Diabetes: Tart Cherries May Reduce Inflammation, Lower Risk For Type 2 Diabetes & Heart Disease

A new study shows tart cherries, one of today's hottest "Super Fruits," may help reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in animals. The study was presented by University of Michigan researchers today at the Experimental Biology annual meeting. As science continues to reveal inflammation may be a marker for many chronic diseases, the researchers say emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.

"We're learning how important reducing inflammation is for our overall health and lowering the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes - two of the most critical health epidemics we have in this country today," said study co-author Dr. Steven F. Bolling, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, where the study was performed. "This study offers further promise that foods rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, could potentially reduce inflammation and lower disease risk."

Tart cherries, frequently sold as dried, frozen or juice, contain powerful antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which provide the bright, rich red color. Studies suggest these colorful plant compounds may be responsible for cherries' anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits.

This new study is the latest linking this red hot "Super Fruit" to protection against heart disease and inflammation. In fact, research suggests the red compounds in cherries that deliver the anti-inflammatory benefits may also help ease the pain of arthritis and gout. There have been more than 65 published studies on the potential health benefits which can be found in the Cherry Nutrition Report posted on http://www.choosecherries.com.

(Read full article in Medical News Today)