Consumption of tart cherry juice provides older adults greater protection against the development of heart disease, cancer and age-related cognitive decline, according to a research study published in August 2009 by the Journal of Nutrition. In the study, "Tart Cherry Juice Decreases Oxidative Stress in Healthy Older Men and Women," researchers Tinna Traustadóttir, Sean S. Davies, Anthoney A. Stock and others investigated whether the consumption of foods high in anthocyanins is associated with improved health, in particular if the consumption of tart cherry juice (high in anthocyanins) improves the ability of older adults to resist oxidative damage.

Carcinogens, harmful substances in air, water and foods, may damage the body's cells, triggering changes that may lead to cancer. Tart cherry juice offers more than anthocyanins; it is loaded with three disease-fighting chemicals that may be beneficial for halting cell transformation (that often leads to cancer). These powerful chemicals are perillyl alcohol, limonene and ellagic acid. Citrus peel offers limonene and berries offer ellagic acid, but only cherries offer all three chemicals. They are particularly protective against cancers of the breast, lung, liver and skin. #cherrishyourhealth

Health Benefits of Tart Cherry Juice