Montmorency Cherries – What are the Health Benefits ?

WHAT ARE MONTMORENCY CHERRIES ?

The Montmorency Cherry is a variety of sour cherry grown in Canada, France and the United States. Their sweet, juicy characteristics mean they are  used extensively in jams, preserves and cherry pies. They are also marketed as concentrated juice, capsules and in the dried form. They contain naturally occurring plant compounds called phenolics which have anti-oxidant and anti - inflammatory properties. The main phenolic is called anthocyanin.

WHAT BENEFITS DO MONTMORENCY CHERRIES OFFER FOR MY HEALTH ?

1. Reduce Inflammation : Working in the same way as aspirin and non-steroidal anti -inflammatory medications anthocyanins can block the production of inflammatory compounds called prostaglandins.

2. Help induce sleep:  Cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a compound essential for regulating our sleep cycle

3. Aid in muscle recovery ;  The anthocyanin properties of cherries are thought to reduce the symptoms of muscle damage caused by running and intense workouts.

4. Lower Blood Pressure:  Anthocyanidins also help regulate fat and glucose levels, thereby reducing the risk factors for high cholesterol, diabetes and raised blood pressure. Cherries are a good source of potassium which can help to lower blood pressure by getting rid of excess sodium. In a research project a group of people who took 60ml concentrated cherry juice diluted in 100ml water saw a 7% reduction in their blood pressure readings within 3 hours.

5. May reduce symptoms of Gout : Gout occurs when excess uric acid crystallises in the joints. It is thought that drinking cherry juice can help clear excess uric acid from the body thereby reducing symptoms.

CAN I TAKE MONTMORENCY CHERRIES AS A JUICE ?

Yes most people find the most convenient way is by using the concentrated juice which can be diluted with water to suit your personal taste.

I HAVE HEARD CHERRY JUICE CAN HELP WITH MY BLOOD PRESSURE – IS THIS TRUE ?

Early research has been very encouraging and supports the theory that drinking cherry juice daily can significantly reduce our blood pressure and more work is being done on this.

DOES MONTMORENCY CHERRY JUICE CONTAIN A LOT OF ANTIOXIDANTS ?

Yes  - the main health  benefits of cherry juice come from the high levels of antioxidants that fight free radical damage in the body and protect our cells

CAN TAKING CHERRY JUICE HELP WITH ARTHRITIS AND JOINT PROBLEMS ?

Early studies have confirmed that the anthocyanins in cherry juice have an anti-inflammatory activity which seems to significantly help the pain associated with osteoarthritis and other muscle and joint problems. This is good news for the many sufferers as traditional pain relieving medications have undesirable side effects such as gastric bleeding and doctors are becoming more cautious in prescribing them.

WHICH BRANDS DO YOU STOCK THAT CONTAIN MONTMORENCY CHERRIES ?

We stock several brands that contain the Montmorency cherry. The most popular brand at Natures Healthbox is CherryActive

We hope you have found this blog interesting and informative and if so we urge you to look at the range of products we stock including concentrated juices, capsules, dried fruit and a supplement called Cherry Night to help with your sleeping pattern. As always we would be delighted to hear about your experiences whilst using products containing Montmorency Cherries.