Nutrition

For a small fruit the tart cherry offers a huge array of health benefits. Cherries are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but they are low in fat and calories. The cherry is a member of the Rosaceae family. Other members of this fruit family include plums, peaches and apricots. The cherry is one of the most popular flavors of not only adults but many children too. The reason is simple that is the favorite of many it is because it offers a complex combination of sweet, tangy and sour.

However, what has really caught the attention of many is the cherries full array of natural health benefits including its ability to reduce inflammation, fight gout pain, reduce muscle soreness and more.

Let's look at some of the facts about this ruby red fruit.

Published studies from Michigan State University indicate the Montmorency tart cherry has been shown to help relieve inflammation and pain in the joints due to arthritis. The research indicates, eating 20 cherries daily can help to fight inflammation.

Cherries are a natural source of Melatonin. Melatonin helps to regulate the bodies rhythmic clock and maintain healthy sleep patterns. In addition, Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant capable of penetrates both fat and water, thus allowing it to enter cells that other antioxidants can enter. This means if can help the body to fight oxidative stress and fight disease.

Cherries are low in fat, calories and cholesterol. In addition, they are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C.

Tart cherry juice has been shown the help reduce muscle soreness due to physical exercise. A published study from the University of Vermont has shown that participants who drank a tart cherry juice blend enjoyed relief of muscle soreness due to physical exercise.

Tart cherries also help to reduce uric acid in the body and help to dissolve uric acid in the blood making the cherry an excellent weapon to fight gout pain naturally.

Tart cherry juice, cherry capsules and cherry extract are excellent sources of flavonoids and Anthocyanins. These compounds have been shown to reduce joint pain due to arthritis.

However, since the cherry is a very perishable fruit and are only available for a few short weeks during the summer harvest, it may be difficult to enjoy the health benefits of cherry year round. That is why many have turned to alternative ways to get its health benefits including tart cherry juice, dried cherries and cherry capsules. One company that offers a complete line of cherry-based products is Michigan-based Traverse Bay Farms. You can even download a free tart cherry health report from the company.