The Power of Red
Tart cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins- which provide the distinctive red color and may hold the key to the benefits locked inside (chandra 1992, Wang 1997, 1999). Studies suggest that these disease-fighting pigments possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties (Blando 2004). Tart cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins.
Cherries are amazing little RED fruits that pack a punch! Just looking at the research coming through the pipes of the Internet, we read many of the health benefits that they have to offer, such as;
Cherries are one of the few known food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant produced naturally by the body's pineal gland that helps regulate biorhythm and natural sleep patterns. Scientists have found melatonin-rich tart cherries (commonly enjoyed as dried, frozen, juice or concentrate) contain more of this powerful antioxidant than what is normally produced by the body. Eating cherries can be a natural way to boost your body's melatonin levels to hasten sleep and ease jet lag.
According to Russel J. Reiter, PhD, a nutrition researcher at the University of Texas Health and Science Center and one of the worlds leading authorities on melatonin, try eating dried cherries one hour before desired sleep time on the plane. After arrival, consume cherries one hour before desired sleep each night for at least three consecutive evenings.
Michigan State University has been researching the benefits of cherries and they have found that they are known to reduce the pain of arthritis, gout and headaches. The anthocyanins and antioxidants in cherries are amazing. It may not be a cure - but it certainly does relieve pain. The red pigments in cherries contain natural anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are anti-inflammatory pain relievers 10 times stronger than aspirin or ibuprofen. They help shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place.
Tart cherries have also been found to aid
kidney stones
gallbladder ailments
tooth decay
preventing varicose veins
reducing cholesterol
reducing the risk of heart attack
helping with sleep
reducing the risk of cancer
reducing inflammation
reducing headaches
There is also evidence that cherries are so powerful they may reduce the risk of cancer by fifty percent. "Preliminary research is showing they contain unique plant chemicals that can prevent and treat many of today's worst health problems," says University of Iowa biochemist Raymond Hohl, M.D., at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. "It appears that cherries shut down the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they need to grow," explains Dr. Hohl.
Antioxidants found in Tart Cherries
The same chemicals that give tart cherries their color may relieve pain better than aspirin and ibuprofen. Cherries may provide antioxidant protection comparable to commercially available supplements, such as vitamin E and vitamin C.
Eating about 20 tart cherries per day could reduce inflammatory pain and benefit the consumer with antioxidant protection. Twenty tart cherries contain 12 to 25 milligrams of active antioxidant compounds Date posted: 2/1/1999. Source: American Chemical Society .
~Painting your Plate Red~
Choose a cherry muffin over a blueberry, add them to your tossed salad, for breakfast add them to your oatmeal or yogurt, they work wonderfully with rice or pasta dishes, I put them in my chicken salad (white chicken meat, celery, walnuts, and dried cherries! WOW), or eat them straight out of the bag (dried or fresh, it's your call here!)
Get out and get your cherries! There are easy ways to incorporate cherries into your diet, whether you drinking on the run (grab the 100% cherry juice), taking the supplement, or adding the berries to your food, it can't get easier and the benefits are numerous!
There is even a Cherry Festival
http://www.cherryfestival.org/cherries/health.php
And, for more great info and news on cherries check out http://www.choosecherries.com/
Top picture: http://www.idletype.com/index.php/image/bowlofcherries/
So, whether you are into Wild, Tart or Sweet cherries,get Inspi(red),
these little RED Fruits have a lot to offer!
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