Monday, August 15, 2011

Five reasons to pick up some fresh cherries at the farmers' market

1. Cherries can reduce joint pain: The red pigment in cherries is created by anthocyanins, which have been shown to reduce the inflammatory markers in the blood. This could create a reduction in inflammation of your joints, and ultimately, a reduction in pain.

2. They're the ultimate food for your heart: Cherries contain high levels of quercetin, a plant flavonoid that could have the ability to reduce cholesterol, blood pressure and free-radical damage to your arteries.

3. Reduce your chances of gout with cherries: The quercitin in cherries, combined with their high levels of vitamin C, could decrease the amount of uric acid in the body. When uric acid accumulates, it can deposit in the joints as painful crystals, resulting in gout. Try snacking on some cherries after a heavy protein meal to avoid this painful accumulation!

4. Cherries help protect your eyesight: Cherries are high in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are two powerful antioxidants that specifically target the tissue of the eye. Making sure you consume enough of these antioxidants may aid in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, which would help your eyes stay healthy for a long time.

5. They could help you fight obesity: Cherries are a source of vitamin C and plant sterols. These two features together have shown a synergistic effect on the reduction of fat in the body, not to mention the high fiber content to eliminate unwanted toxins.

Found on MSN Lifestyle

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