Cherries are small, fleshy fruits (generally red or black in color) that contain a hard stone or pit. They are related to the Rosaceae family, which includes almonds, peaches, apricots, and plums. Cherries can be eaten fresh or used in culinary preparations. According to health.learninginfo.org, cherries are low in saturated fat and sodium and high in dietary fiber and antioxidants. They also possess anti-inflammatory properties. Because cherries yield many health benefits, extracts from cherries are often used as enzymatic therapy to address numerous health concerns.
Cherries for Osteoarthritic Relief
Osteoarthritis can be debilitating and painful, but a recent study shows that cherries may offer relief. According to a study conducted at the Baylor Research Institute, reported by sciencedaily.com, participants reported significant improvement in pain and function of impacted joints after taking tart cherry pills for eight weeks. Dr. John Cush, a rheumatologist and the leading researcher in this study, recommends taking CherryFlex, made from ground Montgomery tart cherries.
Cherries and Gout Relief
Gout, another form of arthritis, is often associated with sudden, severe attacks of pain, redness, and tenderness in joints, particularly at the base of the big toe. According to the Mayo Clinic, cherries can lower levels of uric acid, a major contributing factor to gout. The Mayo Clinic suggests adding cherries and other dark-colored fruits, such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and purple grapes, to your diet.
The Antioxidant Properties of Cherries
According to the December, 2004, issue of the "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology," sour cherries contain significant levels of anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants responsible for colorful pigments in fruits and vegetables. The report further states that anthocyanins in cherries exert strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities to inhibit tumor development in mice and the growth of human colon cancer cells.
Cherries provide anthocyanins, which capture damaging free radicals and prevent cellular damage. Muraleedaran Nair, the lead researcher on a cherry project to isolate various components of cherries at Michigan State University, shares his finding: "Twenty cherries provide 25 milligrams of anthocyanins, which help to shut down the enzymes that cause inflammation in the first place, so cherries can prevent and treat many kinds of pain." He further adds that anthoycanins can protect artery walls from plaque buildup and heart diseases, doing a better job than vitamins C and E.
Cherry Extract
To harness the many enzymatic effects of the cherry fruit, include cherries in your diet on a regular basis. You can also find cherry extract supplements in health stores or online health stores. Follow instructions as to dosage and always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
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