Recent research suggests drinking a glass of tart cherry juice might help defuse arthritis pain. Researchers from Michigan State University found anthocyanins, the same chemicals that give tart cherries their color, may have more powerful anti-inflammatory effects than aspirin. It's still unknown whether this might translate into pain relief for arthritis patients in the real world.

Date:   5/20/2006 10:45:15 PM ( 18 y ago)

Drinking Tart Cherry Juice: Does It Really Help Arthritis Pain?

The Research

In this study (Journal of Natural Products, 1999), researchers used the equivalent of 20 tart cherries. They found anthocyanins in the tart cherries inhibited two enzymes, COX-1 and COX-2, that play a role in the body's production of prostaglandins, natural chemicals involved in inflammation. This process to block inflammation is similar to the effects of aspirin and traditional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Tart cherries are also good sources of antioxidants, substances which destroy the damaging molecules thought to contribute to many diseases, including arthritis.

Other fruits, berries, and vegetables may contain substantial amounts of similar substances as well. According to lead researcher Muralee Nair, Ph.D., both cherries and blueberries, for example, contain potent antioxidants. However, Nair found that the inflammation-blocking activity of tart cherries was considerably greater. It's still unknown how sweet cherries would stack up.

The Issues

One caveat is research in humans has not yet been done to determine whether cherries will actually relieve arthritis symptoms outside the lab. "The Arthritis Foundation does not see any harm in eating cherries for antioxidant protection, but does not believe there is enough proven clinical evidence to suggest that eating cherries is beneficial for reducing the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis," says John Klippel, M.D., the foundation's medical director.

If you still want to give tart cherries a try, there is also the question of how to consume them. The raw cherries are tart and cooking destroys many of the beneficial compounds. So, eating a slice of cherry pie won't do. Other options are tart cherry juice and tart cherry concentrate, both of which are sold at supermarkets and health food stores. According to the Cherry Marketing Institute, an 8-ounce glass of cherry juice contains the equivalent of about 100 cherries. Once again, though, some beneficial compounds can be lost during processing. Says Nair, "If the juice has been heated too much, there will be less anthocyanins in it." The juice is also acidic, so people with a sensitive stomach may not be able to tolerate it.

Cherries In Your Diet

One quick and easy way to get your daily dose of tart cherries is in a smoothie. To make one 8-ounce drink, combine in a blender:

* 1/2 cup frozen tart cherries
* 1/4 cup tart cherry juice
* 1/4 peeled banana

Blend until smooth. It’s a recipe for great taste and healthful nutrients.

Remember, it’s a good idea to discuss any changes to your arthritis pain treatment program with your doctor. He or she can help you determine the safest and most effective ways to control your arthritis pain based on your specific condition.

Michigan State University First to Identify Anthocyanins in Tart Cherries

"Twenty cherries provide 25 mg of anthocyanins which help shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place, so cherries can prevent and treat many kinds of pain", states Dr. Nair, Michigan State University Researcher. Anthocyanins are plant pigments responsible for the bright red color of cherries. These pigments are known to have antioxidant activity and antioxidants are believed to play a role in reducing the risk of various human degenerative diseases. Tart cherries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids, which inhibit the enzymes and prevent inflammation in the body. These compounds have similar activity as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen. The anthocyanins may also protect artery walls from the damage that leads to plaque buildup and heart disease. Recent studies show that anthocyanins do a better job of protecting arteries than vitamins C and E.

There are 17 antioxidants in tart cherries. Two of these, anthocyanins 1 and 2, can inhibit the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are associated with the pain of arthritis and gout. In comparison of 10 small fruits, cherries had the highest level of anthocyanins 1 and 2. Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are NOT present in blueberries or cranberries.

**From the Cherry Marketing Institute

============================================================================================
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Life’s Not a
Bowl of Cherries . . .

But eating them regularly could sweeten your quality of life.
A seasonal stone fruit, the tasty, low-carb cherry appears to possess a dazzling array of health benefits, even threatening to topple the apple from its traditional place as the daily prescriptive.

Ongoing studies suggest that cherries may help control pain, aid in
the prevention of cancer and heart disease and help you sleep at night.

Over the last decade research has identified a combination of 17 powerful antioxidants, consisting of vitamins and disease-fighting chemical compounds that occur naturally in cherries.

“Since then, consumption of concentrate, dried cherries and juice has exploded. For some people, it appears the combination of antioxidants in tart cherries mimics the action of pain-relieving drugs. Arthritis and gout sufferers appear to benefit the most from a regular addition of cherries to their diet. Additionally, the high levels of melatonin in cherries appears to help some insomnia sufferers get a good night's sleep,” says Lori Hall Steele, Michigan-based author of Sweet & Snappy Cherry Drinks (available from Independent Publishers Group at http://www.ipgbook.com ).

There are two distinct types of cherries, sweet and tart — the latter is generally but not exclusively associated with most of the good-health properties being trumpeted by researchers.

Tart cherries get their rich deep color from pigments called anthocyanins, which help relieve inflammation and the pain of arthritis. Results of research from the University of Michigan suggest that cherry compounds may be more active than traditional pain relievers such as Aspirin. Those same anthocyanins may also protect against colon cancer and reduce arterial plaque accumulation, reducing risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are indications that anthocyanins may increase insulin production, a finding that has favorable implications for people with diabetes or who are at risk for getting the disease.

Equally important, cherries contain flavonoids, including the powerful anti-cancer agent queritrin, joined by perillyl alcohol and ellagic acid, which are also thought to be potent allies in the fight against cancer.

“The key is to be sure you're getting real cherries, preferably Montmorency – the most research has been done on this type of tart cherry — rather than juice with cherry flavoring. Concentrate, which is made into juice, is considered the best route because it's believed that 20 cherries a day is the ticket to pain control. It's simply easier to incorporate juice into a regular diet than dried cherries, and fresh cherries are sometimes hard to come by,” Hall Steele says.

Berry Good for You:

* By drinking an ounce of tart cherry juice each day you get the benefit of 50 cherries without the high sugar content. Add to water, milk, carbonated beverages, tea, smoothies or other juices.
* Adding a half-cup of thawed tart cherries to lean ground meat is a great flavor enhancer.
* A quarter-cup of dried cherries makes a delicious addition to cereals and salads.
* For more information and recipes go to Lori Hall Steele’s website: http://www.cherrydrinks.com

Hall Steele points to an easy method of guaranteeing your daily cherry ration.

“Some people also find that taking a tablet or pill form of cherries works best for them.”
http://umanitoba.fitdv.com/new/articles/article.html?artid=477
http://www.foodprocessing.com/voices/nutrition_trends.html

 

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