Did you know that cherries are rich in anthocyanins? In fact, Montmorency tart cherry juice contains up to 25ng of anthocyanins per serving. These natural pigments are responsible for the red, purple and blue colors of many fruits and vegetables and act as pain relievers that provide similar relief to aspirin. How is this possible? The anthocyanins found in cherries block inflammatory enzymes in the body and may help to reduce pain associated with arthritis, gout and een headaches. Fresh cherries also work to relieve pain. just 20 cherries have been found to naturally offer as much pain relief as a single aspirin.

Cherries have been a popular food for centuries, and now research is demonstrating an amazing array of nutritional benefits derived from a diet that includes tart cherries and cherry juice.

SUPER FRUIT POWER;  Tart cherries contain more disease-fighting antioxidants tha most other fruits. Filled with numerous immune-boosting vitamins and minerals, tart cherry juice, due to its nutritional profile, is hard to beat!

HEART-HEALTH BENEFITS:  Like apples, tart cherry juice is an excellent source of quercetin, a powerful antioxidant which has been linked to reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Potassium is also abundant in a glass of tart cherry juice; it helps to maintian healty blood presure.

SLEEP-ENHANCING:  Tart cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin, an antioxidant produced by the body that helps to regulate naturl sleep patterns. This all-naturl nightcap may also help travelers ease the symptoms of jet lag.

Tart cherry juice tastes like fresh cherries – there’s no added sugar. Like most 100% fruit juice, it’s crisp and refreshing and offers a fresh cherry taste year-round. For a single serving, mix 2 tablespoons (one ounce) of cherry juice concentrate with 6 to 8 ounces of water. One quart of concentrate should last about a month! Keep the juice in the freezer before using it – it will not freeze solid. A carton of tart cherry juice can be stored up to one year in the freezer or as longa as 6 months in the refrigerator.

Article by Amanda Jochum, RD, LMNT – Hy-Vee Dietician