Tart Cherries: Should They Be Mandatory?

Forget the goji berries, pomegranate, and acai berry for now.

This year, with all the rising costs in the supermarket, we are leaning toward the more familiar fruit, tart cherries, for top nutrition.

Their rich, red flesh boasts plenty of antioxidants and is comparable to blueberries.

Tart Cherry Health Benefits

• Reduced cancer risk: Cherries contain the anthocyanin, the main antioxidant found in red, blue, and purple foods.
• Anti-aging: Contain flavanoid antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress.
• Lower risk factors for heart disease: Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
• Reduced inflammation and pain: If cherries were able to be used medicinally, they could have the same effect as aspirin.
• Reduced symptoms felt with gout and arthritis
• Calming and improved sleep: Cherries contain melatonin which can have a relaxing effect and regulate the body's circadian rhythm.
• Good fruit for diabetics: On the glycemic index, cherries are rated at 22 (low). This means they are less likely to cause a fast blood glucose spike.

What Research Says

The good news is that most researchers have seen outstanding benefits with consumption of just 20 cherries or about 1.5 cups per day!

For other super foods, you often have to eat cups and cups of that food to see any health improvement.

Cherry Recipe Ideas

• Healthy cherry cobbler made with a nut crust
• If you have a juicer, add cherries to your favorite juicer or smoothie recipe
• Add to oatmeal
• Add to a quinoa dish
• Stew the cherries with balsamic vinegar, and serve over yogurt
• Create a cherry sauce to serve over chicken or fish
• Chop a cherry salsa to serve with whole grain crackers

Do you eat cherries?