How to Eat Cherries to Cure Gout

Gout is a painful condition that causes pain and swelling in joints and surrounding tissues. An excess of uric acid in the body can lead to gout. Many physicians suggest taking medication and modifying your diet to help reduce the severity and frequency of gout.

One of the most commonly recommended foods for alleviating gout is the cherry. One cup of pitted cherries yields 97 calories, 3 grams of fiber, 20 grams of sugar and 2 grams of protein. Cherries also contain vitamins A, calcium, iron and vitamin C. Some studies have pointed to cherries as a factor in reducing inflammation and the amount of urates in the body; urate contributes to gout, and the antioxidants in cherries are thought to help fight inflammation by boosting the body's immune system.

Potentially combat gout by consuming whole cherries and by using cherries in a variety of recipes, from a tasty dinner entree to a refreshing mid-afternoon smoothie.

Things You'll Need

• Cherries
• Chicken
• Olive oil
• Cornstarch
• Orange slices
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Banana
• Orange juice
• Yogurt
• Ice

Instructions

Cherry Glaze

1. Sautee boneless chicken pieces in olive oil over medium heat until no longer pink (about 20 minutes).

2. Remove the chicken from the pan; do not wash the pan.

3. Add one 15-ounce can of dark pitted cherries and 1/2 cup of sugar to the pan. Leave a little cherry juice in the can. Bring to a boil.

4. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch to the cherry juice in the can and stir well until the cornstarch is dissolved. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir until the liquids become thicker.

5. Add several thin slices of orange (with the peel) along with 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds to the pan.

6. Return the chicken to the pan and cover it with the cherry sauce. Simmer for 5-10 minutes longer before serving.

Cherry Smoothie

1. Remove the pits from 1/2 cup of fresh pitted dark cherries.

2. Add the cherries, along with one small banana, 1 cup of vanilla yogurt, and 1 cup of orange juice, into a blender.

3. Place four to five large ice cubes into the blender.

4. Mix on high speed until the ice is crushed and the consistency of the drink is smooth and creamy.

References

• All Recipes website.
• Nutrition Data website.