- Gastroenterologist Joseph Salhab, D.O., endorses tart cherry juice for enhancing gut health.
- Its rich content of polyphenols and antioxidants aids in alleviating gut inflammation.
- This juice also serves as a natural source of melatonin, potentially improving sleep quality.
If you’re searching for a beverage beneficial for your gut, Dr. Joseph Salhab recently highlighted tart cherry juice on Instagram, noting its multifaceted health benefits, particularly for gut health.
“I typically avoid most fruit juices, as they often strip away the beneficial compounds,” Salhab stated. “Yet, I make an exception for juices abundant in antioxidants and polyphenols, like tart cherry, cranberry, and blueberry juice.”
This physician champions tart cherry juice, citing recent studies indicating its effectiveness in lowering inflammatory markers in individuals with inflammatory gut conditions, likely due to its high anthocyanin and chlorogenic acid levels.
As Salhab elucidates in his video, “Gut bacteria utilize polyphenols to generate anti-inflammatory compounds.”
Moreover, he enjoys this juice at night for its melatonin content, suggesting dilution with ice water for a refreshing and soothing evening drink.
Whether consumed neat or diluted, tart cherry juice can be enjoyed in various creative ways, such as in a mocktail, provided it is 100% juice without added sugars.
Salhab warns against high-calorie juices and emphasizes moderation, as excessive added sugars can lead to chronic fatigue and weight gain, while naturally occurring sugars can provide essential nutrients.
Vocabulary List:
- Polyphenols /ˌpɒliˈfiːnɒlz/ (noun): A type of antioxidant found in plants that is believed to have health benefits.
- Antioxidants /ˌæntiˈɒksɪdənts/ (noun): Substances that inhibit oxidation thereby preventing cell damage.
- Inflammation /ˌɪnfləˈmeɪʃən/ (noun): A biological response to harmful stimuli often resulting in redness heat and swelling.
- Melatonin /ˌmel.əˈtoʊ.nɪn/ (noun): A hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles often used to improve sleep quality.
- Dilution /daɪˈluːʃən/ (noun): The process of reducing the concentration of a substance in a solution.
- Moderation /ˌmɒdəˈreɪʃən/ (noun): The avoidance of excess or extremes particularly in behavior or consumption.