New research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that tart cherries may have anti-inflammatory benefits.
The study, conducted by researchers in Michigan, found that a ‘cherry-enriched‘ diet reduced overall body inflammation, as well as inflammation at key sites related to heart disease risk.
Inflammation is a normal process that the body uses to fight off infections or help heal injury. However, according to recent science, a chronic state of inflammation increases the risk for diseases.
“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, PhD, at the University of Michigan. “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.”
In this study, at-risk obese rats were fed a cherry-enriched “Western Diet,” characterized by high fat and moderate carbohydrate – in line with the typical American diet – for 90 days. Cherry-enriched diets, which consisted of whole tart cherry powder as 1 percent of the diet, reduced risk factors for heart disease including cholesterol, body weight, fat mass and known markers of inflammation.
A second pilot study found similar results in humans. Ten overweight or obese adults drank a 240ml glass of tart cherry juice daily for four weeks. At the end of the trial, there were significant reductions in several markers of inflammation, in addition to lower levels of triglycerides, another key risk factor for heart disease.
Researchers say both studies are encouraging and will lead to further clinical studies in humans to explore the link between diet, inflammation and lowering disease risk.
This new study is the latest linking cherries to protection against heart disease and inflammation. Researchers believe it’s the anthocyanins – powerful antioxidant compounds in cherries – also responsible for the fruit’s bright red color, that link cherries to reduced inflammation.
Adapted from: New Research Reinforces Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Tart Cherries