Cherries: The Healthy Fruit

The good news about the health benefits of cherries continues to increase. According to ongoing research, Montmorency tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants. In addition, there are beneficial compounds in Montmorency tart cherries that may help maintain healthy joint function.

Other fruits and vegetable do not have the unique anthocyanin and antioxidant makeup similar to those of tart cherries.

While the research on the exact mechanisms that give cherries their unique ability to maintain healthy joint function, many consumers are discovering that tart cherry juice and other cherry products can help maintain an active lifestyle.

Research also shows that tart cherries are a rich source of powerful antioxidants, including kaempferol, quercetin and melatonin. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant considered more potent that vitamins C, E, and A, because it is soluble both in fat and water.

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References
(1) H. M. Berman, et al, "The Protein Data Bank," Nucleic Acids Research, 28, 2000: 235-242.
(2) Perazella, Mark A., "COX-2 Inhibitors and the Kidney," Hospital Practice, September 15, 2001.
(3) Blank, M.A., et al, "flavonoid-induced gastroprotection in rats: Role of blood flow and leukocyte adherence," Digestion, 58 1997: 147-154.
(4) Wang, Haibo, "Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory Compounds in tart Cherries," doctoral dissertation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 1998.