|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutrition

What Is Cherry Juice Used for?

Cherry juice is enjoying a surge in popularity. According to studies by researchers at Michigan State University, cherry juice is rich in antioxidants, which may help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Many people are thus consuming cherry juice, believing it will help improve their overall health as well as relieve a number of medical conditions.

  1. Antioxidant Powerhouse

    • According to a study by Dr. Robert Verkerk published in Nutrition Practitioner, a single glass of cherry juice contains as many antioxidants as 23 portions of fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants are helpful in fighting against cancer as well as heart disease and strokes. Additionally, cherries contain large amounts of an antioxidant called anthocyanin, which is believed to help ease inflammation and alleviate pain. According to Path2HealthyLiving.com, drinking cherry juice may help with conditions such as gout, back pain, muscular pain and arthritis.

    Types and Uses

    • There are two main types of cherries---sour and sweet. Sweet cherry varieties include the Bing, the Rainier and the Royal Ann; sour cherry varieties include the Montmorency, the Morello, the Marasca and the Amarelle. Sweet cherries are mostly eaten fresh or used in cold desserts, while sour cherries are used for pies and other desserts. Sour cherries have higher antioxidant levels than sweet ones, so most cherry-juice health supplements are made using sour cherries.

    Benefits

    • Antioxidants hamper free radicals, which are harmful molecules in the body that can lead to tissue damage and are also connected to cancer. The best sources of antioxidants are fresh fruits and vegetables. Cherry juice offers antioxidants in a highly concentrated form, which may be helpful for those who have difficulty in accessing or consuming large amounts of fresh food. According to Path2HealthyLiving.com, cherry juice can also help lower the level of uric acid in the blood, which is the main cause of gout.

    History

    • Several cherry species are native to Asia, North America and Europe. Cherries were brought from Turkey to Rome in 72 B.C. and soon spread across Europe. Wild cherries were growing in North America before the Pilgrims arrived and were already in use by Native Americans. Today, cherries are grown in Turkey, the United States, Italy, Iran, Russia, Syria, Spain, the Ukraine, Romania and Greece.

    Other Uses

    • Cherry juice is also popular in many culinary applications. Cherry juice may be used to make jello, pies and chilled desserts. Tart cherry juice may be used for savory sauces as well, as it pairs well with duck and pork. Some cooks even add it to barbecue sauce. Cherry juice is a common ingredient in alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, from colas to Red-Eye mojitos.

    Cherry Liqueurs

    • Cherry juice is also used in the production of cherry liqueurs. These include cherry brandies, such as Kirschwasser and Cerises a l'eau de vie; Cigliegiolo, an after-dinner cordial; and Heering, a cherry liqueur from Denmark that is aged for three years. Cherry liqueurs may be enjoyed on their own or as a mixer in drinks such as the Singapore Sling.

Nutrition - Related Articles