We have done the research to support these well know facts about cherries, but please feel free to research for yourself. We have set up a page with links to help you.
Montmorency Red Tart Cherries are known as the top super fruit for their high content of iron and levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other fruits. They also offer a decent dose of beta-carotene (20 times more than blueberries and strawberries), potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber, folate, folic acid, vitamin C, B6 and E. Each 100 grams of fresh cherries contain 5 times higher proportion of vitamin A than apples and grapes. Tart cherries have a relatively high level of melatonin, a low glycemic index, are fat-free, sodium-free and naturally regenerate hemoglobin (red blood cells).
Tart cherries contain natural anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins. In laboratory tests, research indicates that the tart cherry compounds are at least 10 times more active than aspirin. The advantage of tart cherries is that they are more effective without any of the adverse side effects of aspirin, such as stomach and kidney problems. In addition, other research has revealed that the production of a human hormone (prostaglandin) is the cause of joint pain. The production of this hormone is directly related to two enzymes (cyclooxgenase -1 and -2). Twenty tart cherries appear to provide enough anthocyanin (12 to 25 milligrams) to inhibit the enzymes that ultimately cause pain and inflammation.
Antioxidants are generally recognized as useful in the prevention of cancer, the development of cardiovascular disease and other illnesses. Antioxidants may also slow the aging process. Tart cherries are an excellent source of antioxidant compounds. There are 17 compounds in tart cherries with antioxidant properties. The antioxidant activity of these tart cherry compounds, is superior when compared to vitamin E, vitamin C and some synthetic antioxidants.
Two of the antioxidant compounds (kaempferol and quercetin) found in tart cherries are also found in several commercially prepared health products, which are used to improve memory, concentration and vision.
Among the antioxidant compounds in tart cherries, there are four anthocyanins. Recent research indicates that these cherry anthocyanins may have the potential to inhibit the growth of colon cancer tumors. Additional laboratory research on the effects of cherries on colon cancer is underway at MSU.
Disclaimer: Under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, FDA regulations state that we are not allowed to provide any diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease information. Please do your own research and make your own conclusions.
