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Tart Cherries Provide Arthritis ReliefArthritis sufferers long have hailed the mysterious healing power of Michigan's tart cherries. The swollen fingers, the aching knees, the pains - all gone, thanks to the magic potion in cherries. But only recently has scientific research proved these claims.Michigan State University studies have confirmed that the compounds that give tart cherries their bright red shade also relieve pain. The compounds also are rich in antioxidants, which slow the body's natural process of deterioration, MSU and other scientific studies show. As word spreads of cherry wonders, many of the state's 850 cherry farmers - who are responsible for 75-percent of the nation's tart cherry supply - are fiercely marketing their products. Juice concentrates, dried and canned cherries, pie filling, frozen cherries, even tablets and chewable wafers are hot items. Eight years of ongoing study for MSU researchers show that tart cherries have an anti-inflammatory property called anthocyanin. In addition, the antioxidants they contain are ten times more active than those in vitamin C. At the University of Texas Health Science Center, research scientists found tart cherries rich in melatonin. The melatonin is an antioxidant said to reach and kill "free radicals", which are toxins believed to cause or worsen diseases. Strawberries, blackberries and sweet cherries are currently undergoing studies for similar benefits. For more information about the health benefits of cherries, products, growers and recipes: The Cherry Marketing Institute, (517) 669-4264 Online: www.cherrymkt.org Courtesy of FitnessandFreebies.com Back to Previous Page
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