16 AUGUST 3, 2017 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
4 surprising health benefi ts of
cherries — this summer's superfruit
Have you ever said no to a
cherry? Probably not. This
summertime treat is simply
delicious. And if you're looking for
another reason to indulge, you'll be
pleased to know that cherries are
surprisingly good for you. Recent
research indicates that this summer's
superfruit off ers a variety of health
benefi ts, including the four outlined
below.
REDUCED RISK OF HEART
DISEASE AND DIABETES
Heart disease and diabetes threaten
the health of millions of Americans
every year, and cherries can help.
Research from Michigan State University
found that 20 cherries provide
25 milligrams of anthocyanins, which
reduce inflammation by shutting
down the enzymes that cause tissue
infl ammation. This helps protect the
arteries from the damage that leads
to heart disease. Further research
shows that those same anthocyanins
also help lower blood sugar levels in
animals, leading scientists to speculate
that a similar blood sugar lowering
eff ect could occur in humans.
In addition to being packed with
anthocyanins, cherries also have a low
glycemic index, making them a good
choice for people with diabetes. Foods
with a high glycemic index cause blood
glucose to soar and then quickly crash.
In contrast, foods with a low index, like
cherries, release glucose slowly and
evenly, helping you maintain a steady
blood sugar level - as well as leaving
you feeling full longer and potentially
helping you maintain a healthy weight.
COMBATING ARTHRITIS
AND GOUT
More than 8.3 million Americans
suff er from gout, a form of arthritis
characterized by severe pain, redness
and tenderness in the joints. This condition
is commonly associated with
elevated levels of uric acid in the blood.
A study conducted by researchers at
the University of California at Davis
found that people who ate sweet cherries
showed reduced levels of uric acid.
In addition, research from the Boston
University School of Medicine showed
that people who ate cherries had a 35
to 75 percent lower chance of experiencing
a gout attack.
SLEEP SUPPORT VIA
MELATONIN
Everyone understands the value of a
good night's sleep, but sometimes your
body simply doesn't want to cooperate.
When you fi nd yourself wide awake
and restless, your melatonin levels
might be low. Melatonin is the chemical
that controls your body's internal
clock to regulate sleep and promote
overall healthy sleep patterns. Studies
show that cherries are a natural
source of melatonin, and researchers
who have studied the melatonin content
of cherries recommend eating
them an hour before bedtime to help
stabilize your sleep cycle.
FIBER FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Many Americans struggle with
weight issues, and poor diet is
often identified as a major culprit.
But although there is a great deal
of discussion about what people
shouldn't be eating, there isn't as much
talk about what people should be eating,
like fi ber. Most Americans' diets
are fi ber-defi cient, falling short of the
25-35 grams per day recommended by
the USDA Dietary Guidelines. These
guidelines recommend two cups of
fruit daily, and cherries are an easy
and delicious way to meet that target.
ENJOY A BOWL OF
SUPERFRUIT TODAY
In addition to all these health benefi
ts, cherries also possess cancer-fi ghting
properties, according to a study by
the USDA's Western Human Nutrition
Research Center. So whether you're
looking to boost your health or you
enjoy the taste of this juicy treat - or
both - there are plenty of reasons to
reach for a bowl of cherries for your
next snack or to add them to the menu
at your next meal. Whatever your
preference, be sure to get them quickly
before cherry season is over.
To learn more about the health benefi
ts of cherries, visit NWCherries.com.
HEALTH
Courtesy BPT