Cherry Juice & Treating Arthritis
Arthritis is a type of joint inflammation that is very painful. It can be caused by wear and tear on the joints and ligaments that occurs over time, or it can be a result of inflammation within the body. When the joints become inflamed, movement is limited and pain occurs. Regardless of the cause, many arthritis treatment regimens promote the use of drugs and/or steroids. If you are experiencing mild arthritis and want to try a more natural approach, try cherry juice.
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How Cherries Help Arthritis
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One way that cherry juice can benefit arthritis is related to cyanidin. Cherries contain a phytochemical called cyanidin which, according to "Phytochemicals," is in its highest concentration in the skin of the cherry and is what gives cherries, and other dark and red fruits, their deep color. It is a powerful antioxidant that offers many health benefits such as protection from cancer, diabetes, obesity and heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory activity is another health benefit of cherries, and that is a major one in the treatment of arthritis. Researchers at the China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Beijing tested the use of cherries on rats that had arthritis, and found that they alleviated joint swelling and pain, due to the cyanidin in the cherries. The researchers conclude that cherries should be considered as a potential agent for treating arthritis. When cherries are pressed into cherry juice, the cyanidins from the skin and the flesh go into the juice as well.
How to Consume Cherry Juice
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To treat arthritis with cherries, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) reports that you would have to consume approximately 45 fresh cherries during the course of a day. While this may not seem like much, when you do it day after day it can get old. The better alternative is to drink cherry juice. You can buy fresh cherry juice, but to get the anti-arthritis benefits it should be tart cherry juice, with no added sugars or flavorings. Find cherry juice concentrate at your local health food store. Not only is it more economical, but you can add the concentrate to water or tea for a little variety.
Natural News reports that using cherry juice in the amount of 4 oz. of juice mixed with 4 oz of water in the morning, and evening, is effective in alleviating the pain of arthritis. Just be sure that you do not consume added sugar with your cherry juice, as sugar can cause inflammation, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian.
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