Cherries - One of nature's true healing foods

Details

Published on Sunday, October 26, 2014

Submitted article

Cherries, along with many other berries, are a rich source of antioxidents. They help prevent or repair the damage done to the body’s cells by free radicals. 

There are two types: sweet and tart (sour). Sweet cherries, such as Bing Cherries, are best eaten fresh and raw, while tart cherries develop a fuller flavor when they are used in cooking, baking or in juice form.

Queritin, a flavonoid, is rich in cherries and has been found to be one of the most potent anti-cancer agents.

They also contain ellagic acid which some researchers say may be the most effective way to prevent cancer. 

Another compound found in cherries is perillyl alcohol (POH) which is extremely powerful in reducing the occurrence of all types of cancer. Researchers have found that POH stops the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they need to grow.

Another flavonoid, isoqueritrin, along with queritrin, eliminate byproducts of oxidative stress, therefore slowing down the aging process.

By helping reduce inflammation in the body the anthocyanin and bioflavoroids in cherries help eliminate migraine headaches.

They are rich in the antioxident melatonin which is significant in improving the body’s circadian rhythms as well as helping the body’s natural sleep patterns and improving the way you sleep.

Tart cherries contain two powerful compounds, anthocyanins and bioflavonoids. Both of these slow down the enzymes cyclo – oxygenase -1 and -2 which help to relieve and prevent arthritis and gout.

Because we only have access to fresh cherries for such a short time in the summer, we carry tart cherries in a package and tart cherry juice so that we can get the benefits of this fruit all year long.