You must add some fresh cherries, which are now in season, to your health routine this week.
I don't know about you, but when my local supermarket runs specials on cherries, I won't leave the store without buying several pounds of these delicious and healthy orbs.
Folklore has long touted the humble cherry as a health-giving food, so it's nice that hard science is now confirming what natural health nuts have known for years.
Dr. Russell J. Reiter, professor of neuroendocrinology at The University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, conducted a five-month study and found that tart cherries contain significant amounts of melatonin - a hormone produced in the brain's pineal gland that has been credited with slowing the aging process, and fighting insomnia and jet lag.
Reiter says, "The combination of antioxidants in cherries can be very beneficial."
Ludwig Blau, Ph.D., claimed he cured his gout by eating six to eight cherries each day. Although he had no scientific explanation for his discovery, he said he could only get out of his wheelchair as long as he ate cherries. He noted that twelve other people with gout who ate cherries and drank cherry juice found relief from the disease.
Cherries are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin B1, C, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, flavonoids and the fiber, pectin. Darker cherries are even more mineral rich.
At Forsyth Dental Center a study was done that showed black cherry juice blocked 89% of the enzyme activity that would lead to plaque formation.
One caution, however, and it's an important caution...
Cherries are one of the most chemically contaminated fruits, so be sure to buy organic whenever possible. While shopping, look for fresh green stems with plump, colorful, shiny skinned cherries. Avoid scabby looking cherries that have mold or look like they've been sitting in the store too long.
Cherries are wonderful plain, but they're also terrific in fruit salads, smoothies, and juices.
While I have your attention, how about a fresh cherry smoothie recipe?
Cherry Smoothie Recipe
2 cups tart cherries (seeds removed of course)
1 ripe banana, peeled
1 cup cherry juice (or other juice)
Put cherries, banana and cherry juice blend in your blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Be sure to serve immediately. This recipe makes four 8-oz servings.
And, yes, dried cherries can be enjoyed year round.
Chet Day keeps a close eye on the wild and wacky world of the natural health circus. If you're tired to the same old health news and boring baloney, you'll enjoy Chet's informative and entertaining writing style at http://chetday.com and in his many free newsletters at http://chetday.com
disinfecting cleaning services Buffalo Grove ..We've heard it not only once or twice or even... Read More
So what's all the shake up about anyway?. To put... Read More
You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More
Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in the... Read More
The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
What is the Atkins diet and how can it help... Read More
At any grocery store in North America right now, there... Read More
Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More
Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
I read a lot about the topics of health and... Read More
Most of us eat at restaurants for a variety of... Read More
In order to eat fewer calories than you need, you... Read More
About 12.6 million Americans currently have heart disease.1.1 million Americans... Read More
THE RISKThe primary symptom of acid reflux is obvious to... Read More
What if I told you tap water and homogenized milk... Read More
Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
This free list of fat burning foods will help you... Read More
The egg, the symbol of birth, of life and, therefore,... Read More
As any student of chemistry will assure you, acids and... Read More
Images of "protein powder" containers with accomplished bodybuilders on their... Read More
It is always amazing to me when I find a... Read More
Did you know that the food you eat when you... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
spotless home service Arlington Heights ..I know you've heard this many times - "Drink more... Read More
In health circles there has been much recent talk about... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
Most recipes end with instructions to "serve immediately." You could... Read More
Initially discovered as a new element in 1811 by Barnard... Read More
You know about Vitamins A,C, D, E ,and the B's... Read More
Despite the fact that accurate nutrition information can be accessed... Read More
Today we're shifting our focus from wealth to health. First... Read More
The best weight training and cardio workouts will do very... Read More
With new research, new products and new skin protection advice... Read More
Are Your Cells Talking To Each Other?Communication! It permeates our... Read More
Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything... Read More
First of all you have to have a bucket. You... Read More
Incorporating these fat loss tips will improve your nutrition program.... Read More
Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits... Read More
Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More
Summer is the time when we sweat highly and beating... Read More
Some people say to themselves, junk food is not that... Read More
This is such a busy time of year, isn't it?... Read More
When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is... Read More
In a study review conducted by David A. Geier, B.A.... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our... Read More
Do you allow pleasure from food? Are your senses throughly... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
Nutrition |