The high antioxidant levels in tart cherry juice may help improve cognitive function when consumed regularly.

According to a study on PubMed, degenerative brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are thought to be caused, in part, by oxidative stress.

Tart cherries and their juice contain large amounts of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may have protective effects on brain cells.  Tart cherries reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress signals on a cellular basis, according to another study.

In one older study, consuming 16 oz (480 mL) of tart cherry juice daily improved antioxidant defenses in healthy older adults.

In another study, older adults with normal cognitive function consumed either 2 cups (480 mL) of tart cherry juice or a placebo for 12 weeks.

At the end of the study, those who consumed tart cherry juice had higher memory scores and performed better on learning tasks compared to those in the placebo group.