Tart Cherry

Tart cherries, also known as sour cherries, are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Tart cherry has been well researched to help support sleep, mostly due to its melatonin and tryptophan content.

Melatonin is a hormone known for its ability to help the body transition into sleep, with research showing it can help to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to melatonin; therefore, tryptophan can help the body increase melatonin production.

Research shows that the consumption of tart cherries is associated with a significant increase of melatonin in the body. Consumption is also associated with an increase in several global measures of sleep quality, including time spent in bed, total sleep time and total sleep efficiency. Consumption of tart cherry can also improve sleep patterns in those with insomnia.

Tart cherries also contain a rich source of special plant compounds called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. They are especially high in a class of polyphenols called anthocyanins, a pigmented compound which gives fruits and vegetables their red, purple and blue hues.

These anthocyanins have been shown to hold powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which help to calm muscles, as well as relieve muscle pain or inflammation.

Research suggests that drinking tart cherry juice can help to alleviate pain and muscle soreness. In fact, the antioxidants in tart cherry have similar anti-inflammatory properties to that of several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Consider it ‘nature’s ibuprofen’, relaxing your body from head to toe to help deliver a good night’s sleep.