According to medical experts, uric acid is formed when the body breaks down purine - a compound found in many foods such as red meat, organs and seafood.
Normally, about 70% of uric acid is filtered and excreted by the kidneys through urine, the rest is eliminated through the digestive tract.
When the excretion process is interrupted or the body produces too much uric acid, the concentration of this substance in the blood will increase. This condition is called hyperuricemia and can lead to gout or kidney stones if prolonged.
Therefore, diet plays a very important role in supporting the kidneys to eliminate uric acid.
Cherries are a fruit rich in anthocyanins, a group of flavonoids that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds not only help reduce arthritis but also support the process of uric acid metabolism in the body.
A meta-analysis of clinical studies published on the basis of PubMed scientific data shows that consuming cherries or cherries juice is associated with reduced uric acid levels in the blood and reduced risk of gout attacks.
Researchers believe that anthocyanins in cherries can help inhibit the enzyme xanthine oxidase - an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid.
When the activity of this enzyme decreases, the amount of uric acid formed in the body also decreases accordingly.
Scientists believe that this effect is related to three main factors:
High anthocyanin content helps reduce inflammation and reduce urate crystal buildup.
Natural Vitamin C in fruit helps the kidneys increase uric acid excretion through urine.
Antioxidants help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress.
Thanks to these mechanisms, cherries are recommended by many nutritionists in the diet of people at risk of gout or increased uric acid.
In addition to helping control uric acid, cherries are also beneficial for kidney health thanks to their polyphenol and antioxidant content. These compounds can help reduce inflammation and limit tissue damage caused by free radicals.
Some nutrition studies also show that supplementing with foods rich in antioxidants can help improve kidney filtration function, thereby supporting the process of eliminating metabolic waste, including uric acid.
