Cherries?A Supercharged Fruit

The little red fruit that has been enjoyed by countless millions offer more than great taste. Are cherries truly fruit for a healthy you? Recent studies have revealed that cherries offer an assortment of health benefits including the natural ability to offer relief from joint inflammation.

So what makes the tasty red fruit so beneficial? The wonder of the cherry is the anthocyanins. According to research from Michigan State University tart cherries contain anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which inhibit the enzymes Cyclooxygenase-1 and -2, and prevent inflammation in the body. These compounds have similar activity as aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. Further investigations revealed that daily consumption of tart cherries has the potential to reduce the pain associated with joint inflammation. Many middle-aged and elderly consumers are choosing to drink cherry juice, eating cherries or consuming tart cherry pills rather than take over-the-counter medications to stave off the pain of joint inflammation.

Linda L. Patterson is a living testimony of the soothing affects of cherries on her joint pain. "I enjoy crocheting and lately my hands have been so painful, I couldn't crochet for more than about 30 minutes.", says Patterson. In an attempt to find relief from her pain, she located Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules, a supplement made from red tart cherries. "The first night I took just one Tart Cherry capsule and by morning my hands felt so much better.", says Ms. Patterson.

Not only are cherries a great way to maintain a healthy body they are a natural product. According to Andrew LaPointe, Director of Marketing for Traverse Bay Farms, "many of our customers are looking to eat healthier and fruit products fit this trend. It's certainly better than fast food." Traverse Bay Farms sells Fruit Advantage Tart Cherry capsules and cherry juice concentrate.