We are well aware of the importance of what we eat when it comes to our health and wellbeing. Our diet can have a huge impact on our risk for certain conditions, including those that are potentially fatal.
Although health bodies and experts agree that maintaining a healthy, balanced diet consistently is the key to staying healthy, research has shown that just drinking two glasses of juice daily could be powerful enough to slash your chances of some deadly medical emergencies.
According to one study, consuming tart cherry juice could significantly lessen your risk of a stroke or heart attack.
This is because the fruit drink is rich in healthy plant compounds called polyphenols that lower blood pressure and cholesterol – protecting against cardiovascular disease.
The findings, which were published in Nutrients journal, also found those consuming the beverage were less prone to inflammation and oxidative stress that trigger serious illness.
As part of the study, a team – led by the University of Delaware in the US, investigated the effects of cherry juice on 34 men and women aged between 65 and 80.
They either consumed 480ml of the juice daily or a control drink over a 12-week period.
It was discovered that the cherry juice slashed “bad cholesterol” or LDL (low-density lipoprotein) by 11 percent.
Lead researcher Dr Sheau Ching Chai, a nutritionist at Delaware University in the US, said: “Our findings suggest Montmorency tart cherry juice may be a good addition to a heart-healthy diet.”
She continued: “At the end participants in the tart 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 of CRP and MDA, compared to the control group.”
High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are both two huge contributing factors to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular disease, which is one of the biggest killers in the UK and worldwide.
When compared to other types of juices and soft drinks, cherry juice may also be better if you want to avoid weight gain.
Dr Chai said 16 ounces of Montmorency tart cherry juice contain only 181 calories and 34 grams of sugar.
This is lower than other commonly consumed fruit juices and soft drinks.
However, in the study it was not found to change the participants’ body weight, insulin levels or insulin resistance.
Dr Chai added: “This suggests Montmorency tart cherry juice can easily be incorporated into the diet without increasing calorie or sugar intake – especially if consumed in place of sugar-sweetened beverages.”
It is important to note that tart cherries, which are also known as sour or dwarf cherries, are different to sweet cherries that are enjoyed fresh.
Dr Chai called for larger and longer follow-up studies to confirm the findings.
The study was funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute that represents US growers.
“The compliance rate of our participants was quite high, at 94 percent, suggesting a cup of tart cherry juice twice a day can easily be incorporated and enjoyed in an overall diet,” Dr Chai added.
Other studies on tart cherry juice have also found that the drink could help promote better sleep.
