Turmeric & Tart Cherry: Your Winning Antioxidant Combo

Tart cherry and turmeric are an exceptional duo for cardiovascular and joint health. The antioxidant compounds in these two herbs have been clinically demonstrated to benefit both joints and heart health. Their ability to fight free radicals also supports wellbeing throughout the body. Let's explore how they contribute to health.

Benefits of Turmeric

From turmeric lattes and golden milk to turmeric supplements and even turmeric skincare, this superfood ingredient is popular for good reason. It provides antioxidant protection to various parts of the body, including the skin, brain, digestive system, joints, and heart.

Turmeric is renowned for neutralizing free radicals and promoting joint health, mobility, and physical function. Research also indicates its potential to enhance joint comfort and heart health.¹

Studies on curcumin, turmeric's most active compound, have shown up to a 65% reduced risk of heart health concerns among participants taking curcumin supplements. Another study suggested it might be as effective as exercise in supporting heart function.¹

However, this doesn't mean you should forego exercise, which is vital for numerous reasons. Instead, turmeric can provide additional support for heart health.¹ Pairing it with tart cherry amplifies these benefits.

Benefits of Tart Cherry

Tart cherries are among nature’s richest sources of flavonoids, including anthocyanins. These plant pigments, responsible for the berries' color, are powerful antioxidants.²

The antioxidant flavonoids in tart cherries support your body in several ways. Tart cherry protects joint tissues from free radicals, supports healthy collagen structures, and helps metabolize uric acid to maintain comfortable levels.³ Maintaining healthy uric acid levels is crucial for joint comfort and health.

Research also shows that tart cherry supports vascular function, helps maintain blood pressure within a normal range, and promotes blood vessel health, potentially due to the phenolic compounds in tart cherry.^4,5

Tart Cherry & Turmeric Together

The combined antioxidant properties of tart cherry and turmeric make this pair excellent for overall wellness, especially for joint and heart health. This synergy is why supplements often include both turmeric and tart cherry.

Interested in other powerful turmeric combinations? Read Turmeric & Boswellia: The Perfect Joint-Health Duo.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally-recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for pie. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between the pleasure and nourishment in food.

Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. It’s what inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and, ultimately, led her to BubbForest.

Sources

¹ 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-turmeric

² Tart Cherry. Michigan Medicine. University of Michigan. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hn-10009962

³ Bell, et al. Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 11, November 2014, Pages 82-90 doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2014.09.004

⁴ Keane, et al. Br J Nutr. 2016 Dec;116(11):1935-1944. doi: 10.1017/S0007114516004177. Epub 2016 Dec 19.

⁵ Keane, et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2016 Jun;103(6):1531-9. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.115.123869. Epub 2016 May 4.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Originally Published | 5/22/2019