
How Tart Cherries Help Gut Health
Research suggests tart cherries may play a role in heart and gut health.
Gut health is a popular nutrition topic today, and there has been a sudden increase in fermented foods and probiotics that offer digestive benefits. However, scientists know that it’s not only the “good bacteria” that benefit gut health – foods rich in fiber and natural plant compounds, such as polyphenols, also have a positive effect on our microbiome. Tart cherries are a natural source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Copper. They also contain 56mg of flavonoids, including anthocyanins.

Tart cherries have been reported to exert potential health benefits attributed to their specific and abundant polyphenol content. Researchers conducted laboratory experiments to determine the impact of Montmorency tart cherries on the microbiome.
A short-term (5 days, 8 oz. daily) human dietary intervention study was also conducted for microbiota analyses. Tart cherry concentrate juices were found to contain expected abundances of anthocyanins (cyanidin-glycosylrutinoside) and flavonoids (quercetin-rutinoside) and high amounts of chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids.

A study of 27 men and women (ages 45-60 years) with moderately elevated blood pressure were randomly assigned to receive 60mL of Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate or a placebo beverage.
Those consuming tart cherry juice experienced a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure over a 3-hour period after consumption. Cognitive function and mood were not affected.

A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study of 15 men with early hypertension found that the participants who consumed tart cherry juice concentrate (60mL, or the equivalent of 180 tart cherries) experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure, but not microvascular reactivity or arterial stiffness.

We recommend replacing the juice you’re currently drinking with Montmorency tart cherry juice, or you can look for Montmorency tart cherry juice blends.
All forms of Montmorency tart cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits, but on a per serving basis, Montmorency tart cherry juice concentrate was found by researchers to have the greatest anti-inflammatory activity.
You can also try our fantastic range of delicious tart cherry recipes. Add a pop of colour, a nutrient punch and a hint of sweet-tart flavor to overnight oats, grain bowls, salads, side dishes, trail mixes and much more.