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Study: Tart cherry juice improves overall sleep efficiency

May 21, 2017

The researchers attribute the sleep benefits to the melatonin content of the red Super Fruit - a powerful antioxidant critical for sleep-wake cycle regulation. Each serving of the tart cherry juice concentrate was estimated to contain the equivalent of 90 - 100 tart cherries, providing a significant level of melatonin in the juice and ultimately in the bodies of the participants.Previous research has supported the benefits of tart cherries as a sleep aid - a potentially wide-reaching benefit since nearly one-third of all Americans suffer from sleep disturbances affecting their health and wellbeing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Currently, Americans spend more than $84 million on over-the-counter sleep aids each year, leaving many searching for cost-effective ways to help manage their conditions. While more research is necessary before medical professionals turn to cherries as a sole treatment for sleep disorders, the scientists conclude that tart cherry juice concentrate could be a viable "adjunct intervention for disturbed sleep across a number of scenarios."

Go RED InsteadTart cherries in juice, dried and frozen form are packed with other powerful antioxidant compounds, including anthocyanins - the compounds responsible for cherries' bright red color. In addition to a growing body of evidence supporting the benefits of tart cherry juice as a sleep aid, research indicates that tart cherries may help reduce inflammation related to arthritis, heart disease and exercise-related muscle pain.

Source: European Journal of Nutrition