Two glasses of specific juice found to slash blood pressure and choles
According to research, two glasses of cherry juice a day can reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. The fruit drink is rich in healthy plant compounds called polyphenols, which lower blood pressure and cholesterol and protect against cardiovascular disease.
A study of people ages 65 to 80 also found that those who consumed this beverage were less prone to inflammation and oxidative stress, which triggers serious diseases. This is shown by decreased amounts of chemicals CRP (c-reactive protein) and MDA (malondialdehyde), which symbolize processes in the blood.
Cherry juice reduced ‘bad cholesterol’ or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) by 11 percent and CRP by 25 percent in just 12 weeks. MDA levels fell three percent. It also increased the activity of a gene called OGG1, which is known to play a role in DNA repair.
Lead researcher Dr Sheau Ching Chai, a nutritionist at the University of Delaware in the US, said: “Our findings suggest that Montmorency cherry juice may be a good addition to a heart-healthy diet.”
The study involved 34 older men and women who were randomly selected to consume 8 oz of juice or a control beverage twice daily throughout the period. Dr Chai said: “Ultimately, participants in the sour cherry group had lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, as well as lower levels of certain substances in the blood that indicate inflammation and oxidative stress, including the biomarkers CRP and MDA, compared to the control group.”
Systolic blood pressure is the first number that measures the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart beats. It is normal for blood pressure to be below 120/80 mmHg. Dr Chai said: “Our participants’ compliance rate was extremely high at 94%, indicating that a cup of cherry juice twice a day can be easily incorporated and enjoyed into an overall diet.”
Montmorency tart cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen, canned, juice and concentrate forms. Its ruby red color and distinctive sour-sweet taste are due to high amounts of polyphenols, especially anthocyanins.
Dr Chai said the daily regimen of 16 ounces of Montmorency cherry juice contains only 181 calories and 34 grams of sugar. This is lower than other commonly consumed juices and soft drinks. It did not change participants’ body weight, insulin levels, or insulin resistance.
Dr Chai said: “This suggests that Montmorency cherry juice can be easily incorporated into the diet without increasing calorie or sugar intake, especially when consumed instead of sugar-sweetened beverages.”
Tart cherries, also known as sour or dwarf cherries, have become increasingly popular in recent years. They are different from sweet cherries that are consumed fresh. The juice is made from the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree, native to southwestern Asia and Europe.
It has also been linked to a number of other health benefits, such as increasing muscle strength, improving sleep, reducing arthritis symptoms, and protecting against brain disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Dr Chai, whose study was funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute, which represents US growers, said it was the most comprehensive human trial of its kind. He called for larger and longer follow-up studies to confirm the findings.
