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Cherry Magic – What Is It?
Cherries are one of today’s hottest Super Fruits. A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as dried and frozen cherries and cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times as much as blueberries or strawberries!) vitamins C and E, potassium, magnesium, iron, fibre and folate.
Research has shown that consuming cherries may lead to important health benefits - from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also have been found to help regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.
The University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Program suggests that a cherry-enriched diet may help reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The Benefits:
Cherries - are they Mother Nature's Formula for Joint Pain Relief?
To date, no other fruit or vegetable has been found to have the pain relieving properties of tart cherries
Pain Relief/Arthritis - Inflammation/Gout
For decades, tart cherries have quietly grown a devoted fan base of arthritis sufferers who routinely consumed the fruit (particularly as juice) to help soothe their symptoms. Today there is a body of research to support the cherry folklore.
Preliminary study’s have found that daily cherry consumption helped to relieve "gout attacks" and the pain associated with arthritis. After eating cherries, patients in the study had lower blood levels of uric acid. Elevated levels of uric acid are associated with the onset and progression of gout. Since then, several studies have confirmed this link. Another reason why cherries may help ease the pain of gout and arthritis is due to their high concentrations of anthocyanins 1 and 2. These antioxidants help block enzymes in the body called cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, (more commonly known as COX-1 and COX-2). Some pain medication works by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, which may explain why people with arthritis and gout experience an analgesic effect when they eat tart cherries.
“Although more research is needed to unlock all of the amazing natural benefits of tart cherries, Linda L. Patterson is a living testimony of the soothing affects of cherries on her joint pain. "I enjoy crocheting and lately my hands have been so painful, I couldn't crochet for more than about 30 minutes," says Patterson. In an attempt to find relief from her pain, a friend recommended a tart cherry dietary supplement made from tart cherries. "Within the first week of taking the tart cherry capsules my hands felt so much better," says Ms. Patterson. "I am now able to crochet without the pain in my hands."”
“According to Doctor Muraleedharan Nair at Michigan State University, lab tests show that Anthocyanins in tart cherries actually give ten times the anti-inflammatory relief of aspirin, without irritating the stomach. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants.”
Melatonin - No More Jet Lag, No More Pills
Another significant find within tart cherries is the presence of natural Melatonin. Tart cherries contain high amounts of Melatonin, at levels higher than normally found in human blood, which can help to regulate the natural body clock to promote better sleep.
Cancer
Emerging research suggests that cherries may have the potential to reduce the risk of certain cancers. A growing number of studies indicate that the anthocyanins, which provide the bright, rich red color in cherries, may help inhibit tumor development and growth of human colon cancer cells.
Perillyl Alcohol
Cherries are rich in a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol (POH). Numerous studies indicate that POH may help prevent the formation and progression of certain cancers. How POH inhibits the growth of cancer is under investigation, but the evidence suggests that POH may:
- Help rid the body of carcinogens or interfere with signals that cause cells to divide rapidly
- Help revert tumor cells back to normal
- Help reduce blood supply to cancer cells, thus starving them of oxygen and nutrition