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Many people enjoy cherries during the summer months as a refreshing snack, but for those with gout these little red treats can also help alleviate some of the symptoms of the condition.

Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when urate crystals accumulate in your joints. Urate crystals can form when you have high levels of uric acid in your blood. Joint pain and swelling are the most common symptoms and in more extreme cases they can severely limit a person’s movement.

So, how do cherries enter into this? Among their other health benefits, cherries contain high levels of anthocyanins, which are anti-inflammatory compounds. By adding cherries to their management plan someone with gout can help prevent flare-ups of the condition or ease the symptoms when they do occur.

The key to keeping it healthy for maximum results is to use as much of the fresh, whole cherry as possible while not soaking them in syrup like many pre-made cherries treats do. Here are some whole cherry recipes you can try yourself!

CHERRY PARFAIT

Did you know that yogurt also helps gout symptoms? This 1, 2 punch is a great healthy snack and it’s very easy to make. All you need is low-fat yogurt, fresh cut cherries, and unsweetened granola. You can also experiment with adding other fruits like kiwis, which are also recommended to people with gout.

CHERRY JUICE or SMOOTHIE

This might be a bit more involved, but if you have a blender or a juicer these options are great for between-meal snacks or midday pick-me-ups. Use your juicer to get 100% pure cherry juice. If you want to add a bit more tartness to it trying adding some fresh lemon juice. If that sounds a bit too tart dilute the lemon juice with some water. Lemons are another item on the gout-friendly diet for being high in vitamin c. If you need something more substantial a good, simple smoothie recipe is combining cherries (pitted, of course) with almond milk and blending till smooth. Try adding fresh strawberries or bananas for more gout friendly fruits that add flavor.

FRESH CHERRY SALAD

Cranberry salad is a summer favorite but one substitution makes it a gout fighting winner! A simple cranberry salad usually includes arugula, pecans or walnuts, and a

goat or blue cheese. If you make sure to use a low-fat cheese, all of these items are gout friendly. Simply substitute the sweet cranberries for the sweet cherries and you’re all set!

PEANUT BUTTER & CHERRY SANDWICH

Peanut butter fiends will be happy to know that peanut and almond butter are both on the approved list for people with gout! To put a spin on an old favorite put your favorite spread on a piece of whole wheat bread or toast and add some cherry slices on top. You can also get more involved and crush the cherries into a paste or compote and for a makeshift jelly.

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