The Heath Benefits
Numerous scientific studies have been conducted on the benefits of sour cherry on human health. Conclusion of theses researches: The sour cherry is a Super Fruit since it is richer in nutrients and phytochemicals than most other fruits.
Studies seem to indicate that all of the compounds in tart cherries can potentially reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and gout. They can help protect against cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancers, reduce the risk of diabetes and insulin resistance syndrome, and even prevent memory loss.
Arthritis and Gout
In recent years, sour cherries have grown in popularity with people suffering from gout and arthritis. Most of them consume it in the form of juice to reduce their symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of tart cherries may help reduce pain caused by inflammation. In addition, it could help manage diseases based on inflammation. Sour cherries contain the highest concentration of anthocyanins 1 and 2. These two types can block the action of a type of enzyme called cyclo-oxygenase (COX). Some analgesic drugs work by inhibiting the action of cyclo-oxygenase. This observation offers an explanation on why tart cherries are known to reduce pain due to arthritis and gout. Their anti-inflammatory actions are comparable to those of ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen.
Heart
Sour cherries, thanks to their polyphenols, protect against cardiovascular disease. Indeed, the richer the diet is in flavonoids the more the risk of arterial and coronary diseases decreases. Consumption of anthocyanins in small amounts protects against oxidative damage. Taken in large amounts, this compound can also improve vasodilation and relaxation of blood vessels. It also lowers the level of lipid in blood.Diabetes
It seems that sour cherries and their components can help control diabetes. Studies have shown that cells in the pancreas exposed to anthocyanins produce 50% more insulin.
Anthocyanins also help control diabetes better, as they lower fasting glucose levels and increase tolerance.
Sour cherries have a low glycemic index. Even the dried sour cherries have a moderate blood sugar index. Diabetics can therefore also benefit of the advantages of sour cherries.
Antioxidants
Studies show that keeping antioxidant levels high in the body is a defense and helps reduce the risk of disease. In addition, it helps stimulate the immune system and protect neurons in the brain. The level of antioxidants is measured with the CARO unit. Researchers estimate that an individual should consume between 3,000 and 5,000 CARO units per day in order to effectively counter the effects of oxidants absorbed daily from food, air and stress.
Sour cherries have been ranked among the top 15 foods highest in antioxidants, even surpassing red wine, plums, dark chocolate and orange juice.
Brain
Studies have shown that the phytonutrients in tart cherries help protect brain neurons from oxidative damage, which in turn helps reduce neural loss. A rich intake of these phytonutrients can help reverse the course of neural aging and even improve memory.
Cancer
Sour cherries are an important source of a particular phytochemical, called perillyl alcohol (POH). Studies have shown that POH helps prevent and reduce the progression of certain types of cancers such as cancers affecting the prostate, liver, lungs and skin.
Studies have also shown that POH can induce regression of small tumors as well as some more advanced breast cancers. Experts are even considering using POH as a complementary therapy for cancer in the brain since it increases the sensitivity of cancer cells to radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The regression of cancer would therefore be facilitated.
Research has shown that the cyanidins and anthocyanins found in sour cherry can also reduce the risk of colon cancer.
Sleep
Sour cherries are one of the few dietary sources of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant called the sleep hormone. This hormone is responsible for modulating our circadian rhythm as well as our wake and sleep cycle. Sour cherries contain a higher concentration of melatonin than what is found in human blood. A simple handful of sour cherries would increase the melatonin content in the blood and help ease the sleep cycle.
How many Caro do sour cherries contain?
Antioxidant power (CARO index per 100g)
Concentrated tangy cherry juice: 12,800 CARO units
Dried tart cherries: 6,800 CARO units
Frozen tart cherries: 2,033 CARO units
Canned tart cherries: 1,700 CARO units
Concentrated tangy cherry juice: 12,800 CARO units
Dried tart cherries: 6,800 CARO units
Frozen tart cherries: 2,033 CARO units
Canned tart cherries: 1,700 CARO units
Product | Amount | A. CARO |
Concentrated juice | 30 ml in 250 ml of water | 3657 |
45 ml in 375 ml of water | 5485 | |
Dried sour cherries | 60 ml | 2992 |
125 ml | 4488 |