foodconsumer.org: Cherries boost antioxidant levels

Cherries boost antioxidant levels
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admin on 04/27/2009 02:10:00
 
Sunday April 26, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) -- Life may be just a bowl of cherries,
but the healthy life is a bowl and a half, according to researchers at the
University of Michigan.
Eating one and a half servings of tart cherries could significantly raise
antioxidant activity in the body, says Dr. Sara L. Warber, principal
investigator of the study and co-director of the University's Integrative
Medicine department.
The study, reported at the 2009 Experimental Biology meeting in New Orleans,
showed that healthy adults who ate a cup and a half of frozen tart cherries had
increased levels of antioxidants, specifically five different anthocyanins —
the things that give cherries their red color.
"This study documents for the first time that the antioxidants in tart cherries
do make it into the human bloodstream and is coupled with increased antioxidant
activity that could have a positive impact," said Warber. "And, while more
research is needed, what's really great is that a reasonable amount of cherries
could potentially deliver benefits, like reducing risk factors for heart disease
and inflammation."
For the study, twelve healthy adults aged 18 to 25 were randomly assigned to eat
either one and a half cups or three cups of frozen tart cherries. Increased
antioxidant activity was found in all participants for up to 12 hours after
eating the cherries. Researchers analyzed participant's blood and urine levels
at regular intervals to monitor results.
"It's encouraging when research like ours finds that great-tasting fruit can
lead to real-life benefits," added Warber.
Previous animal studies have linked cherries and their compounds to important
health benefits at the University. Warber's colleagues have shown that animals
with cherry-enriched diets can lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce
triglycerides, the unhealthy type of blood fat. Cherries have also been shown in
animal studies to lower body weight and belly fat, conditions that can both lead
to heart disease and diabetes.
The Cherry Marketing Institute, which funded the study, says that about 95
percent of cherries consumed in the United States are grown here, mostly from
states including Michigan, Wisconsin and Oregon.
(By Sheilah Downey, and edited by Heather Kelley)