Updated: 11/9/23
Are you looking to up your health game? If so, cherry extract supplements might be just what you need! Obtaining the benefits of cherries is as easy as adding a daily dose of cherry extract supplements to your routine. Not only will these extracts provide added nutritional value, but they also bring with them some powerful health benefits – from reducing inflammation, to boosting immunity and more. With the simple act of supplementing your diet with a natural option like cherry extract, it’s possible to significantly enhance both short-term energy levels and long-term wellbeing. Take a look at all that cherry extracts have in store for you!
What is Cherry Extract?
As it turns out, the tart Montmorency cherry, or sour cherry, has a ton of health benefits to the human body. Although there are about 270 different types of cherries, the sour Montmorency is the most popular in many regions, including the United States.
The tart cherry is scientifically known as the Prunus cerasus and could easily pass for its sweeter counterpart, the sweet cherry, were it not for its distinctively acidic taste. Of course, there are other noticeable differences between the two varieties. One of the most apparent being that the sour cherry plant is shorter than the former. While the sweet cherry is mostly consumed wholly, the tart cherry is taken in dried or frozen form or as extracts. This includes juice, powder or even pill form.
The fruit was discovered in ancient civilization. Owing to the numerous health benefits associated with it, the cherry quickly spread to the rest of the world. It is thought to be native of Southwest Asia, where it quickly gained popularity and spread to Greece before being introduced to the rest of Europe. As technology advanced and the field of modern-day medicine widened, the fruit was studied and sold as an extract. It soon became a popular supplement to the more health-conscious part of the population.
These health benefits have made it a popular supplement throughout the world. They include relief from osteoarthritis and muscle-related pains, curing insomnia and improving digestion.
Benefits of Cherry Extract
Nutritional Benefits
This is perhaps the most popular benefit of sour cherries; they are packed with many nutrients. Some of them include:
While they may not taste as sweet as the sweet cherries, the vitamins in sour cherries are far greater than the former. They are also better antioxidants.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Tart cherry extract (especially as a juice) contains high levels of anthocyanins, which are otherwise generally seen as antioxidants. They help to slow down any damage to the body cells or stop it altogether. This means that taking cherry extract could significantly help reduce inflammation and pain, especially in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis.
This was confirmed in a study that recorded results amongst 21 osteoarthritis patients. At the end of the experiment, it was noted that there was a significant reduction of pain levels experienced by the individuals over time. Their blood tests also showed that their inflammation levels had reduced.
Boosts Energy
One of the top benefits of cherry extract is its ability to boost energy levels. This is thanks to its high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to fight fatigue and keep you alert and energized throughout the day. Cherry extract also contains natural sugars, which provide a quick burst of energy to keep you going.
Helps with Exercise Recovery
Are you always feeling sore and tired after a workout? Cherry extract could help with that. The antioxidants present in cherries can help reduce inflammation and muscle damage caused by exercise. It also helps reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery. That’s why many athletes and fitness enthusiasts are adding cherry extract to their supplements.
Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants in cherry extract can help to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and preventing damage to blood vessels. This makes it an effective supplement for maintaining good cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Aids Sleep
Cherry extract is also a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. This can help to improve sleep quality and duration, making it an effective natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Improves Skin Health
The anti-inflammatory compounds in cherry extract can also boost skin health, reducing inflammation and redness and improving overall texture and appearance. Cherry extract is also high in vitamin C, which helps to promote collagen production and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Fights Aging
Cherry extract has been shown to have anti-aging effects as well. The antioxidants in cherries help to protect the body from cellular damage and oxidative stress, which can lead to premature aging. This makes cherry extract a great supplement to add to your anti-aging regimen.
Arthritis and Gout
Arthritis is a condition whereby the affected individual experiences pain and stiffness in their joints due to inflammation. While there are different types of arthritis, most of them cause inflammation of a joint or muscle that causes the patient to experience pain and soreness in varying levels of severity.
Gout is a variation of arthritis that often occurs in people with high levels of uric acid. The acid deposits and crystallizes in the joints to form needle-like projections. These, in turn, cause severe inflammation, which leads to pain, swelling and redness. The patients administers anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the pain and shorten the duration of attacks.
A six-week experiment was conducted amongst arthritis patients to check the effects of tart cherry juice on their symptoms. They took 16 ounces of juice daily for six weeks. At the end of the study, they recorded reduced pain and stiffness.
Other studies show that tart cherry juice reduces levels of uric acid in the blood and will also reduce gout attacks by up to 50 percent. It would be safe, therefore, to say that cherry extract for gout is an effective remedy.
Weight Control
Cherry juice for weight loss and regulation of cholesterol levels is becoming quite popular. While human trials are still underway, existing studies on mice show that the anthocyanins present in the tart cherries could help fight against obesity. They are also speculated to help the body adjust their metabolism and reduce belly fat. Seeing as these studies have been on animals, however, trials on human subjects will be necessary to establish whether the extract has similar effects on them.
Improved Strength and Reduced Muscle Soreness
Several studies have proved that cherry extract could be a desirable supplement for physically active people, such as athletes.
A group of long-distance runners administers with 24 ounces of tart cherry juice for seven days. Another group was put under placebo. After a race, the former group experienced three times less pain compared to those who were under placebo.
A similar study involving marathon runners shows that those who took the juice (16 ounces daily) not only recover faster, but also experience less fatigue, muscle soreness and inflammation. It proves the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory abilities of the extract.
The tart cherry powder promotes muscle strength — a particularly valuable property to individuals in intense muscle and strength training.
May Lower Blood Pressure
One of the most impressive benefits of cherry extract is its favorable effect on blood pressure. Many studies have shown that cherry extract can help decrease blood pressure levels. In fact, a study conducted in 2018 demonstrated that consuming cherry extract twice a day for 4 weeks reduced systolic blood pressure levels in adults with early stage hypertension. Cherry extract contains high levels of potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance in the body and lower blood pressure levels. These findings suggest that cherry extract is an excellent natural solution for those with high blood pressure.
May Benefit People with Diabetes
Cherry extract may also offer benefits to people with diabetes. The high fiber content in cherries can help manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, cherries contain a natural compound called anthocyanins, which can help reduce inflammation, a common risk factor for diabetes. A 2012 study showed that cherry extract supplementation improved insulin sensitivity and reduced the HbA1c levels in diabetic rats.
Helps Combat Love Handles
If you want to get rid of the love handles, you might want to give cherry extract a try. Cherry extract contains compounds that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These two factors contribute to increased abdominal fat. A 2009 study demonstrated that consuming cherry juice can help reduce fat accumulation around the waistline. In addition, another study revealed that cherry extract can help improve lipid metabolism and fat utilization in the body.
Good for Eye Health
Cherry extract can benefit your eye health. Cherries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds can help protect the eyes from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases. A 2019 study showed that the intake of anthocyanin-rich cherry extract for 12 weeks improved visual performance and reduced eye fatigue in healthy adults.
Promotes Brain Health
Lastly, cherry extract may also be beneficial for your brain health. The antioxidants in cherries can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. These can lead to cognitive decline and brain-related illnesses. Studies have shown that taking a cherry extract supplement can help improve memory, learning, and overall brain function.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Cherry extract contains high levels of antioxidants such as polyphenols and anthocyanins, which help prevent cellular damage and reduce the risk of cancer.
Cherry Extract For Sleep
Research has shown that these compounds, specifically melatonin, can help regulate your body’s internal clock and enhance sleep quality. In one study, individuals who drank cherry juice experienced significantly improved sleep duration and quality compared to those who drank a placebo.
Cherry Extract For Arthritis
Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of cherry extract in managing arthritis symptoms. For example, a study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming tart cherry juice twice daily for three weeks significantly reduced inflammation in overweight and obese individuals. Another study conducted in 2012 found that a group of elderly women who consumed cherry juice for six weeks showed significant reductions in inflammation markers in their blood.
In addition to reducing inflammation, cherry extract also contributes to relieving pain associated with arthritis. A study conducted in 2004 showed that runners who consumed cherry juice before and after a long-distance race experienced a significant reduction in muscle soreness as compared to the control group. Furthermore, a 2013 study also found that consuming cherry juice concentrate can reduce the intensity of muscle pain and improve muscle recovery after intense physical activity.
Side Effects of Cherry Extract
Generally, the tart cherry fruit extract has not been found to have any significant side effects on anyone consuming it either as a fruit, juice or a supplement. It is safe for adults and children, but be sure not to take it in excess.
Some of the other side effects you may experience include:
Cause Digestive Issues
Although cherry extract has been praised for its inflammation-fighting abilities, the high concentration of antioxidants found in it can also cause digestive issues such as bloating, stomach pain, and diarrhea when taken in large doses. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to consider starting with a smaller dose or speaking with a medical professional before taking cherry extract.
Causes Unhealthy Weight Gain
Cherries are low in calories and high in fiber, hence, consuming the extract can lead to unhealthy weight gain effects and a feeling of fullness.
Interact With Some Medications
Cherry extract contains compounds that can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, and pain medications. This means it can either enhance or reduce the effectiveness of these medications, posing potential risks to your health. If you’re on any medications, make sure to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some people can experience allergic reactions. This can manifest in the form of itching, hives, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any allergic reactions, stop taking cherry extract and seek medical attention immediately.
Impacts Blood Sugar Levels
It is high in natural sugar, and while it’s not typically enough to drastically impact blood sugar levels, it’s still something diabetics should be aware of. If you’re diabetic, be sure to consult your doctor before adding cherry extract to your supplement regimen.
Headaches
Another common side effect is headaches. This is because cherry extract can cause vasodilation, which is the relaxing of blood vessels. While this may be beneficial for some people, it can also lead to headaches in others. If you experience headaches after taking it, reduce your dosage or speak with your doctor.
Negative Impact on Your Teeth
Like many fruit extracts, it contains acids that can negatively impact dental health. The acids can erode tooth enamel, making your teeth more susceptible to cavities and other dental issues. Make sure to brush your teeth after taking supplements, and if you’re concerned, talk to your dentist.
Precautions
There is no sufficient research and information available to confirm whether sour cherry extracts from the stem are safe. The fruit and extracts from the tart cherry fruit are likely safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women if taken in safe amounts. It is still unclear on the safety when taken in medicinal amounts. People with allergies to cherries, including anaphylaxis, should avoid taking the extract.
Is Cherry Extract Good For You?
Cherry extract is a potent supplement that can provide numerous health benefits. Studies indicate that it can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and protect against chronic illnesses. While it is generally safe for most people, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting to take cherry extract. Consider incorporating this superfood into your diet today to experience the benefits for yourself.
How Much Tart Cherry Extract Should I Take?
It’s always best to start with a low dosage, especially if you are new to taking tart cherry extract. A good starting point is 500mg per day. Once your body gets familiar to the supplement, you can gradually increase the dosage.
Where to Buy Cherry Extract
Cherry extract is widely available online and in health food stores. When purchasing cherry extract, it’s essential to look for a high-quality brand that uses organic tart cherries and a clean extraction process.
Need to find a place to buy Cherry Extract? Well, look no further than BulkSupplements.com! They’re for producing and distributing top-notch dietary supplements. Not only do they sell products to consumers, but they also supply ingredients to other brands in the food and supplement industry. You can trust that every product at BulkSupplements.com goes through strict manufacturing and testing processes. If you’re ready to give Cherry Extract a go, reach out to BulkSupplements.com and place your order today!
The Bottom Line
The cherry extract from the tart Montmorency cherry and is popular for its numerous health benefits. Current and ongoing research suggests that it is full of nutrients and properties that help promote health in the human body. Some of the possible benefits include treating insomnia, reducing inflammation and pain in people with arthritis and gout, improving strength training and reducing muscle soreness, healthy heart and brain functioning as well as aiding in weight loss. Most of these benefits are with the antioxidants in the fruit.
There are no significant side effects from people taking the extract. However, there is a high chance of suffering gastrointestinal problems if taken in high amounts or by people suffering from conditions such as Crohn’s disease and IBS. Insufficient research is available on how safe it is for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. It is advisable to avoid it or seek the opinion of a medical professional. There are still many other benefits and side effects that are still under research.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease