Gout and Cherries

Posted by Robin on April 20, 2010 at 16:43 pm

Gout is a type of arthritis (inflammation of the joints) that mostly affects men age 40 and older. It is nearly always associated with an abnormally high concentration of uric acid in the blood. Uric acid is produced in the liver and enters the bloodstream. Under certain circumstances, the body produces too much uric acid or excretes too little. As uric acid concentrations increase, needlelike crystals of a salt called monosodium urate (MSU) form. In time, MSU crystals accumulate and cause inflammation and pain, symptoms typical of gout.

Cherries contain flavonoid compounds that lower uric acid and reduce inflammation. Cherry juice concentrate has been demonstrated to be extremely effective in reducing the pain associated with gout.

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