What substance, which forms sharp crystals in the joints leading to painful gout flares, has been shown to decrease upon eating cherries?
Answer
Uric acid
Cherries possess notable efficacy in managing the symptoms associated with gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis. This benefit stems from their ability to actively lower the concentration of uric acid circulating in the bloodstream. Uric acid, when present in excess, can crystallize and deposit within the joint spaces, which precipitates the severe, sharp pain characteristic of a gout flare. By facilitating the reduction of uric acid levels, cherries offer a natural, dietary intervention that helps prevent these acute inflammatory episodes. This effect is part of the broader anti-inflammatory mechanism driven by the fruit's flavonoid content.
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