How Tart Cherry Juice Helps You Sleep Better & Improves Your Cardiovascular Health

Lemon water and green juice have certainly been among the most popular health drinks in recent years. Yet, there's an underrated contender that also merits recognition: tart cherry juice, made from tart cherries, also known as Montmorency cherries. These cherries are prevalent in Canada, the US, and Europe, and they boast a plethora of health benefits, particularly when juiced. Given their numerous advantages, there are plenty of reasons to incorporate this juice into our diet, whether it's after an intense workout or just before bedtime.

Discover what it can do for you!

4 Remarkable Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice

Aids in combating insomnia

Tart cherry juice is associated with enhanced sleep and better sleep quality in healthy individuals due to its high melatonin content, which is crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. While many may choose magnesium or melatonin supplements for improved sleep, tart cherry juice can be an excellent alternative.

Helps you recover after strenuous workout.

Opting for tart cherry juice blended with protein powder as a post-workout beverage is an excellent method to enhance muscle recovery. The antioxidants, known as polyphenols, present in the juice have been associated with reduced pain and improved muscle recuperation following endurance and strength exercises in athletes.

May relieve osteoarthritis symptoms.

While further research is needed, one study indicated that participants who drank tart cherry juice, as opposed to a placebo, experienced slight relief from knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Another study in 2019 found that daily consumption of tart cherry juice led to reduced pain, enhanced mobility, and a better quality of life.

Better cardiovascular health.

Tart cherry juice may offer long-term heart protection. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have been associated with improved blood pressure and lower levels of bad cholesterol after 12 weeks of consumption. RD Kelly Jones attributes this to the polyphenol anthocyanins in tart cherries, which have anti-inflammatory properties and bolster the antioxidant systems linked to a slower aging process.

Good to Know

Tart cherry juice, like all fruit juices, is high in natural sugars and lacks fiber, which would otherwise slow its absorption into the body.

As such, since our body processes all sugars similarly, it's important not to overindulge.

For those concerned about blood sugar control, combining this juice with a protein source, such as yogurt or hard-boiled eggs, can help mitigate the risk of sugar spikes.

Although it contains sugar, tart cherry juice is not sweet and may be too tart for some tastes. The suggested daily intake is between 8 and 16 ounces, with the larger amount being more appropriate for athletes.