Cherries

I have never been one for "fake cherries" (that's what I call the ones that come on your ice cream, I know they have an official name but oh well). In fact the thought of eating one makes me want to gag. Now I know that probably sounds a little dramatic but again, oh well I'm just tellin' it like it is. A few months ago I thought I would give the "real deal" a try. I mean heck they're only $5.99 a pound (and there's at least 3 pounds pre-packaged for you, how sweet of those grocers).
Well let me tell you I have found a new love and that new love is cherries. I don't know about you but I love looking up veggies and fruits to find out what's so healthy about 'em. So here it goes...

A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.

Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.

A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.

Wow, maybe it is worth spending $18 on a bag of cherries :)