Short Answer: The best tart cherry supplement for inflammation is Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate.
Tart cherry is a dietary supplement that contains extracts from the fruit of the Prunus cerasus tree, also known as sour, dwarf, or Montmorency cherries.
Tart cherry supplements are rich in antioxidants, anthocyanins, and other phytochemicals that may have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and sleep-enhancing effects.
You can get these ingredients from eating fresh, frozen, dried, or juiced tart cherries.
But some people may find it difficult to consume enough cherries to get the desired benefits, or they may not like the sour taste of the fruit.
Also, the availability and quality of cherries may vary depending on the season and location.
Therefore, taking tart cherry supplements may be a convenient and effective way to get a standardized dose of tart cherry extract.
Inflammation is a condition that involves the activation of the immune system in response to injury, infection, or irritation.
It affects various parts of the body, such as the joints, muscles, skin, and organs. Inflammation is usually a protective mechanism that helps the body heal and fight off harmful agents.
However, sometimes inflammation can become chronic or excessive, leading to tissue damage and pain.
In inflammation, your body produces chemicals called cytokines that signal the immune cells to migrate to the affected area and cause swelling, redness, heat, and pain.
This can lead to various health problems, such as arthritis, gout, muscle soreness, eczema, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases.
If you have inflammation or are at risk of developing it, you may benefit from taking tart cherry supplements.
Because tart cherry extract has been shown to reduce the levels of cytokines and other inflammatory markers in the blood and tissues.
Tart cherry extract may also inhibit the enzymes that are involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
By modulating the inflammatory response, tart cherry extract may help relieve pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness associated with inflammation.
But not all tart cherry supplements in the market are created equal. Because the supplement industry is not strictly regulated by the FDA.
They may contain harmful ingredients like artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, fillers, or allergens.
Therefore, it is important to choose the best tart cherry supplement for your needs.
The ideal tart cherry supplement for inflammation must have a high concentration of tart cherry extract per serving (at least 500 mg) and a standardized amount of anthocyanins (at least 10%).
It should also contain no additives or contaminants and must have a third-party verification or certification for quality and safety.
Based on these criteria, the best tart cherry supplement product for inflammation is Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate.
Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate is a high-potency tart cherry supplement that contains 800 mg of tart cherry extract per capsule.
It is standardized to contain 40% anthocyanins (320 mg), which is four times more than most other products.
It is made from premium Montmorency tart cherries grown in the USA.
It comes in the form of liquid-filled capsules that are easy to swallow and digest. According to the official description, the recommended serving is one capsule per day with food.
As a nutritionist, I recommend you to take this supplement regularly for at least four weeks to see noticeable results.
You can also take it before or after exercise to enhance your performance and recovery.
Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate is a vegan-friendly and non-GMO product that has no gluten, soy, dairy, eggs, shellfish, peanuts, or tree nuts.
It is also certified by NSF International for quality and safety.
However, some people may face some minor side effects from taking tart cherry supplements.
These include diarrhea, stomach upset, headache, insomnia, or allergic reactions. To avoid these side effects, start with a low dose and gradually increase it as tolerated, and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Also, you should take it with food to prevent stomach irritation. Avoid taking it close to bedtime if it affects your sleep. Stop taking it if you have any signs of an allergic reaction.
Tart cherry supplements may also interact with some medications or foods. So you should consult your doctor before taking it if you are on blood thinners (such as warfarin), diabetes medications (such as insulin), or heart medications (such as beta-blockers).
Avoid taking it with grapefruit juice or alcohol as they may increase its effects or side effects. Monitor your blood sugar levels if you are diabetic as it may lower them
You can store tart cherry supplements in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Do not use it if it is expired or damaged.
On Amazon, Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 7000 reviews.
Most people praise its effectiveness for reducing inflammation, pain, gout symptoms, muscle soreness, and insomnia. Some people complain about its high price, large capsule size, or unpleasant taste.
To overcome these complaints, you can look for discounts or coupons to save money and cut the capsule and mix the liquid with water or juice to make it easier to swallow. You can also add some honey or lemon to mask the taste.
Here is my discounted affiliate link to buy Sports Research Tart Cherry Concentrate from Amazon with:
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Finally, remember, tart cherry is not a cure for inflammation. It is only a supplement that may help with some symptoms or complications.
You should always follow your doctor’s advice and maintain a healthy lifestyle to manage your condition.
