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The Cherry Research Committee is seeking proposals for new cherry research studies. Submit your proposal and learn more at www.cherryresearch.com.
Cherries are not only good for you, but they’re also on trend as a homegrown “Super Fruit.” According to recent data, more than 9 out of 10 Americans want to know where their food comes from, nearly 80 percent say they’re purchasing “locally produced” products, and the majority is defining “local” as grown in America.1,2 And cherries deliver.
A growing body of science reveals tart cherries, enjoyed as either dried, frozen cherries or cherry juice, have among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants, when compared to other fruits. They also contain other important nutrients such as beta carotene (19 times more than blueberries or strawberries) vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
Emerging evidence links cherries to many important health benefits – from helping to ease the pain of arthritis and gout, to reducing risk factors for heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Cherries also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process.
A recent study from the University of Michigan reveals new evidence linking cherries to heart health benefits. The study found that a cherry-enriched diet lowered total weight, body fat (especially the important “belly” fat), inflammation and cholesterol-all risk factors associated with heart disease. According to the American Heart Association, being overweight or obese, in particular when the weight is concentrated in the middle, is a major risk factor for heart disease. As nearly two out of three Americans are overweight, emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.
Click on Cardiovascular/Heart Health for more information on the role cherries may play in reducing inflammation and risk factors associated with heart disease.
While there’s no established guideline yet on how many cherries it takes to reap the benefits, experts suggest that 1-2 servings of cherries daily can help provide some of the health benefits identified in the research. Single serving size examples include:
• 1/2 cup dried
• 1 cup frozen
• 1 cup juice
• 1 ounce (or 2 Tbsp) juice concentrate
For additional information on serving sizes and tips to meet daily requirements for fruits and vegetables, visit: www.5aday.gov/what/index.html
1: Survey conducted by IRI Data, 2008
2: Survey conducted by The Hartman Group, 2008
http://www.choosecherries.com/health/main.aspx
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Health Benefits of Cherries :
a. Cherries red pigment is called anthocyanins, this pigment has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation.
b. Cherry Anthocyanins are also a powerful antioxidant.
c. Cherries help stimulate the secretion of digestive juices and of the urine and are effective cleansers of the liver and kidneys.
d. Eating large quantities of cherries, from one half pound and up daily, has been found to bring relief to patients with gout, a disease that is characterized by an excess of uric acid in the blood and attacks of arthritis.
e. Cherry also contain a high level of melatonin, is a substance that is important in the immune system function. Study shown that people who experience heart attack have low melatonin levels.
f. May help prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue due to its high Vitamin A content.
g. Cherries is also helpful in the following cases ; Anemia, Colds (runny nose), Obesity, Cramps, Intestinal worm, High blood Pressure, Rheumatism, Asthma
Nutritive Values : Per 100 gm.
- Vitamin A : 620 I.U.
- Vitamin B : Thiamine .05 mg.;
- Riboflavin : .06 mg.;
- Niacin : .4 mg.
- Vitamin C : 8 mg.
- Calcium : 18 mg.
- Iron : .4 mg.
- Phosphorus : 20 mg.
- Fat : .5 gm.
- Carbohydrates : 14.8 gm.
- Protein : .5 gm.
- Calories : 61
http://hubpages.com/hub/Health_Benefits_of_Cherries
Health benefits of Cherries:
There are a number of health benefits associated with the cherry fruit. Among the many wellness promoting attributes of the fruit, the main ones include:
- Cherry is being researched upon extensively in the human battle against cancer. Research, so far, reveals that consumption of the fruit is especially beneficial in fighting organ cancers.
- The anti-oxidants in cherries clean up free radicals, or the unstable molecules responsible for cell damage in the human body. This is believed to slow down the aging process.
- Research reveals that the anthocyanin red pigment in cherries helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
- The cherry fruit is also credited with reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, on consumption. Research reveals that people who include the fruit as it is or in supplement form in the daily diet display lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
- A daily cupful has the ability to address and relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis, and gout.
- The cherry fruit is low in fat and high in water content. Regular consumption helps to boost energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss. It is also being used as a natural cure for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and certain physiological problems.
- High potassium content in cherries controls water retention and aids in the treatment of autoimmune neuro-degenerative ailments and connective tissue diseases.
- Cherries are easily available fresh, juiced and canned. Rich servings of the fruit ensures a daily intake of essential iron, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
- Probably the most important and benefiting attribute of the fruit is its newly discovered ability to help in the weight loss process. The cherry fruit is low in fat and high in water content. Regular consumption helps to boost energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss. The fruit is being tapped for potential fat burn and blood pressure regulation.
By Gaynor Borade
Published: 4/15/2009
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-of-cherries.html
See also:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/health-benefits-of-cherries.html
http://healthmad.com/nutrition/health-benefits-of-cherries/
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-health-benefits-of-cherries.htm
http://guide2herbalremedies.com/health-benefits-cherry-juice/
http://www.edubook.com/health-benefits-of-cherry-juice/3820/
You can boost your fat burning metabolism by eating foods that contain L-carnitine. Avocado is a rich source of L-carnitine. As an added bonus, it is also an aphrodisiac.
L-carnitine is an amino acid found in your body in the liver. It helps to facilitate fat metabolism, and promotes fat loss. Additionally, it is known to increase energy production in muscle cells and increases blood circulation in the brain.
L-carnitine also helps to reduce triglycerides and increases good cholesterol, which helps to protect the heart. By preventing fat oxidation in the brain, it shows some promise in preventing Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
Isn’t L-carnitine sold as a supplement?
Yes, in fact L-carnitine is sold as a weight loss supplement. However, locally grown organic foods are always recommended before supplements. The advantages of eating whole foods is because whole foods offer a variety of health benefits.
What about the high fat content in avocados?
Although avocados are one of the few fruits high in fat, most of the fat is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat; it lowers cholesterol, a hormone that stores abdominal fat, which means it may even shrink belly fat. They are also the fruit richest in beta carotene, vitamin E, and protein.
How does the potassium in avocados reduce belly fat?
In addition to boosting metabolism, avocados are known for reducing anxiety because it is loaded with relaxing magnesium and potassium. Potassium is known for helping to reduce belly fat and it prevents fluid retention. (See link below for foods that help to reduce belly fat).
It also has pantothenic acid, which is a B vitamin, can rev up stress-reducing hormones and can lower your risk of depression. Stress is one of the causes of belly fat.
Other than slicing and eating, how else can it be easily included in the diet?
Avocado is now being suggested as an alternative to mayonnaise – on a sandwich for example. It has 4 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat which lowers cholesterol, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein per ounce making it a more filling substitue for the mayo.
Locally grown foods are recommended. Where are avocados grown?
These fruits have been cultivated for over 7,000 years; three of the original types were West Indian, Mexican, and Guatemalan. They are now grown in in the USA in California and Florida, (and also in Africa and Australia). Many people grow them in their backyards.
We have been eating avocado as an aprhrodisiac and didn’t know it? Explain!
It is said that the Aztecs made a sexually potent spread from mashed avocados, chiles, onions, and tomatoes and it was called ‘ahuaca-mulli.’ We know this same spread as guacamole. (Say ‘ahuaca-mulli’ fast and it sounds like guacamole – less emphasis on the ‘a’)
How do you select and store avocados?
Avocados will not ripen until after they are picked; avocado tree leaves produce a hormone that inhibits the fruit-ripening chemical ethylene. To tell if it is ripe, squeeze it gently to see if it gives. If you buy it ripe it can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. If it is not ripe you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a paper bag. I always have success with this ripening method. It may take a few days.
Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Rev-Up-Your-Metabolism-with-Avocado
People who carry excess weight around the belly are at increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some types of cancer. Reasearchers at Wake Forest University found that trans fats,* which has filled our packaged processed food
products, increase the amount of fat around the belly. These trans fats not only add new fat but move fat from other areas of the body.
It is visceral** fat that surrounds the organs in the belly. When this fat is present in high amounts it is associated with heart disease, diabetes, stroke and some types of cancer. One recent study also found that this kind of weight gain can also increase dementia later in life.
In addition to the poor American diet, and lack of exercise, stress is said to be a cause of this belly fat. Our bodies have been designed for fight or flight. Therefore, it stores some fat around the middle so it can be easily accessed for energy when we are under stress. After we have dealt with the stress, the hormone known as cortisol then tells your body to eat to refuel. While this has worked well for our ancestors, in the case of war or wild animals, we seldom have the need to flee or engage in any kind of physical activity. However, our body still triggers the same fat-storage pattern. And the fat remains around our bellies.
As we move away from processed foods, there are studies that show that certain foods can help us lose this belly fat. Food in its natural state is always recommended rather than supplements. Following is a list of those foods and links to other information.
The Food List:
Blueberries – Recent research from the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center show that 1 and 1/2 cup of blueberries can help reduce belly fat by up to 12 percent. Blueberries can activate a gene responsible for burning belly fat while also turning down a gene that helps to store fat.
Nuts – Research has shown that people who snack on almonds as part of a low-calorie diet over a six month period can reduce their body weight by 18 percent thus slimming their waist line and reducing all over body fat.
Green tea (see link) – According to a study done by the ‘Journal of Nutrition’ five cups of green tea daily can help you shed twice as much weight with most of the weight being around the middle. The catechins (antioxidants) are believed to boost energy and enchance fat-burning.
Foods with Potassium – Foods rich in potassium are key to ensuring your lean muscles stay in tip top shape. Potassium helps to neutralize acids known to trigger muscle-wasting as we grow older. Adults who eat potassium rich foods have about 3.6 pounds more musce than people who eat the least amount of potassium.
Potassium is an essential mineral that supports cellular health; it is not stored in the body like other minerals. Therefore, we need to include potassium rich foods in our daily diet.
Foods that are rich in potassium include:
– asparagus – it has three grams of fiber which cleanses your digestive system, has 288 milligrams of potassium per cup, and almost no sodium – so no bloating
– almonds – which may explain why nuts, listed above, are good for reducing belly fat
Also:
– prunes
– raisins
– bananas
– a baked potato with skin on
– spinach
– tomatoes
– sunflower seeds
– seaweed (dulse, kelp)
– beans
As well as endives, lettuce, Chinese cabbage, avocado, yams, dates, brazil nuts, mushrooms, turmeric, oranges, onions, apples, lentils, cayenne, cherries, grapes, etc.
Breastfeeding – Yet another of the many benefits of breastfeeding. A study from the University of Pittsburgh showed that by breastfeeding, women can lower the risk of heart disease by 10%. The explanation given is that breastfeeding can reduce belly fat, which stresses the heart.
Probiotics (see link) – The excess of bad bacteria in the belly causes irritation that leads to indigestion and gas as well as fluid retention and bloating. Probiotics will make these symptoms disappear. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like kimchi, yogurt, miso soup, homemade pickles, etc.
* trans fats are partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. This is a fat created by adding hydrogen to vegetable fat. Manufacturers use it because it is cheap and gives products a long shelf-life. It is found in cakes, cookies, pastries, margarine, non-diary creamers, etc. It is imperative that you read labels.
Further, dozens of studies have shown that trans fats is linked to heart disease. Here in NYC legislation has been approved to phase out trans fats used in restaurant kitchens. This is also true in the city of Boston and the state of California. HOWEVER – BE WARNED – a loophole in the FDA’s labeling requirements has allowed processors to add as much as 0.49 grams of trans fats per serving and still claim their product has zero trans fats. I see this all the time on packaged products in the supermarket. You must read the label because even if it says zero trans fats – it if lists partially hydrogenated oil – it has trans fats.
** Visceral – refers to the viscera, the internal organs of the body. Specifically the organs within the chest (heart and lungs) or in the abdomen (liver and pancreas).
Source: http://hubpages.com/hub/Foods-to-Help-You-Lose-the-Belly-Fat
Alternative Home Remedies 