THE PULSE

By Coach Andy
 

I have been taking tart cherry juice every day for over a month and all I can say is WOW! This was a total game-changer for me – I started noticeably sleeping better, improved recovery and increased strength. So, needless to say, I am excited to share with you the full breakdown on my new favorite nutrition hack. Keep reading…you’re in for a treat.

As a coach, I am always doing research and testing out the latest fads, diets, and workouts to provide the best recommendations for my clients. I kept hearing about ‘tart cherry juice’ from my peers and how amazing it is, so I thought I’d give it a try and see what the hype was all about.

What is Tart Cherry Juice?

Tart cherries are a more nutrient-rich and acidic version of the cherries we usually eat. You can find tart cherry juice in most grocery and health food stores. Look for one that is not from concentrate and is organic to ensure you are getting the most out of it.

How does it work?

Tart cherries contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, decrease muscle soreness, and improve blood flow. That means drinking tart cherry juice regularly could lead to better performance and recovery to get you ready to crush your workouts!

Tart cherry juice can also increase melatonin levels in the body which can promote better sleep. There are endless benefits from better sleep, aside from not being tired throughout the day, improved sleep is linked to weight loss, more focus and reduced cravings.

When should I drink it and how much?

Since tart cherry juice will promote sleep, tart cherry juice is best before bed. Dosage recommendations vary from 1-8 oz at a time. I recommend you start with less and slowly increase dosage to find the amount that works best for you. You should start to see benefits within 7-10 days.

Can I just eat cherries?

You can totally eat whole cherries and get some major health benefits, but sweet cherries aren’t as nutrient rich as tart cherries. Tart cherries are just too tart to eat and by having them in a juice, it makes it much easier to measure out the dosage every day. You would also have to eat A LOT of cherries to get the same benefit.


Tart cherry juice is considered safe for most people. However, if you are taking medication or have health concerns you should consult with a physician.