Tart cherries have many benefits. Here’s 4 reasons to add them to your meals and best ways to consume them.
The post Love at First Bite: The Science Behind Tart Cherry Benefits appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.
The perfect pick-me-up that will love you back… tart cherries! These gorgeous, deep red beauties aren’t just lovely to look at, they’re also chock-full of good-for-you nutrients that support your health goals from the inside out (1). Whether you enjoy them dried, frozen, or as a juice, tart cherries are a simple (and delicious) way to show your body a little extra care.
From their role in lowering inflammation to supporting sleep health, there’s a benefit this superfood provides that we’re certain will spark your interest (2,3,4). Research-backed and a favorite among our dietitians, tart cherries punch well above their weight when it comes to everyday wellness.
Read on for the reasons our dietitians love tart cherries and how they, too, can support your health long after the Valentine’s chocolates are gone.
What are Tart Cherries and What Makes Them a Functional Food?
Dark, deep red cherries are a familiar summertime staple in markets across the nation (5). These are sweet cherries. One bite in, they taste just like candy. They’re juicy, refreshing, and undeniably delicious (5). But there’s another cherry variety worth getting to know: tart (or sour) cherries. These beauties are a brighter, more vibrant red and contain less sugar than their sweet counterparts (5). And while they may be tangier, don’t let that fool you. Tart cherries pack a more powerful punch of phytochemicals that give them the stellar health benefits we’ve come to know and love (5).
So what makes tart cherries so special? From inflammation support to logging more sleep, they’ve earned their superfood status for good reason (2,3,4). Here’s why.
1. They’re Full of Antioxidants – Helping Lower Inflammation
Tart cherries have earned their superfood status for a big reason: their antioxidant power. They’re packed with all sorts of good stuff, like anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamins, beta-carotene, ellagic acid, and chlorogenic acid (1). Think of these compounds as your body’s little cleanup crew, kicking out free radicals (the pesky troublemakers that can build up over time and cause inflammation) (2).
Research shows that adding tart cherry juice to your diet can help lower inflammation, making these vibrant little fruits a top pick for anyone looking to support overall health (2).
2. They’re A Natural Boost for Better Sleep
Struggling to log adequate zzz’s? You’re definitely not alone. Have you tried sipping on tart cherry juice before bed? If not, consider this your invitation to whip up that “sleepy girl” mocktail you’ve seen floating around social. Tart cherries naturally contain melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate your sleep-wake cycle (3). And science backs it up: studies show people who drank tart cherry juice experienced better-quality sleep than those who didn’t (3).
The bright side? It can’t hurt to try some tart cherry juice! Just be sure to log it in your MyFitnessPal app to account for the ~80 calories in a 4-oz serving (6). Sweet dreams.
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