American Heart Month: Cherries: One of Today's Hottest "Super Fruits"

Americans are encouraged to discover the power of eating heart-healthy red foods during the first-ever National Eat Red Week, Feb. 4-10.

Why eat red? Science suggests the pigments that make up the red color in many fruits and vegetables, like tart cherries and tomatoes, are powerful disease-fighting antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation associated with atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries and reduce certain risk factors for heart disease.


"We've always known fruits and vegetables were 'healthy,' but now we're beginning to better understand precisely why," said Dr. Steven F. Bolling, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. "Researchers are uncovering the unique potential for plant compounds, like those in cherries, to affect multiple heart health factors. For cherries, we're learning the benefits may come from effects on both cholesterol levels and inflammation."

Cherries: One of Today's Hottest "Super Fruits"

Cherries are being hailed by nutrition leaders as one of today's hottest "Super Fruits". Most people don't realize tart cherries are loaded with antioxidants, as many as blueberries in fact, and are linked to many potential health benefits including reducing risk factors for heart disease," said Dr. Bazilian. "What's especially great about these cherries is that they're available year-round as dried, frozen and juice. And, they're versatile enough for just about every eating occasion from breakfast to snacks to salads."

Science suggests tart cherries may have potential health benefits including reducing pain related to arthritis and gout. Cherries are also one of the few food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant that may help improve the body's natural sleep patterns and aid with jet lag. To learn more about cherries visit www.choosecherries.com to view The Cherry Nutrition Report, the first compendium of peer-reviewed studies on the benefits of cherries.

You also can find new cherry recipes, menu ideas and more information on where you can buy red tart cherry products.

For more information on the science supporting the unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu ideas, visit www.choosecherries.com.