Little Step No. 17
What to do:
Add a dash of tart cherry juice to a glass of water to support your sleep
Why this step works:
This gorgeous sunshine has been making me think of new ways to add flavour and extra nutrition into cold drinks. And this little step fits the bill perfectly!
Simply add a dash of tart cherry juice to still or sparkling water for an occasional change to plain water. Or for more of a treat (that's a bit like a super-healthy Pimms!), do what I did here and mix with chopped fresh fruit (apple, lemon, orange), fresh mint, ice & sparkling water.
Why tart cherry juice?
Tart (montmorency) cherry juice has been the subject of much research in recent years. It contains high levels of plant compounds called flavonoids which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
A lot of research has focused on its usefulness in supporting recovery after exercise. What I've found particularly interesting about tart cherry juice though is its potential to support our bodies' production of melatonin - a hormone that is produced in the evening and is essential for helping us to drift off to sleep. In one study, researchers found that consumption of tart cherry juice actually increased melatonin production and resulted in increased total sleep time too.
My favourites are Biona organic tart cherry juice or Active Edge cherry juice concentrate. Not only does it make a delicious long drink in the sunshine but it’s a great way to boost your intake of antioxidant & anti-inflammatory plant compounds, and may even help to support better sleep too.
Enjoy this lovely sunshine x