Tart Cherry (Vita Cherry)
Tart cherry, also known as Prunus cerasus, is a fruit that is commonly consumed in cooking and baking. Montmorency tart cherry is the most popular type grown in the United States. Tart cherry contains chemicals that might reduce swelling and act as antioxidants. Tart cherry juice is rich in antioxidants and many key nutrients. It may also be linked to several health benefits, including decreased muscle soreness and improved sleep quality.
Tart cherry extract is also available in capsule form with benefits such as being a source of antioxidants and helping sustain mental alertness. Some benefits of tart cherry include reducing muscle damage and soreness after exercise, regulating blood glucose levels, aiding in recovery after a hard workout, and suppressing metabolic disorders including weight gain.
A case study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports found that tart cherry juice supplementation improved cycling performance and increased sleep duration and quality in healthy adults. Another study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that tart cherry juice supplementation improved symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals.
The recommended dosage of tart cherry juice is 240-480 mL by mouth daily. The recommended dosage of tart cherry extract capsules is 2,500 mg daily. Tart cherry juice is considered safe for most people, but some tart cherry juice varieties can contain substantial amounts of added sugars, so it’s reasonable to expect the most benefits from unsweetened varieties. There are no known side effects of tart cherry.
Sources:
- https://www.singlecare.com/prescription/tart-cherry-advanced/what-is
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/tart-cherry-juice-good-for-you
- https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/2013/6/anti-inflammatory-properties-of-tart-cherry
- https://www.medicinenet.com/what_are_the_side_effects_of_tart_cherry_juice/article.htm
- https://plantvital.ca/products/tart-cherry-extract-10-000mg-dosage