Cherries Are a Superfruit

Researchers from the Agriculture Research Services and University of California-Davis teamed up in 2004 to study the effects that consuming fresh cherries could have on reducing pains caused by gout, the most severe form of arthritis.

A gout attack occurs when excessive amounts of uric acid (a waste product found in the blood) accumulate in the joints. Gout patients experience inflammation and pain when this occurs.

In the study, participants ate 45 sweet cherries during breakfast, after days of avoiding other antioxidant-rich fruits, in order to study the effects cherries had on both blood plasma and uric acid levels. Researchers found that plasma levels among participants decreased significantly, and levels of uric acid removed through the urine increased. These are two signs of the immune system fighting inflammation.

Rich in antioxidants, cherries are a superfruit when it comes to alleviating pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Read more about cherries and arthritis pain relief on our blog.