My Personal Journey
It all started when I was a junior in high school. I woke up to a slightly swollen left ankle that only grew as the day went on. Every day, it would start off slightly swollen and end the day looking like it belonged on a six-months pregnant woman. Doctors couldn’t tell me what was wrong and elimination diets didn’t work. After some time, I took to the internet and decided to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet with the focus of incorporating tart cherry juice. In less than two days, it worked! Ever since, I have been using cherry juice in my diet and have included other anti-inflammatory foods as well. My hope is that if it worked for me, maybe it will work for someone else with as well. Not convinced? Look at the many benefits of cherry juice below.
Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice
It’s an Immune Booster
Do you have the sniffles? Are you looking to supplement your cough medicine? Tart cherry juice fortifies the immune system to fight off the common cold and other illnesses. If you have ever wondered why so many medicines are cherry flavored, that is why. Cherries in different forms have been used as a form of medicine for over a thousand years.
It Helps Improve Your Memory
Whether you are studying for a test or trying to remember what to write on your to-do list, cherry juice helps in the memory department. There are compounds in the tart cherry that improves the function of your brain. By simply drinking a glass a day, you are reaping benefits that have been touted in prescription medicine.
It Soothes Aches and Pains
One of my favorite times to drink cherry juice is after working out. I make a delicious tonic that helps prevent swelling and also prevents aches and pains the next day. It is hydrating and gives me loads of energy after pushing myself. Another added bonus? It increases endurance so I can work out longer and harder. It works surprisingly fast, so using it as a pre-workout and post-workout drink is effective.
It Helps You Sleep at Night
It may sound strange, but I love tart cherry juice mixed with chocolate almond milk. It is sweet, tart, and sends me straight to dreamland within 20 minutes. Tart cherry juice is calming in the right doses and combined with the chocolate almond milk creates a sleep tonic that is natural and delicious. With this scientifically proven sleep aid, there is no need to take any over the counter melatonin or other pills. It has a been a life-saver for nights when it is hard to sleep.
It Kicks Inflammation’s Butt
Studies have shown that tart cherry juice reduces the risks and symptoms of a variety of inflammation-related diseases. I even have personal accounts of relatives and friends that benefitted from it. From gout to arthritis, it helps in the treatment of and the lessening of painful symptoms. Rather than taking over the counter medication for inflammation, I would rather try incorporating tart cherry juice into that routine and see how that works for you.
Pill or Juice?
I have taken tart cherry juice in both forms. Today, I choose to use both based on time in my lifestyle. While I have found both to be effective, there have been faster results from using the drinking tart cherry juice. This is especially true in incorporating it into my nighttime routine. It does not have to be an everyday habit like me, but at least a few times a week would work. It is all about finding the best regimen that works for you. If you are short on time, try the pill from and see if it is effective for you.
If there is one disclosure I have, it is that tart cherry juice tastes…tart! Unless you are a lover of lemons and limes, it is not the most pleasant taste in the world. To bypass that taste, I tend to mix it in with naturally sweet items. Though as time as gone by, I have gotten used to the taste and can drink a concentrated version with water when the time calls for it. I have even amazed friends and family by the amount of juice I can drink! You can of course, use regular cherry juice but it is nowhere near as effective as its tart cousin.
Now that you know one of my best-kept health secrets, go ahead and give tart cherry juice a try. Like the name, it is quite tart but beneficial in so many ways. I would recommend adding pineapple juice for a sweet treat or even chocolate almond milk for the adventurous and brave. There are endless combinations to choose from, and honestly magic in a bottle.
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