Cherries May Help Arthritis

Cherries are like many other berries that are loaded with antioxidants that protect our bodies from various types of cancer and heart disease. Yes, cherries are a wonderful, healthy snack and have been used in many delectable desserts. However, there has been research showing that cherries are an excellent remedy to joint pain associated with arthritis. It has been discovered that cherries have higher antioxidant levels than blueberries, specifically the tart cherry. (Resource: Life123.com)

Cherries can be enjoyed in many ways. They can be eaten raw, cooked, or juiced. There are several products on the market that boast pure black cherry and sweet cherry juices. Cherries can even be used in smoothies, which is another way to enjoy its health benefits.

Most people would be surprised to find out that cherries are also good for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, can help prevent colon cancer, and may be helpful with lowering cholesterol (LDL). Yet, because of the cherry's potency this shouldn't come as a surprise. Any fruit that is even more packed with antioxidants with blueberries must be powerful. (Resource: Life123.com)

The bing cherry is the one scientists have studied to be the provider of relief to many arthritis patients. These specific types of cherries have already had a long and good standing as an anti-inflammatory. (Resource: ars.usda.gov)

After trying cherries for joint and ankle aches myself, I was very impressed with how quickly and how long the pain subsided. I've eaten them raw and used them in smoothies. Whether it's tart cherries, sweet (bing) cherries, or black cherries, they all have wonderful qualities that we all can benefit from.

And while we know all of this about cherries, which belong to the Rosaceae family, along with plums and peaches to name a few. (Resource: Wikipedia.com) They are even associated with flowers, namely the cherry blossom, which is the lead in many popular body sprays and lotions.

Preparing cherries to gain their best benefits isn't hard at all. If you have a juicer, this is a good place to start, if you'd like to drink them as opposed to eating them raw all the time. You should probably take the pits out first before running them through the juicer to enjoy. An alternative (short cut) is to buy the above mentioned pure cherry juices available in many grocery and health food stores. Smoothies are another great option. Once again, be sure to pit the cherries first, freeze them, toss them in your blender with some organic low-fat vanilla yogurt and blend. Yummy!

Resources:
Life123.com
United States Dept. of Agriculture - ars.usda.gov