This fruit juice serves as an effective remedy.

If you were a musician dealing with arthritis in your fingers hindering your ability to play your instrument, what options would you consider?

While advertisements on TV might suggest resorting to pain relievers, a guitar player and fiddler chose a more natural remedy: sour cherry juice.

By consuming a small glass of this juice daily for a decade, typically during lunch, he has effectively managed his arthritis, relieved most of the discomfort, and resumed playing without restrictions.

Furthermore, studies on sour cherry juice support his positive outcome.

Reduces Inflammation

Ordinarily, bottled fruit juices are discouraged due to their high sugar content and the loss of essential nutrients during processing like pasteurization. Nonetheless, sour cherry juice is an exception to this rule.

One of its outstanding advantages lies in polyphenols, natural substances that combat inflammation. Researchers at the Oregon Health & Science University suggest that sour cherries possess the highest anti-inflammatory properties among all foods.

This is crucial because inflammation is linked to various conditions such as cancer, heart diseases, allergies, and arthritis.

In a study focusing on women with osteoarthritis, the Oregon researchers observed that consuming two glasses of sour cherry juice daily led to a decrease in inflammatory markers in their bloodstreams.¹

They also noted a reduction in arthritic pain, suggesting the potential of sour cherries in alleviating joint discomfort without the side effects associated with traditional arthritis medications.

Research has indicated that the anti-inflammatory effects of sour cherry juice are comparable to some over-the-counter pain medications.²

Blood Pressure Management

The natural compounds in sour cherries have shown promise in reducing high blood pressure.

A trial at Northumbria University in the UK involving 15 individuals with hypertension revealed that sour cherry juice lowered blood pressure readings by around seven percent. The researchers believe that phenolic acids in sour cherries help relax blood vessel walls, preventing unnecessary constriction.

They propose that sour cherry juice could be as effective as certain medications in controlling high blood pressure, with fewer adverse effects.

Improved Sleep Quality

Studies suggest that sour cherry juice can enhance sleep quality.

A study conducted at Louisiana State University found that older individuals in their 60s and 70s suffering from insomnia saw an average increase of 84 minutes in their nightly sleep after consuming sour cherry juice twice a day for two weeks.

The researchers attribute the sleep benefits to the natural melatonin in the juice and polyphenols known as proanthocyanidins, which assist in converting tryptophan into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that aids in sleep.

Other benefits of sour cherry juice include:

• Alleviating sore muscles after exercise. Cyclists in a study reported quicker recovery and decreased exercise-induced inflammation.³
• Potentially reducing uric acid levels in individuals with gout. Laboratory tests indicate that it may help lower high levels of this inflammatory compound affecting joints.⁴
• Diminishing brain inflammation and decreasing the risk of age-related memory problems.⁵

A word of caution regarding sour cherry juice – it is advisable to consume it in moderation due to its sugar content. Nevertheless, incorporating a small amount into your daily regimen may assist in alleviating chronic pain and enhancing sleep quality, reducing restlessness.