Medical Uses of Montmorency Cherry Powder

The Montmorency cherry is a large, bright red cherry grown in several regions of the United States. Also called sour and tart cherries, Montmorency cherries are popular in America. Cherries have a short growing season, so many people use cherry juice or cherry powder to reap the health benefits of the fruit. Montmorency cherries have been the focus of many scientific studies proving that cherries can be useful for treating several different medical conditions.

Arthritis

• Montmorency cherries have more anti-inflammatory properties than any other food, including blueberries, pomegranates and other fruits. A study conducted by the Oregon Health and Science University in 2009 revealed that anti-inflammatory properties found in Montmorency cherries contain the same pain-fighting chemicals as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. The study, which measured pain and inflammation levels in a group of marathon runners, found that the runners who drank cherry juice experienced less pain and inflammation. Cherry supplements could help arthritis sufferers looking for pain relief without the side effects of pain medicines.

Heart Disease

• Cherries contain powerful antioxidants -- called anthocyanins -- that give cherries their deep red color and help shield the heart from the dangerous effects of oxidation and inflammation. A study done by the University of Michigan in 2009 showed that adults who ate Montmorency cherries experienced a substantial increase in five different antioxidant powerhouses. The study showed that the antioxidant properties in cherries make it into your bloodstream to deliver many heart healthy benefits, including lower inflammation levels and a reduction in heart disease risks.

Insomnia

• Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects over 40 million Americans, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Insomnia is described as having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. A study group comprised of volunteers from the University of Pennsylvania, Rochester University and the VA Center of Canandaigua found that tart cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that helps reset the body's biological clock for sleep. Study participants reported a significant reduction in insomnia severity while taking cherry supplements. More research is needed to establish Montmorency cherry powder's effectiveness for insomnia, so ask your physician if cherry supplements could help your sleep condition.

Diabetes

• Diabetes is an endocrine disorder characterized by the body's inability to break down sugar in the bloodstream. Diabetes increases your risk of coronary artery disease and other cardiac disorders. New studies show that tart cherry powder may help reduce the effects of diabetes. Studies conducted by the University of Michigan's Cardiovascular Center showed that rats given Montmorency cherry powder had lower levels of the chemicals that contribute to heart disease and diabetes. In addition, the rats who received cherry powder did not gain body fat compared to the untreated rats that developed body fat and gained weight. Blood tests for the treated rats also showed lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, which add to the dangerous complications of diabetes. As always, consult your physician before taking any new supplement.