Cherries may not just be a tasty fruit. It turns out, they can also reduce your risk of cancer. The compounds in cherries known as flavonoids, the same compounds that give cherries their rich red color, are unique and powerful antioxidants that give the fruits their anti-cancer benefits.

Tart cherries are a great source of flavonoids such as quercetin, naringenin and genistein. These are known firstly for their ability to produce the bright red color of cherries. But they’re also great because they’re also antioxidants that can protect the body against oxidative stress. Cherries are also rich in other antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, all of which greatly benefit your health.

However, the one antioxidant flavonoid that gives cherries their cancer-fighting abilities are anthocyanins. The kind of anthocyanins that researchers believe can prevent colon cancer is only found in cherries and not in any other red fruit.

This study, published by the journal Cancer Letters, tested the potential of anthocyanins to inhibit the growth of both intestinal tumors and human colon cancer cells in lab mice. The researchers, who come from Michigan State University, found that anthocyanins, when supported by another compound found in cherries known as cyanidin, may reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Another study, done by researchers from the Gulhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara, Turkey, found that cherry extract can also have an inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells. Specifically, their test-tube study showed that cherry extract was able to stop the spread of breast cancer cells.

Both of these studies highlight both the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins and the anti-inflammatory effects of cherries. The American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) believes that the dietary fiber in cherries also decreases the risk of colorectal cancer. Furthermore, according to the AICR, there’s also some evidence to suggest that the consumption of fruits such as cherries, when combined with the consumption of non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, beans or spinach, can decrease the risk of developing cancers related to the aerodigestive tract such as mouth, esophageal, lung and stomach cancers.

Other health benefits of cherries

The power of cherries isn’t limited to their anti-cancer potential. For starters, cherries are packed with nutrients. They contain vitamin C, protein, potassium, copper, manganese and dietary fiber. As has already been said, they’re filled with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, these compounds aren’t limited to having anti-cancer potential. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant polyphenols may be able to protect against a variety of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative conditions.

Other research has also shown that cherries can be an excellent workout superfood. Consuming tart cherries and their juice aids in accelerating muscle recovery, preventing strength loss and decreasing exercise-induced muscle pain. Some studies within this field also suggest that cherry products may enhance overall exercise performance.

Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice may also help with improving the quality of your sleep. Cherries contain melatonin, the substance that helps the body regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Consuming cherries, according to one study, causes a significant increase in melatonin levels, sleep duration and sleep quality.

Cherries are very easy to add to your diet. You can enjoy fresh, raw cherries as a sweet snack or you can add them to your salad, yogurt or oatmeal. You can even incorporate them into your healthy dessert and baked goods recipes.

If you want to learn more about anticancer superfoods like cherries, head over to SuperFoods.news.

Sources:

NaturalHealth365.com

Healthline.com 1

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2

AICR.org

Healthline.com 2