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
high-end home cleaning Morton Grove ..The acai (ah-sigh-ee) berry has been around for thousands of... Read More
Remember the old adage, you are what you eat? The... Read More
Herbal teas have long been known to have medicinal benefits... Read More
Although you may have heard about soy and all of... Read More
The wonders of modern science continue to amaze us with... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
The adrenal or "stress glands" are small, triangular shaped glands... Read More
I don't understand people sometimes. You know, there is a... Read More
Unfortunately, it has been proved beyond doubt that a large... Read More
The key to good hydration is drinking a lot of... Read More
Heart Disease remains the number one cause of death in... Read More
Our diet is an essential factor for the formation of... Read More
With all the news about Splenda of late and the... Read More
Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
Have you ever watched someone who appears thin and healthy... Read More
Our bodies are truly incredible machines. What makes cells healthy?... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
Vitamins & Minerals are essential to sustain life. Its what... Read More
Who suffers from Eating Disorders?Eating Disorder sufferers are male and... Read More
Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More
The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
What is the best protein powder to buy? I get... Read More
spring cleaning service Buffalo Grove ..Fruit calories are very healthy as compared to calories in... Read More
Calcium helps reduce constipationUsing calcium and magnesium in the right... Read More
Do you want more energy? How about more of the... Read More
Originally, all foods were "organic" ? grown and prepared without... Read More
It is believed that cane sugar was discovered before the... Read More
It's really hard to believe that something could be worse... Read More
What is your brain made ofOver 50% of your brain... Read More
Almost every woman suffers with premenstrual syndrome at one time... Read More
You really are what you eat. You are also very... Read More
The Mediterranean Diet is now recognized as one of the... Read More
How To Have A Healthy ThanksgivingEnd of the year holidays... Read More
Essential fatty acids are the number one recommendation for anyone... Read More
Proper hydration is extremely important during exercise. Adequate fluid intake... Read More
When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is... Read More
As a low carb dieter, your diet is undoubtedly high... Read More
"You are what you eat."Does it sound familiar? You probably... Read More
The total calories that you should be consuming depend on... Read More
Olive oil is a healthy choice over other fats such... Read More
Protein must be a part of a healthy diet for... Read More
Organic farming is the production of food using all natural... Read More
Images of "protein powder" containers with accomplished bodybuilders on their... Read More
According to the National Institute of Health, Magnesium is needed... Read More
What if you could actually slow your rate of aging,... Read More
Creating Your Target is easy.What I use to help create... Read More
Vitamin EThere has been a lot of controversy about vitamin... Read More
Nutrition |