Tart Cherries Reduce Metabolic Syndrome And Heart Disease Risk Factors

A new study presented at the Experimental Biology annual meeting suggest that cherries may help lower the risk of metabolic syndrome (also called insulin resistance syndrome) and cardiovascular disease. In the study, rats were fed whole tart cherry powder equivalent to 1 or 10 percent of their diet for 90 days. That’s estimated to be about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups of whole frozen cherries or a little more than ½ cup of dried cherries.

Results showed that the cherry-enriched diets significantly lowered total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, insulin and fasting glucose levels after 90 days. All of these measures are factors that are linked to metabolic syndrome. The study also showed the cherry-fed groups had lower levels of a plasma marker of oxidative damage and increased blood antioxidant capacity – not surprising since cherries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants.

Additionally, the cherry-enriched diets reduced “fatty liver” or the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver.

These health benefits may likely be due to the anthocyanins responsible for cherries’ deep rich red color, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

See also: Tart Cherry Juice May Relieve Muscle Pains