Sour cherries, also called tart cherries, pack a dense supply of anthocyanins. These antioxidants give the fruit its deep red color. The cherries also contain naturally occurring melatonin, a compound rare in whole foods.
Athletes and exercisers often use sour cherry to ease muscle soreness and dial back oxidative stress after training. Many people take a concentrate or capsule near bedtime to reinforce sleep quality. Some find it offers occasional comfort for stiff joints and general immune support.
Capsules, tablets, powders, and concentrated juice are all common formats. A tart cherry concentrate can be a daily year-round staple, while athletes tend to time servings around workouts. Powder mixes easily into water, smoothies, or yogurt. The body does not stockpile its components, so daily intake is typical.
Melatonin can make you drowsy. Do not drive or use heavy machinery after taking it. Sugar can sneak into sweetened concentrates, which matters for people tracking blood glucose. Anyone using blood-thinning medication should check with a professional before starting sour cherry.