bowel movement and prevents disorders like stomachache, bloating, flatulence, constipation, stomach flu, and acid reflux.
Tart Cherry Recipes
Tart Cherry Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup of plain yogurt
- 1 cup of soaked tart cherries
- Two tablespoons of dark cocoa powder
- 3-4 tablespoons of honey
- a few ice cubes
Procedure
- Blend all the ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth
- Add a few ice cubes, garnish with a few chopped cherries, and serve chilled
Tart Cherry Pudding
Ingredients
- 1 cup of tart cherries
- 1/2 cup of honey
- One teaspoon of cinnamon
- One teaspoon of cornstarch
- Chopped nuts and raisins for garnishing, and water
Procedure
- Fill a bowl with the tart cherries
- Cover the cherries with water and let them get soaked and softened
- Boil the soaked tart cherries in a covered pot for about 10 minutes
- Drain out the water and chop the boiled tart cherries
- Add a cup of hot water to the stewed tart cherries along with honey, ground cinnamon and the sticks of cinnamon
- Boil the contents over a low flame with a little stirring for about 10-15 minutes
- In a separate bowl mix the water and cornstarch to make a slurry
- Pour in the slurry into the cooking pot and cook for another 4-5 minutes
- Discard the cinnamon sticks and let the pudding simmer down
- Refrigerate the pudding for about an hour
- Garnish the dessert with chopped cherries, raisins, and nuts and serve chilled
Side Effects of Tart Cherry Juice
A few of the most common side effects of consumption of tart juice are mentioned below:
Acid Reflux
The sourness of the fruit may cause acidity and heartburn when consumed in excessive quantity. Limit the intake to a healthy amount to avoid acid reflux.
Digestive Disorders
You might get a stomachache or cramp from overeating tart cherries or eating tart cherries at odd hours of the day. Avoid excessive consumption and do not eat tart cherries after the evening.
Allergic Response
This response involves sudden fits of sneezing and runny nose. If you are allergic to tangy fruits, then it is recommended to avoid tart cherries.
Allergic Reactions on the Skin
Topical application of tart cherry masks on the skin might cause dermatological problems like rashes, irritation, and inflammation of the skin. Conduct a patch test on a small area of the surface before using tart cherry remedies for the cure of dermatological issues.
Interference with Medications and Drugs
If you are on certain medicines, then it is advised to consult the physician before eating tart cherries.
Conclusion
Tart cherry’s benefits are amazingly helpful for hair, skin and general health. It has been proven by medical science that tart cherries can be used for the natural treatment of a variety of ailments and are at times more effective than regular medicines and ointments. The incorporation of tart cherries in our daily diet is remarkably beneficial for health, can cure several health issues and can help to stay fit and gorgeous.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there melatonin in tart cherry juice?
Tart cherry juice contains melatonin which is a natural drug that helps to cure insomnia and promote deep and sound sleep.
2. How much tart cherry juice should you drink a day?
The safety limit of drinking tart cherry juice is two glasses, one in the morning and another at night before going to bed.
3. How much tart cherry juice for inflammation?
One glass of tart cherry juice in a day is sufficient for the natural treatment of internal inflammation.
