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Cardiovascular / Heart Health
Recent studies indicate the powerful antioxidants in cherries, known as anthocyanins, may play a role in reducing inflammation and risk factors for heart disease.
The latest research conducted by the University of Michigan suggests even more reasons to choose cherries for heart-health benefits. Specifically, the study revealed a cherry-enriched diet might help lower body fat, total weight, inflammation and cholesterol – all major risk factors for heart disease. While inflammation is a normal process the body uses to fight off infection or injury, according to recent science, a chronic state of inflammation could increase the risk for diseases and may be especially common for those who are overweight or obese, at least in part because of excess weight around the middle.
According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.
This new research is the latest linking this red hot “Super Fruit” to protection against heart disease and inflammation. In this new animal study, at-risk obese rats fed a “Western diet” (high in fat, moderate carbohydrates) with tart cherry powder showed a significant decrease in body weight and fat while maintaining lean muscle mass. After twelve weeks, the cherry-fed rats had 14 percent lower body fat compared to the other rats (cherry-fed rats were approximately 54% body fat; rats eating the Western diet alone were 63% body fat). The cherry-enriched diets also reduced total cholesterol levels and two known markers of inflammation- both linked to increased risk for heart disease. The researchers suggested cherry consumption could have an effect on important fat genes and genetic expression.
A Natural Way to Fight Jet Lag
Try adding cherries to your diet.
It takes mere seconds to reset our watch to a different time zone after an international flight, but it takes longer for our body’s internal time clocks to adjust. Frequent travelers often stash a bottle of melatonin in their carry-on bag to help fight jet lag, but now they may have a more natural and tasty way to prepare for the trip: cherries.
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 world’s 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.
The Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC scale is used to measure antioxidant powers and CHERRish juices have received ORAC’s highest rating from the Brunswick Laboratory. This means that they are the best juices out there to ensure you receive your daily amount of antioxidants. CHERRish Juice is also high in anti-inflammatory properties, and is certified Kosher.
