What is Montmorency Cherry?

Montmoreny cherries are cherries that are typically grown in regions such as the US, Canada and France, and they appear much lighter in colour than cherries you may be used to.

The cherries themselves are very high in Vitamin C & A, antioxidants and dietary fibre, and are known to have numerous health benefits.

However, you’d have to eat quite a regular and large amount of the actual cherries themselves to really feel all the benefits, so this article will be focusing on Montmorency Cherry extract, usually available in either capsule form or a juice concentrate. 

 

What are the benefits of Montmorency Cherry?

Montmorency Cherry in its concentrated form provides many benefits, but most notably it acts as an anti-inflammatory, enhances sleep, and is traditionally used to ease the painful effects of Gout.

The anti-inflammatory properties in Montmorency Cherry can contribute to decreased recovery time, as well as joint health. Due to the Cherry naturally containing melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep cycles, it is said to contribute to a healthy night's sleep.

But how many of these claims have been tried and tested scientifically?

Here we take a look at the most commonly associated benefits from taking Montmorency Cherry, and whether there is any evidence to suggest the supplement does what it claims to.

Anti-inflammatory & Gout

In a study by Northumbria University [1] and another by University of Michigan [2], it was found that Montmorency cherries did in fact improve anti inflammatory properties in the body by lowering Uric acid levels. High levels of Uric acid in the blood can be linked to gout, as well as inflammation in joints, and both studies found Montmorency Cherry to lower levels of Uric acid. These studies were however conducted on healthy subjects, so more research could be needed on patients suffering from gout.

In another study by Northumbria University, Montmorency Cherry was found to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in cyclists after a high intensity simulated race [3]. In relation to strength exercises, the University of Exeter concluded in a 2011 study that Montmorency Cherry consumption “improved the recovery of isometric muscle strength after intensive exercise perhaps due to attenuation of the oxidative damage induced by the damaging exercise”.

In fact, there are many more studies to support the claims that Montmorency Cherry does in fact reduce inflammation, and we would recommend taking the supplement to improve recovery time, as well as if you suffer from the painful effects of Gout.

Sleep

While there are certainly not as many studies of Montmorency Cherry that focus on the sleep benefits, and more human trials are needed (particularly in comparison to the anti-inflammatory benefits), there is one we should take note of that many have referred to before.

A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food in 2010 using Montmorency Tart Cherry juice concluded that there was a positive effect on insomnia, with participants showing effects similar to melatonin or valerian root. There was however, no effect on sleep duration and other factors, indicating that the cherry may best be beneficial for those who have trouble getting to sleep. [5]

There are a huge amount of positive user reviews on Montmorency Cherry online, with many stating it without a doubt helps them sleep. However, generally much more scientific research through controlled study is needed to prove the beneficial effects the cherry may have on sleep.

Is it safe?

Montmorency Cherry extract is a natural supplement which is derived entirely from the fruits themselves, and is perfectly safe when taken in the recommended doses of around 800mg - 1500mg per day.

Your experiences with Montmorency Cherry

We’d love to hear how you get on with the supplement - does it help you sleep? Or do you use it for recovery? Join in the discussion here or on Facebook.

References

[1] Northumbria University, 2014, https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/news-events/news/2014/09/drinking-montmorency-Cherry-concentrate-reduces-effects-of-gout/

[2] Medical News Today, 2014, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/283390.php

[3] Medical News Today, 2014, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/277722.php

[4] University of Exeter, 2011, https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/handle/10871/11342

[5] Journal of Medicinal Food, 2010, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133468/