The health benefits of tart cherries!
Are you looking for a fruit that tops all others? One with the highest levels of anti-oxidants (in comparison to other fruits), which are known for their disease fighting capabilities? Well, the secret lies in the Prunus cerasus, or better known as the tart red cherry. Notice I didn’t say cherries in general. That’s not to say sweet cherries don’t benefit you as well, they just have lower amounts of the anti-oxidant called anthocyanin. As I like to keep it short and sweet (or in this case tart!) for the readers,all you need to know about anthocyanins is they reduce oxidative stress. Production of free radicals is what we don’t want, so if we can find something to reduce this phenomenon we will be healthier because of it.
According to U of M (they finally got something right)
Tart cherries are said to have the following benefits:
- Positive effect on arthritis pain (to be more specific…it hurts less!)
- May help with memory loss and sleeplessness (thank you melatonin)
- Reduce the risk of diabetes
- Reduce the risk of some cancers
- Reduce the risk of heart disease (by lowering weight, inflammation, and cholesterol)
Still looking for a reason?
Here are a few other things to consider when pondering the question “Do I really want to be a healthier person?” This little treat also contains nineteen times more beta carotene than blueberries or strawberries. Plus tart cherries are a good source of fiber, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and folate! Talk about a whole lot of goodness packed into a small delicious fruit!
The best way to enjoy tart cherries is to compliment one of your favorite, already healthy, snacking habits. Toss ‘em into your homemade granola, top off your yogurt, maybe mix it up with some cottage cheese, or complete your homemade trail mix with the missing ingredient!
*Recommended Serving Size: ½ cup dried
Reducing your oxidative stress,
TTH
Tags: anti-oxidant, arthritis, cancer, cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, tart cherries