Strong evidence from research studies indicates that tart cherries may help in pain relief, fight against certain cancers and have neuro protection capabilities.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins hospital in Baltimore Md. discovered that anthocyanins in tart cherries provided a significant reduction of painful inflammation. Scientists believe this is possible because anthocyanins are able to counteract stress brought on by an inflammatory attack.
Anthocyanins occur in all higher plants, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and fruits. Anthocyanins are water-soluble vacuolar pigments that may appear, red, purple, or blue depending to pH.
Tart cherries regardless how they are consumed either fresh, canned, frozen or juices are very rich in nutrients particularly in powerful flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in plants fulfilling many functions including producing yellow or red/blue pigmentation in flowers and vegetables. Consumers and food manufacturers have become interested in flavonoids for their medicinal properties, especially their potential role in the prevention of cancers and cardiovascular disease. Raspberries, blue berries, black berries, purple plums, red grape, oranges, choke berry, blackberry, blackcurrant, redcurrant, red wine are all rich in anthocyanins.
Another possible benefit of tart cherries is that they may help reduce muscle pain. Men who added tart cherry juice into their diet who also exercised vigorously reported a reduction in muscle pain. This indicates a decreasing amount of muscle damage normally found after a hard workout.
Additionally tart cherries hold much promise in reducing the risk of colon and breast cancers. Scientists have suggested through studies that anthocyanins found in tart cherries and other fruits and vegetable rich in flavonids actually stop the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of proteins needed for their development. Studies indicate that tart cherries diminish the growth of 2 human cancer cells lines.
Remarkably tart cherries are also rich in melatonin which is a chemical released in the body by the pineal gland and helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
Also, cherries offer protection against gout a painful condition when sharp urate crystals accumulate in the joints. Studies show that women who ate Bing cherries had a significant reduction in their serum urate levels.
Tart cherries are delicious and can be eaten as is or added to a salad. Cherries can be canned, dried, or juiced. Cherries make great pies, tarts or crushed as an ingredient in cakes. Also cherries can made into smoothies with ice and a blender. Personally I like eating them right off the tree.
As with all fruits and vegetables organic is always best and be very sure to thoroughly wash with clean cold water before eating.
Tart cherries are a wonderful way to help your immune system stay strong and at the same time enjoy God’s bounty by eating this wonderful tasting fruit. Enjoy!
