Believe it or not, an estimated 27 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease which causes stiffness, pain and inflammation. The most common type of arthritis typically affects the hands, feet, spine, and large weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees so it can be very debilitating for sufferers. Recently, researchers from the Baylor Research Institute, have found a way to use tart cherries, believe it or not, as a form of pain-relief for this common form of arthritis. Made from Montmorency tart cherries, the pills are made up of ground whole cherries and given as a soft capsule. This specific type of tart cherry is one of the best studied natural products and anecdotally has been claimed to have a helpful effect on osteoarthritis and other types of arthritis.

More than half of the patients who were part of the 2007 pilot study experienced a significant improvement in their pain and function after taking the cherry pills for eight weeks. This is very promising because the current treatment is largely focused on controlling pain through use of OTC drugs or prescription pain medications as well as NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). And as we all know, these drugs do not treat the root cause but rather, provide a temporary relief from pain at best and may even contribute to gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematologic, renal and liver toxicity. The Baylor Research Institute together with the Arthritis Care & Research Institute is currently enrolling patients in a second study, which will test cherry pills versus placebo in an eight week double blind study.

While we wait for the results of the second study, here are some ideas for you to get your fill of cherries in the meantime:
• Chop them up and serve with couscous or quinoa tossed with greens, such as spinach
• Add some dried cherries to your trail mix
• Snack on sweet frozen cherries-great in the summer months
• Add fresh cherries to your pancakes
• Whip up some homemade jam
• Roast and serve on ice cream!