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Bowls of cherries cure gout? It's possible. But do we hear two or three cheers for cherries ?Do cherries cure gout? Cherries and gout have been linked for a long time. This intriguing question was scientifically examined in 1950 when a Texan doctor (note a Doctor) had a study published in an academic journal saying that cherries were effective against gout attacks. There were 12 people in his study, eating ½ lb of red, black or yellow cherries, or its equivalent in cherry juice. Others too, have said that cherries halt gout flares – i.e. after a long period waiting for another attack which has not come. Whether cherries can do this for everyone is an open question. Some studies have reported promising results, and there are testimonials that cherries cure gout, but many posters to gout internet forums aren’t sure or don’t think so. Along with high quantity water drinking and apple cider vinegar, cherries are the best known natural remedy for gout. Why is there at least the promise that cherries cure gout? The reason is cherries contain a sub class of flavonoids called anthocyanidins that can both block pain and reduce levels of uric acid. The same anthocyanidins are also used in the manufacture of aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, so there is a surprising similiarity between cherries and NSAIDs. How could cherries cure gout? They reduce uric acid levels possibly because their anthocyanidins inhibit xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid. Thus the body makes less uric acid and there is less to expel. These anthocyanidins are the substances that colour many fruits and vegetables so they give cherries their red, or black, colour. Cherries are high in an anthocyanidin called cyanidin (about 75mg per 100 grams) and contain smaller amounts of two other anthocyanidins named pelargonidin and peonidin. The other known anthocyanidins are delphinidin, malvidin, and petunidin. Not many have heard of them, but it’s a racing certainty that you will hear more about these substances in the future. CHERRIES FOR GOUT STUDIES A Michigan State University study, have found that the anthocyanidins and other substances (including quercetin) in Montmorency tart (sour) cherries ease pain and inflammation. Cherries have not been found to cause side effects. A small study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in the U.S. found that five hours after ten female volunteers (no males) had a cherry breakfast of 45 Bing (sweet) cherries the following changes had occurred: their blood uric acid levels had fallen slightly, (-0.5 mg/dL/ -31 mmol/L) and the levels of urate (uric acid) in the urine had risen significantly. The study found that the effect of the amount of cherries on indicators (markers) of inflammation was not as significant but still encouraging. In other studies on rats, cherries have also been found to have a positive effect on markers of inflammation. A follow up study by the ARS showed more positive results on some markers of inflammation, thus hinting again at cherries helpful effect on pain and inflammation. The meaning of these studies is that if cherries cure gout attacks only sometimes, and alleviate them more often, they can at least bring about conditions which are known to help cure gout. i.e. more uric acid is likely to be expelled. -0.5 mg/dL is not a very large reduction if you need a reduction of 4.0 mg/dL or more, to reach your uric acid target level, but that was after just one large cherry breakfast. No one has studied what happens to uric acid levels if you eat a similar amount of cherries for three months. You would probably need additional other remedies to get your uric acid levels down to the usual target of 6.0 mg/dL, at which the MSU crystals may dissolve. It’s possible that other compounds in cherries work with their anthocyanidins to increase their therapeutic effect. The darker the cherries’ colour (whether red or black, i.e. a darker red or a darker black), the more likely it is that they are higher in flavonoids. Gout sufferers are also at risk for heart disease and stroke. They need to keep their heart as healthy as possible. These studies also showed positive results on some markers of heart disease.
You can eat cherries on the diet that had a lot of success against gout in a South African study. The relevant figures for 100 grams raw cherries: Tart (sour) cherries: kcal 50; protein 1.0 grams; carbohydrate 12 grams; fat 0.30 grams. You will understand why we've given these details about cherries when you understand how this diet works...
Click on this link to learn more about this diet
If you can take delivery in the United States , Traverse Bay Farms sell an unrivalled range of cherry supplements. They also ship internationally - if you live elsewhere in the world, check out this site for cherry supplements, and their other fruit supplements. You won't find such a wide range of cherry supplements anywhere else. Click on this link or the Traverse Bay Farms image (below left). SPECIAL OFFER! FROM TRAVERSE BAY FARMS Currently you can get free shipping on the following Traverse Bay Farm products: - All Fruit Advantage Capsules (tart cherry, cherry prime, pomegrantate, wild blueberry) - Gout-Hater's Cookbooks - 4 lbs. ( 8 - 8 oz. gift bags ) Quantities of Dried Fruit including dried cherries.Order today and receive FREE SHIPPING* (in the 48 continuous United States) on the products listed above. You can enjoy the Traverse Bay Farms experience without the additional cost of shipping and handling charges.* * If these items are ordered alone, there will be no shipping charge. If they are ordered in conjunction with others, there may be a shipping charge for the other items. However, these "free shipping" items will not add cost to any shipping fee. Click on the link above or on the Traverse Bay Farm image (below left).
SHIPPING OUTSIDE THE U.S. If you live in Japan, Canada, Britain, South Korea, Australia or Ireland, Traverse Bay Farm's shipping information gives details about how much you can order, cost of shipping and the shipping time to your country.(Seven days for these countries). Also details of which of their other fruit supplements can be dispatched to you. If you live in other countries, you can email their customer service. For this shipping information scroll down to Fun,Facts and More (towards the bottom left on their home page) and click on International Customers. If you can take delivery in the U.S. we recommend the cherry extract and juice below. Standard shipping within the U.S. is $4.95 on any size of order. Swanson also ship internationally. For more details about Swanson shipping rates -click "$4.95 shipping", top right corner of the swansonvitamins.com home page.
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