While they have a short peak season in the United States, (usually May to July), cherries are a favorite summertime snack for many. Tart cherries in particular are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce the risk of gout and other inflammatory conditions. Studies suggest consuming tart cherries may also activate PPAR (peroxisome proliferator activating receptors) in the body’s tissues, which helps regulate the genes involved in fat and glucose metabolism. According to a new study, tart cherries offer yet another health benefit that make them well worth snacking on.
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In a study published in the journal Food & Function, researchers found that daily consumption of Montmorency tart cherry juice improves memory among older adults. To conduct the study, researchers asked 34 participants, ages 65 to 73, to consume either 16 ounces of Montmorency tart cherry juice or 16 ounces of a placebo drink. The participants drank their assigned beverage every day for 12 weeks, consuming half in the morning and half in the evening. Each participant was in good health and asked to maintain their regular diet and physical activity levels throughout the study.
After 12 weeks, the participants who drank cherry juice showed improved scores in cognitive function, as well as subjective memory. Compared to the placebo group, they experienced a 5% increase in satisfaction with their memory ability, a 4% reduction in movement time and a 23% reduction in mistakes made during a visual memory task used to assess visual memory and new learning. The cherry juice group also showed a 3% improvement in visual information processing and an 18% reduction in errors made during a task used to assess memory and strategy use.
In addition to their brain-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, studies have also shown that Montmorency tart cherries can help benefit muscle recovery and even help regulate sleep patterns, thanks to the melatonin they contain. One 8-ounce glass of tart cherry juice will provide you with:
- 62% of your recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin A (about 20 times more vitamin A than sweet cherries)
- 40% of your RDI of vitamin C
- 14% of your RDI of manganese
- 12% of your RDI of potassium and copper
- 7 % of your RDI for vitamin K