Researchers have discovered that tart cherries may be an alternative health resource that individuals who suffer from inflammation can use to ease their discomfort.
According to findings presented at the Experimental Biology annual meeting, there is now more evidence to support the anti-inflammatory benefits of tart cherries. Researchers fed laboratory rats a cherry-enriched “Western Diet.” This diet infused cherries with a typical high fat and moderate carbohydrate dietsimilar to what the average American consumesfor 90 days.
The scientists found that the rats who were fed the cherry-enriched diets had lower bouts of inflammation, which could potentially cause heart disease depending on the severity.
“Chronic inflammation is a whole body condition that can affect overall health, especially when it comes to the heart,” said study co-author Mitch Seymour, Ph.D. “This study offers further promise that foods rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, could potentially reduce inflammation and have the potential to lower disease risk.”
Researchers believe its the anthocyanins, the compound found in cherries that makes them red, that helps protect individuals from inflammation.