Welcome back to our series on supplement ingredients for sleep. In this article, we will be exploring the benefits and potential side effects of Tart Cherry. Many people have heard of Tart Cherry but may not be aware of its potential impact on sleep. We'll discuss what Tart Cherry is, how it affects the body and brain, and why we didn't include it in our Knocked formula.

What is Tart Cherry?
Tart Cherry, also known as sour cherry, is a type of cherry that is native to Europe and southwest Asia. The fruit has a sour taste and is often used in cooking and baking. Tart Cherry is also available in supplement form, usually as a juice or extract.

What Effects Does Tart Cherry Have on the Brain and Body?
Tart Cherry is high in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains compounds called polyphenols, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved heart health.

Tart Cherry and Sleep:
Tart Cherry has been shown to have potential sleep benefits. It is a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels rise in the evening and fall in the morning, helping to promote sleep. Studies have found that consuming Tart Cherry juice or supplements can increase melatonin levels in the body, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.

Potential Side Effects:
While Tart Cherry is generally safe, some people may experience side effects such as digestive issues or allergic reactions. Additionally, because Tart Cherry contains melatonin, taking too much may lead to drowsiness or dizziness during the day. Why

Didn't We Include Tart Cherry in Our Knocked Formula?
While Tart Cherry has potential sleep benefits, we did not include it in our Knocked formula. Our team of experts chose ingredients that have been extensively studied and proven to be effective for promoting sleep. While Tart Cherry may be a helpful addition for some individuals, our formula focuses on a combination of ingredients that work together synergistically to improve sleep quality and duration.

Tart Cherry is a natural source of melatonin and has potential sleep benefits. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone. As with any supplement, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting to take Tart Cherry. At Knocked, we carefully selected ingredients that have been shown to be effective for promoting sleep, and we stand by the quality and safety of our formula. We hope this review has been helpful in understanding the potential benefits and side effects of Tart Cherry for sleep.

Sources: 

1. Pigeon, W. R., Carr, M., Gorman, C., & Perlis, M. L. (2010). Effects of a tart cherry juice beverage on the sleep of older adults with insomnia: a pilot study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 579-583. [https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2009.0096]

2. Howatson, G., Bell, P. G., Tallent, J., Middleton, B., McHugh, M. P., & Ellis, J. (2012). Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced sleep quality. European Journal of Nutrition, 51(8), 909-916. [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00394-011-0263-7]

3. Losso, J. N., Finley, J. W., Karki, N., Liu, A. G., Prudente, A., Tipton, R., ... & Greenway, F. L. (2018). Pilot study of the tart cherry juice for the treatment of insomnia and investigation of mechanisms. American Journal of Therapeutics, 25(2), e194-e201. [https://journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/Abstract/2018/04000/Pilot_Study_of_the_Tart_Cherry_Juice_for_the.3.aspx]

4. Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., & Laugero, K. D. (2018). A review of the health benefits of cherries. Nutrients, 10(3), 368. [https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/10/3/368]

5. Bell, P. G., Walshe, I. H., Davison, G. W., Stevenson, E. J., & Howatson, G. (2014). Montmorency cherries reduce the oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to repeated days high-intensity stochastic cycling. Nutrients, 6(2), 829-843. [https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/6/2/829]