Health benefits of cherries
Antioxidants
Cherries are loaded with disease fighting antioxidants. In fact the high levels are very close to blueberries, with the additional benefit of the antioxidants called anthocyanins. These provide the distinctive red color that is thought to hold the key to the health benefits locked inside.
These rich, red pigments that give cherries their color are a type of phytonutrient known as flavonoids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits.
Studies suggest that these disease-fighting pigments possess anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties. Of the 150 different flavonoids found in plants, anthocyanins appear to have the greatest antioxidant capacity. Cherries are one of the richest sources of anthocyanins, containing more than sweet cherries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are not found in blueberries. For more detail on the antioxidant power of cherries, click here and visit the ChooseCherries Nutrition report Antioxidant section (Note: Opens a PDF).
Choose Cherries Antioxidants page
Cherry Therapy ™ is an amazing source of Vitamins!
Cherries are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C, low in calories,
and virtually fat free. They are the perfect snack
or addition to any meal, yet with today's busy
life styles... Isn't it
great that Cherry Therapy is available to get you
the nutrients you need in a conveniently easy format?
1 tablespoon of Cherry Therapy concentrate is equal to approximately
340 grams of cherries with under 200 calories you achieve approximately
68% of your US Recommended Daily intake of Vitamin A, and approximately
75% of your Vitamin C!
University
of Georgia Contribution To Diet link
Dietary value, per 100-gram edible portion (raw sour/tart cherries):
|
Sour cherry |
Water (%) |
84 |
Calories |
58 |
Protein (%) |
1.2 |
Fat (%) |
0.3 |
Carbohydrates (%) |
14 |
Crude Fiber (%) |
< 1 |
% of US RDA* |
|
Vitamin A |
20 |
Thiamin, B1 |
3.6 |
Riboflavin, B2 |
3.8 |
Niacin |
2.2 |
Vitamin C |
22.2 |
Calcium |
2.8 |
Phosphorus |
2.4 |
Iron |
4.0 |
Sodium |
--- |
Potassium |
4.1 |
* Percent of recommended daily allowance set by FDA, assuming a 154 lb male adult, 2700 calories per day.
Excellently low rating on the glycemic fruit test.
Food Name and Manufacturer: Cherries, raw, (Canada) Canada
GI (vs Glucose): 22 +/-
Serve Size: 120
Carbohydrates per Serve (g): 12.5
Glycemic Load: 2.7
Time Period of Test: Time not specified
Subjects Used in Test: Type 2
Reference: Schauberger G, Brinck UC, Guldner G, Spaethe R, Niklas L, Otto H. Exchange of carbohydrates according to their effect on blood glucose. Cited by: Jenkins DJA, Wolever TMS, Jenkins AL, Josse RG, Wong GS. The glycaemic response to carbohydrate foods. Lancet 1984; 1: 388-91.
Diabetes
Tart Cherries have been thought to assist in regulating sugar levels and warding off some of the complications of diabetes. More research is showing that this may very well be fact.
The University of Michigan and the U. S. Department of Agriculture have been jointly funding a study to show the effects of extracts of anthocyanins from tart cherries were tested on mouse pancreatic cells, which produce the hormone insulin in the presence of glucose (sugar). The results have shown a 50% increase in insulin production by pancreatic cells exposed to the anthocyanins when assessed in comparison to those not exposed to them.
For more detail on this and the studies involved visit ChooseCherries' Other Benefits page
Diabetics: Each tablespoon = 2 fruit exchanges. Check with you doctor before using Cherry Therapy.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of traits that can greatly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes, so it's a serious condition that significantly affects public health," said co-author Dr. Steven F. Bolling, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, where the study was performed. "Lifestyle changes have been shown to lower the odds of developing metabolic syndrome and there is tremendous interest in studying the impact of particular foods that are rich in antioxidants, such as cherries. To read more on this study click here (Note: Opens a PDF)
ChooseCherries' Heart Health page
A recent study presented conducted by University of Michigan researchers, found that antioxidant-rich cherries helped reduce many of the risk factors for heart disease and metabolic syndrome, by:
- Lowering total cholesterol levels
- Reducing triglycerides (blood fats)
- Lowering insulin and fasting glucose levels
- Lowering levels of a plasma marker of oxidative damage
- Increasing blood antioxidant capacity
- Reducing "fatty liver"
ChooseCherries' Other Benefits page
The metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors in one person. They include:People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type 2 diabetes. The metabolic syndrome has become increasingly common in the United States. It's estimated that over 50 million Americans have it.
- Abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen)
- Atherogenic dyslipidemia (blood fat disorders - high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol - that foster plaque buildups in artery walls)
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance (the body can't properly use insulin or blood sugar)
- Prothrombotic state (e.g., high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 in the blood)
- Proinflammatory state (e.g., elevated C-reactive protein in the blood)
American Heart Article on Metabolic Syndrome
Heart Disease Prevention
Some studies have indicated a connection between the antioxidants in cherries and the reduction of risks related to heart disease and stroke.
The anthocyanins that provide cherries with their red colouring are a type of phytonutrient, which is referred to as a flavonoid. As mentioned under the antioxidant section above... These have been linked to a variety of health benefits. One of which is that they have been shown to lower blood lipids, which in turn reduces the risk of heart disease.
According to a recent study which was conducted by the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Program, tart cherries may assist in reducing a number of the risk factors for heart disease and even metabolic syndrome (syndrome X).
CRP or C-reactive protein is found in blood and is used as a marker for inflammation in the body. Higher levels of CRP are often associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Where as those with low levels are generally considered to be at a low risk. There is even evidence that "CRP may be a more important indicator of heart disease risk than high LDL ("bad") cholesterol." As noted on ChooseCherries' Heart Health page... It stands to reason that Cherries also may in turn lower inflammation associated with heart disease.
A study from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis found that men and women who supplemented their diets with 280 grams of cherries for 28 days had a 25 percent reduction in CRP levels, suggesting reduced inflammation associated with atherosclerosis risk (Kelley 2006).
For more information click here (Note: This opens a PDF)
Cancer Prevention
Research now suggests that cherries may potentially reduce the risk of certain forms of cancer, specifically a number of studies indicate that the anthocyanins in cherries may hinder the development and growth of tumors and human colon cancer cells.
Perillyl Alcohol
Cherries are rich in a phytonutrient called perillyl alcohol (POH). Numerous studies indicate that POH may help prevent the formation and progression of certain cancers. How POH inhibits the growth of cancer is under investigation, but the evidence suggests that POH may:
- Help rid the body of carcinogens or interfere with signals that cause cells to divide rapidly
- Help revert tumor cells back to normal
- Help reduce blood supply to cancer cells, thus starving them for oxygen and nutrition
For more information please visit ChooseCherries' Cancer PDF
Perillyl Alcohol "appears to shut down the growth
of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they
need to grow." said Dr. Hoyl. He then added "Perillyl
Alcohol works on every kind of cancer we've tested it against."
- Dr. Raymond Hoyl, University of Iowa Cancer Prevention Center Newsletter.
Natural "Jet Lag" combatant and sleep aide.
If you regularly travel, are planning a long trip or have trouble sleeping and feeling rested you may want to look into Cherry Therapy.
Melatonin, a potent antioxidant, which is naturally produced by the pineal gland, and helps regulate natural sleep patterns and biorhythms. Boosting your body's melatonin levels will often hasten sleep and reduce jet lag.
There are many ways to boost these levels but one of the most effective ways to do so is through cherries. Cherries are one of few known natural food sources from which one can obtain melatonin, and contain more melatonin then the body naturally produces. Cherry Therapy makes boosting your body's melatonin an easy task on a year round basis.
The juice of as little as 20 cherries contains a substantial amount of melatonin, which is needed for natural sleep patterns, and in Cherry Therapy tart cherry nectar you consume the juice of approximately 72 cherries in just one tablespoon!
Cherries are a significant source, with tart cherries supplying more than sweet cherries. For 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces) of dried cherries, tart Montmorency cherries contain 27 milligrams of melatonin compared with 7 milligrams in sweet cherries. Although known for its potential as a sleep enhancer, its reported that melatonin also possesses high antioxidant activity, perhaps being more effective than vitamin E in scavenging peroxyl radicals, one type of free radical.
NutriCoach2.com
Gout (metabolic arthritis)
Elevated levels of monosodium urate or uric acid cause crystals, which are deposited on the cartilage of a specific joint, tendons and surrounding tissues. This in turn causes an inflammation of these tissues that is very painful and sensitive.
For generations there have been old wives tales, and family remedies that said consuming cherries would prevent flare-ups of gout. Many of those who regularly suffer from gout have been consuming cherries and more specifically Cherry Therapy tart cherry nectar and in doing so have felt there was a correlation between their consumption and a drop in the number of flare-ups and pain levels associated with one.
Today there are a growing number of scientific studies to support these more traditional, natural remedies. Dr. Ludwig W. Blau who was in his own right a sufferer of gout proposed the first of these studies over 50 years ago. Dr Blau's gout was reportedly so severe that he was in fact confined to a wheel chair, and his relief came from an accidental bout of gluttony in which he single handily polished off a bowl of cherries (but who could blame him for it really). The following day he was amazed to find he was pain free, and he found with a daily consumption of cherries he was able to maintain a pain free lifestyle and even get out of his wheel chair. Dr. Blau then commenced a study to substantiate his theories about the benefits of cherries and through this study found that the patients had lower blood levels of uric acid.
Several studies have substantiated this link since Dr. Blau made that pioneering foray into the benefits of cherries. One of which was:
A study from USDA's Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis where researchers found that healthy women (ages 20 to 40 years) who consumed two servings or 280 grams of cherries after an overnight fast showed a 15 percent reduction in uric acid levels, as well as lowered nitric oxide and C-reactive protein levels (Jacob 2003).
Nitric oxide also has been implicated in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, while studies show that antioxidants scavenge this oxidant and potentially aid in the treatment or prevention of symptoms (Bezerra 2004, Remans 2005).
ChooseCherries Nutritional Report Arthritis and Gout section
It is recommended by QuickArthritisPainRelief.com to eat 6-8 Cherries a day... Cherry Therapy gives you the benefit of those cherries as well as the recommended Vitamin C as noted above. You can see this recommendation here.
Arthritis
Can Cherry Juice help alleviate the pain of arthritis?
According to researchers from Michigan State University, anthocyanins - the red pigments in cherries - are used to reduce inflammation of the joints in such products as aspirins and prescription drugs.
Anthocyanins give cherries their red color and research lab evidence shows that drinking a glass of tart cherry juice may be more effective than aspirin. While research has thus far been limited to laboratory tests, it is still unclear the level of effectiveness among the general population; However, reports from users everywhere confirm that Cherry Therapy is reducing the pain of arthritis, and other inflammations.
Recent research suggests drinking a glass of tart cherry juice might help defuse arthritis pain. Researchers from Michigan State University found anthocyanins, the same chemicals that give tart cherries their color, may have more powerful anti-inflammatory effects than aspirin. It's still unknown whether this might translate into pain relief for arthritis patients in the real world.
Research conducted at Michigan State University found that tart cherries contained the highest concentrations of anthocyanins 1 and 2 - which help block enzymes in the body called cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (popularly known as COX-1 and COX-2) (Seeram and Momin et al. 2001). Some pain medication works by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, which may explain why some people find that tart cherries help ease the pain of arthritis
ChooseCherries Nutritional Report Arthritis and Gout section
For more information on arthritis:
WomenHealthFocus.com Arthritis Pain Relief
Pain Relief
Anthocyanins found in cherries also block inflammatory enzymes, reducing pain. In fact, 20 cherries are 10 times as potent as aspirin and have positive effects on gout and arthritis pain.
As mentioned in the arthritis section...
Michigan State University found that tart cherries contained the highest concentrations of anthocyanins 1 and 2 - which help block enzymes in the body called cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (popularly known as COX-1 and COX-2) (Seeram and Momin et al. 2001). Some pain medication works by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2, which may explain why some people find that tart cherries help "ease" pain and inflammation.
ChooseCherries' Nutrition Report Arthritis and Gout section(Note: Opens a PDF)
And more specifically:
Muraleedharan Nair at Michigan State University in East Lansing suspected that the reddish chemicals called anthocyanins, found in tart cherries, might be responsible for the effect. His laboratory used standard tests to see whether the compounds inhibited enzymes targeted by painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen. He also compared the chemicals' ability to block the damaging effects of free radicals, which are by-products of metabolic processes, with those of vitamins.
He found that 20 cherries contained between 12 and 25 milligrams of anthocyanins, which were 10 times as potent at blocking inflammatory enzymes as aspirin. Cherry anthocyanins also had antioxidant effects similar to those from vitamins E and C, they report in this month's Journal of Natural Products. "If a person can consume around twenty cherries, that's enough dosage to act like one or two aspirin a day," says Nair.
As quoted in the article on NewScientist.com
The pain of Fibromyalgia?
It's a persistent, constant pain. Fibromyalgia is undoubtedly one of the most horrific syndromes inflicted on the human body. Relieving the pain is one of the main goals of medical science. It is also a reality that responds to the natural ingredients of Cherry Therapy's tart cherry nectar.
Definition of Fibromyalgia:
If you feel like you ache all over, that your muscles feel like they have been pulled or overworked, they twitch or have a burning sensation from time to time, then this is possibly fibromyalgia or FMS.
The cause of fibromyalgia has not yet been discovered but it is a widespread fatigue disorder and musculoskeletal pain in the fibrous tissues of your body. It emanates from connective tissue, tendons, muscles and ligaments.
Fibromyalgia can be treated by reducing inflammation in the muscles and strengthening them. High levels of antioxidants anthocyanin and melatonin, as contained in Cherry Therapy's pure Montmorency cherry nectar attack the inflammation and provide restful sleeping patterns to help fight FMS.
Michigan State University research studies point to the beneficial role of Montmorency cherry anthocyanins in the treatment of inflammatory pain. Read Research Report
The University of Vermont research study indicates that drinking cherry juice can prevent the symptoms of muscle damage. Read Research Report
University of Texas has a research study that demonstrates how Montmorency Cherries contain exceptionally high levels of the powerful antioxidant, melatonin. Read Research Report
Opens a PDF file