Cherries high ORAC Scores

Cherries are in the super fruit category. Many people are looking for super healthy foods which are produced or grown in their locale The fruit is available year around in most places in the US as fresh, frozen or dried. The cherry is also commonly grown in a majority of states and can easily be a successful back yard fruit tree. Antioxidants right there for the picking, good for all ages.

A growing number of research papers and studies links the red color of the fruits skin, called anthocyanins, to heart-health benefits related to reducing inflammation, total cholesterol, and belly fat. With more than 80 million Americans living with some form of heart disease, the heart-healthy qualities of eating red have more relevance than ever. More good news research suggests the red compounds may help ease the pain of arthritis and gout. Another of the fruits attributes is it contains beta carotene a powerful antioxidant. It has 19 times more beta carotene than blueberries.

As an antioxidant the cherry has a very high ORAC ranking. Just one ounce of cherry juice concentrate supplies 3,622 ORAC units well within the daily recommended range by the CDC. In a test of many fruit pulps the cherry always comes out near the top in the TEAC test. This test scores the antioxidant activity of the fruit. It is very similar to the ORAC test.

Cherries ORAC unit rankings by serving
• Dried 6,800 ORAC units
• Frozen 2,033 ORAC Units
• Canned 1,700 ORAC units
• Cherry Juice Concentrate 12,800 ORAC units

Emerging research shows the nutrients in the cherry can help
• Ease the pain of arthritis and gout
• Lowers risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers
• Helps regulate sleep (high in melatonin)
• Lowers total weight and belly fat (University of Michigan research)
• Arthritis pain reduction.(They are anti inflammatory)
• Reduces the risk of type II diabetes (again anti inflammatory)
• May inhibit tumor development (red color anthocyanins)

“Our diets remain very low in fruits and vegetables, despite studies that link these foods to lower risks of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Less than a third of Americans eat the amount of fruits and vegetables the government recommends”, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of the reasons cited for low fruit consumption it that people aren't aware that all forms count -- dried, frozen and juice. The tart cherry is an easy way to boost your fruit intake all year round. Just a 1/2 cup of dried cherries or one cup of 100% cherry juice provides two full servings. One cup of frozen fruit or one ounce of juice concentrate also provide one serving. Tart Cherry extract is also another way to get these nutrients.

Free radicalsare the largest single cause of cell damage and fruits have the antioxidant nutrients which help eliminate dangerous levels of free radicals.

In accordance with the FDA these products are not intended to treat, cure, mitigate, or prevent any diseases. Information on this site is given for educational purposes only and is not to replace the advice of your health care professional.

Cherries To Antioxidant Food