Tart cherries may help reduce chronic inflammation, especially for the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating joint pain and arthritis, according to new research from Oregon Health & Science University presented at the American College of Sports Medicine Conference (ACSM) in San Francisco, Calif.1 In fact, the researchers suggest tart cherries have the "highest anti-inflammatory content of any food" and can help people with osteoarthritis manage their disease.
Along with providing the fruit's bright red color, the antioxidant compounds in tart cherries - called anthocyanins - have been specifically linked to high antioxidant capacity and reduced inflammation, at levels comparable to some well-known pain medications.