Can Tart Cherries Raise Blood Pressure? A Look at the Evidence

November 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A 2018 study on older adults found that daily tart cherry juice consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, but more recent meta-analyses report no significant effect on overall blood pressure. The question of whether or not can tart cherries raise blood pressure remains a common concern for those managing cardiovascular health.

Quick Summary

The impact of tart cherries on blood pressure is inconclusive, with some studies suggesting a lowering effect, while others show no significant change. Caution is advised for high doses or interaction with certain medications.

Key Points

Not Likely to Raise Blood Pressure: Available research suggests tart cherries do not raise blood pressure and may, in some cases, cause a modest reduction.
Mixed Research Findings: The scientific evidence is inconclusive, with some studies showing a positive effect on blood pressure and others finding no significant impact.
Potential for Lowering BP: The health benefits are linked to antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and potassium content, which can support cardiovascular function.
Caution with Medications: Tart cherries can interact with certain blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers) and blood thinners, so medical consultation is crucial.
High Doses & Risks: Excessive consumption can lead to gastrointestinal issues due to sorbitol and high potassium levels, which is a particular risk for those with kidney disease.
Not a Replacement for Medicine: Tart cherry juice should be considered a dietary supplement, not a cure, and should never replace prescribed hypertension treatment.

The Misconception About Tart Cherries and Hypertension

The notion that a natural food could raise blood pressure is understandable, as many factors influence cardiovascular health. However, the available scientific evidence generally points away from this conclusion. In fact, many people turn to tart cherry juice specifically for its purported blood pressure-lowering benefits. The conflicting reports and the nuance of health research are key to understanding the full picture. This article will delve into the active compounds within tart cherries, review the studies exploring their effect on blood pressure, and outline important precautions.

The Science Behind Tart Cherries and Cardiovascular Function

The health properties of tart cherries are largely attributed to their rich concentration of bioactive compounds. These powerful ingredients have a variety of effects on the body, some of which are directly relevant to blood pressure regulation.

Polyphenols and Anthocyanins: Tart cherries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants. These compounds help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, two key contributors to cardiovascular disease. By reducing inflammation, tart cherries may help maintain healthy blood vessels.
Potassium Content: Tart cherries are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining proper fluid balance and healthy blood pressure levels. Potassium helps to counteract the effects of sodium in the body, promoting vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels).
ACE Inhibition: Some studies have suggested that tart cherry compounds may inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), similar to prescription blood pressure medications. This mechanism contributes to lower blood pressure by preventing the constriction of blood vessels.

Conflicting Research and Study Results

The scientific literature on tart cherries and blood pressure presents a mixed bag of results, which is a significant reason for public confusion. Some studies report favorable outcomes, while others find no significant impact.

Evidence for Lowering Blood Pressure

A 2016 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming Montmorency tart cherry concentrate significantly lowered systolic blood pressure in men with early hypertension, with effects comparable to some anti-hypertensive medication.
A 2018 randomized controlled trial on older adults (ages 65–80) found that those who drank tart cherry juice daily for 12 weeks had significantly lower systolic BP compared to a placebo group.

Evidence for No Significant Effect

A 2022 meta-analysis reviewed multiple randomized controlled trials and concluded that cherry supplementation, including tart cherries, showed no significant changes in either systolic or diastolic blood pressure.
Another systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2023 echoed similar findings, stating that tart cherry consumption did not significantly affect blood pressure or heart rate in the included trials.
Some experts note that the promising results from smaller, shorter-term studies might not hold up in larger, longer-duration trials.

Potential Risks and Who Should Be Cautious

While the main concern of a blood pressure increase is not supported by evidence, there are other potential side effects and interactions to be aware of, especially with concentrated products.

Potential Risks of High Consumption

Gastrointestinal Distress: Large quantities of tart cherry juice can cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort due to its sorbitol content, a natural sugar alcohol.
Weight Gain: Many commercial tart cherry juice products contain significant amounts of natural or added sugars, and excessive intake can contribute to weight gain.
Excessive Potassium: For individuals with kidney disease or potassium restrictions, the high potassium content of tart cherry juice can be problematic and lead to hyperkalemia, causing muscle weakness and heart issues.

Drug Interactions

Blood Pressure Medication: Since tart cherries may have a blood pressure-lowering effect, those taking medications like ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) or beta-blockers should consult a doctor before adding it to their diet to avoid an overcorrection that could cause blood pressure to drop too low.
Blood Thinners: Tart cherries may have an effect on blood clotting, so individuals on blood thinners like warfarin should also speak with a healthcare professional.

Comparison of Studies on Tart Cherries and Blood Pressure


Study	Population	Duration	Key Finding on BP	Reliability Note
Benton et al. (2016)	Men with early hypertension	Single Dose	Significantly reduced systolic BP for 3 hours.	Acute, short-term effect.
Chai et al. (2018)	Older adults (65-80 years)	12 weeks	Significantly reduced systolic BP.	Found significant effect in a specific population.
Khalili et al. (2022)	Meta-analysis (multiple RCTs)	Varied	No significant effect on systolic or diastolic BP.	Broader conclusion based on aggregated data.
Jamali et al. (2023)	Meta-analysis (21 trials)	Varied	No significant effect on blood pressure overall.	Found an increase in DBP in a specific subgroup.

Conclusion

In summary, the concern that tart cherries can raise blood pressure is not supported by the bulk of scientific evidence. For the average healthy person, tart cherries are unlikely to cause an increase in blood pressure and may offer some cardiovascular benefits due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potassium content. However, the overall research on their blood pressure-lowering effect is mixed and not conclusive. Individuals with pre-existing health conditions like kidney disease or those taking blood pressure or blood-thinning medications should proceed with caution and consult a healthcare provider. Eating whole tart cherries or drinking moderate amounts of unsweetened juice can be part of a healthy, balanced diet, but it should not be considered a replacement for prescribed medical treatment for hypertension.

For more information on general nutrition, you can consult reliable sources like the National Institutes of Health (NIH)(https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10559679/).

Frequently Asked Questions

No, tart cherry juice is not known to raise blood pressure. While research is mixed on its exact effects, some studies have shown it can help lower blood pressure slightly, not increase it.

Tart cherries contain antioxidants, like anthocyanins, and high levels of potassium. These compounds help reduce inflammation and combat the effects of sodium, promoting vasodilation (vessel widening), which can contribute to lower blood pressure.

If you are on blood pressure medication, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before adding tart cherry juice to your diet. It may interact with medications like ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, potentially causing your blood pressure to drop too low.

There is no universally agreed-upon dosage. Studies have used varying amounts, from 60 ml of concentrate to 480 ml of juice daily. It's best to start with a modest amount and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Yes, potential side effects include gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and abdominal pain due to sorbitol, and high sugar content can contribute to weight gain. Individuals with kidney disease should be cautious due to the high potassium content.

Individuals with severe kidney disease or those on dialysis with potassium restrictions should avoid or limit tart cherry products due to their high potassium content. Excessive potassium can be harmful to individuals with compromised kidney function.

The research primarily focuses on tart cherry juice and concentrates, which deliver a higher dose of compounds. However, whole fruit provides fiber, which slows digestion and mitigates sugar spikes. Whole fruit also offers excellent nutrients but in a lower concentration per serving.

Yes. Tart cherry juice, especially concentrated or sweetened varieties, contains natural sugars that can affect blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes or those managing blood sugar should monitor their intake and opt for unsweetened versions.