THE TART CHERRY JUICE STORY

For decades, Michigan residents have incorporated tart cherry juice concentrate into their diet.  Some people claimed that it would help to relieve their pain caused by inflammation.  During the 1980's, by the mainstream medical community dismissed the fact that a natural product could offer the same benefit as a medication drug.  But as more and more consumers began using tart cherry juice concentrate, the word began to spread.  In 1999, Newsweek Magazine wrote an article on a Michigan farmer where many people came to buy tart cherry juice concentrate .  After this article, media coverage and awareness increased, thus encouraging researchers to investigate what consumers were claiming. 

The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI)  spearheaded much of the extensive research to better understand the science behind what many customers already believe.  "Ongoing research shows that tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, including melatonin, which may help to relieve the pain of arthritis, gout and possibly fibromyalgia . To date, no other fruit or vegetable has been found to have the pain relieving properties of tart cherries. In addition, the antioxidants in tart cherries can help fight cancer and heart disease. Research also shows that tart cherries contain significant amounts of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that is considered more potent that vitamins C, E, and A because it is soluble both in fat and water." (Source: CMI)

          Despite the extensive research conducted, tart cherry juice concentrate is not considered a "drug" and should not be sold as one.  The Food & Drug Administration (FDA)  has voiced concern that individuals are purchasing and drinking tart cherry juice concentrate for pain relief instead of purchasing registered medications.  In October of 2005, the FDA sent warning letters to farmers alerting them to the regulations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.  While FDA has prevented farmers from labeling or marketing their product for any form of medical purpose, individuals may still purchase tart cherry juice concentrate.  Ultimately, it is the individual who can read the scientific research and then try tart cherry juice.  The individual consumer is best suited to make the choices that are in their own best interest.

TartCherryJuice.com is intended to be an informational page where consumers can learn about the Tart Cherry Juice Story.  TartCherryJuice.com does not sell tart cherry juice.