If you were on a trail and saw a bunch of these hanging from a bush would you possibly grab one?  I know I would –  and that’s exactly what nature intended me to do.

Cherries are the perfect summer food.  They’re light, delicious and provide needed quick energy.  But the real beauty of cherries are in their multitude of clinically proven health benefits.  They are little red dynamos and can be used in many ways:

*   Cherries have documented anti inflammatory properties; they have  shown in studies to markedly reduce the muscle pain associated with working out.  They are the best source of anthocyanins and anthocyanidins present in colorful fruits; these phytonutrients put a damper on the muscle damage, inflammation and oxidative stress inherent with exercise.  Tart cherries in particular also outperform strawberries, grapes, apples and other fruits in levels of flavonols  and other polyphenols.  They can control levels of Cox-1 and Cox-2 enzymes as well as Tumor necrosis factor, a cytokine involved in inflammation and possible destruction of joint cartilage.  Not a bad health tonic, I say.

*  Cherries  have been shown to be effective in lessening insomnia.  If you ever experience waking in the middle of the night and turning to the clock for hours before finally passing out they might be your salvation.  Cherries are a natural source of melatonin the sleep hormone, and its precursor tryptophan; having a small glass of pure juice before bed might help you to doze off and stay that way through the night.

*  Cherries are a natural cure for that post meal sweet tooth.  Having a small glass (as I do) after dinner dramatically cuts the dietary-fatal dessert overload.  Tart cherry juice is lower in sugar than sweet cherries, I throw on a handful of frozen blueberries to chill and spruce it up.

Want a truly smart drink suggestion?  Purchase a bottle of pure tart cherry juice and some pure pomegranate juice (not from concentrate).  Mix these in a glass till you get your favorite blend, then add some sparkling water.  Then make a large batch of it to keep in the fridge.  Next step – throw out all the coke and other sugar-repository soft drinks you have kicking around.  Try your own bubbling concoction for a while and you’ll probably never go back.  This is an example of strategic dieting at its best!

Hope it works for you

Warren