6. Helps you sleep better
If trying to drift off to sleep seems like a nightmare, then cherries could be the answer. Tart cherry juice contains high levels of phytochemicals, including melatonin. Researchers at Northumbria University in the UK collected 20 volunteers for a sleep study. Some consumed tart cherry juice concentrate, while others consumed a placebo, for seven days. The study found that those who consumed cherry juice showed total melatonin content significantly elevated.
Melatonin is a hormone created by the pineal gland. It helps control sleep and wake cycles. Drinking cherry juice leads to significantly more time spent in bed, total sleep time and sleep efficiency. The study suggests that tart cherry juice can improve sleeping patterns and help people improve disruptive sleep patterns.