The health benefits of cherries

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Get sweet on health with cherries

Cherries are not only sweet, juicy, and irresistible, they're also good for you. A low calorie, high fibre treat, research on this mighty fruit continues to reveal promising health leads. Studies suggest cherries' positive effects on blood sugar, inflammation, heart health, gout pain, and more:

• Cherries may help lower blood sugar levels (fight diabetes)– Researchers from Michigan State University examined the anthocyanins found in cherries. The study was done on animals; researchers suggest the same blood sugar lowering effect occurs in humans.

• Cherries may help promote weight loss – With a glycemic index (G.I.) of only 22, cherries may help promote weight loss. While foods with a G.I. above 70 cause blood glucose to soar, then quickly crash, causing hunger, foods with a low G.I. release glucose into the body slowly and evenly, leaving you feeling full.

• Cherries contain agents that could help fight cancer – The flavonoids isoquercetin and quercetin and the phenol, ellagic acid, were verified in cherries. The flavonoids are known to be antioxidants, and ellagic acid appears to be a potent inhibitor to the growth of cancer cells

• Cherries may help gout sufferers– A study at the University of California at Davis showed reduced levels of uric acid after the consumption of sweet cherries. Gout, a painful disease of the joints, is associated with elevated levels of uric acid.

• Cherries help fight inflammation– A study from Michigan State University, found anthocyanins 1 and 2 in cherries. These anthocyanins have similar abilities to fight inflammation as ibuprofen and naproxen.

• Twenty cherries provide 25 milligrams of anthocyanins – Anthocyanins are antioxidants that reduce inflammation because they help shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation. As antioxidants, anthocyanins may help protect arteries from damage that leads to heart disease.

• Cherries' potassium may offset hypertension-Increasing evidence shows that a diet rich in potassium, of which cherries are a good source, may help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk for hypertension and stroke.

• Cherries may have compounds to aid in Alzheimer's Disease. Recent studies have shown the potential role of sweet cherry phenolic compounds in protecting neuronal cells involved in neurological function. Evidence suggests the need for further study into possible protective effects of sweet cherry bioactive compounds in reducing risk for, or morbidity related to, Alzheimer's disease.

• Cherries boost your fibre quota– Most people fall short of the recommended 25-35 grams of daily fibre. As a high fibre fruit, cherries help meet that recommendation deliciously.

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