Recently, I started running a lot. I take a “Precision Running” class at Equinox 3 days a week. One of my favorite instructors likes to end our class with fun facts and tips for a healthy lifestyle. After our last class, he told us the top antioxidant-rich foods that we should be eating consistently based off of the fact that they are packed with so many nutrients, which provide many health benefits. One of which, were red cherries. The #1 reason that sold me was the fact that he said red cherries help us look younger, longer!!! I thought, this is great! Nick and I have already been eating red cherries, because they are currently in season. So, when I went to Gelson’s to stock up for the week I, of course, grabbed a bag of red cherries. Upon checkout I realized, the bag of cherries was a whopping $14!! $14 for an average-sized bag of cherries. I thought, this bag of cherries better take 12 years off of my skin. My roommate Stef said, “Those better be the best cherries you’ve ever had in your entire life.” .. and they were. However, I couldn’t resist sending out 3(or 5) tweets about my ridiculously priced fruit. It was then that I decided to research all of the reasons why cherries are so good for you (obviously because I needed some justification)... and I discovered some interesting facts!!
So, here are 10 reasons why red cherries should be in everyone’s refrigerator right now, and why you shouldn’t feel completely guilty about how much they may cost!
1. They aid in the prevention of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The bright red color of a red cherry comes from its rich supply of anthocyanins. The red cherry is in the #1 spot at the top of the food chart for having the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).
Research has shown that anthocyanins protect blood vessels and brain cells against oxidative stress. Eating red cherries regularly can provide great health benefits such as the prevention of neurodegenerative ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Anthocyanins are also known to slow the growth of human colon cancer cells.
My grandma suffers from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it is genetic. After seeing what it does first hand, I definitely want to do everything I can to prevent it in my future!
2. Helps to prevent cancer.
Cherries contain queritrin, which has been found to be one of the most potent anticancer agents. Basically, when eating cherries, the queritrin is set off in to your body to fight off all of the body’s cancerous cells.
Also found in cherries- ellagic acid- which some researchers believe to be the most effective way to prevent cancer.
Cancer runs in my family, so this is super important to me!
3. The anthocyanin content feeds on free radicals directly.
Why are free radicals bad?
Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly to attack and steal an electron from the nearest stable molecule. When the “attacked” molecule loses that electron, it becomes a free radical itself and a chain reaction occurs. Once that chain reaction begins, it eventually can result in the disruption of a living cell. Environmental factors like pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides also spawn free radicals. Generally, our bodies can handle free radicals so don’t freak out! However, if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes too excessive, damage CAN occur. The reason why most of us, especially woman, don’t want free radical damage is because it plays a significant role in the aging of our skin!!
If you immediately thought of blueberries for your source of antioxidants, think again. RED CHERRIES are SUPER high in antioxidants!!
4. Prevent premature aging and have younger looking skin!!!
Red cherries contain 17 different antioxidant compounds which are, by far, the highest levels of antioxidants compared to any other fruit. The antioxidants fight the free radicals, which are responsible for making our skin look older. So, this proves that cherries can slow down the aging process! Who doesn’t want to look young forever??
5. Fights inflammation caused by gout and arthritis.
The red cherry juice helps lower uric acid levels in the blood. Gout is usually the result of an overload of uric acid in our bloodstream! So we can remain super active, longer!!
6. Helps with migraines and headaches.
When the anthocyanins reduce inflammation in the body, they also help to eliminate migraines and headaches. These compounds have similar activity to aspirin. Athletes often drink red cherry juice to deal with their muscle pain and build stamina. SOLD.
7. They help you sleep.
Cherries can increase melatonin levels!! Studies have shown that cherries can be used to improve sleep quality. Raise your hand if you’ve diagnosed yourself as an insomniac!
8. They can help with skin problems like acne.
Cherries are rich in Vitamin A, which can help to fight skin bacteria and remove toxins from the blood that are often behind acne outbreaks. Ain’t nobody got time for a pimple. We have selfies to take.. and the iPhone 6 is HD status!
9. Healthier, longer hair.
The consumption of red cherries, because of their rich source of antioxidants, is good for hair growth and can control hair loss. Hair for days!!
10. FIBER
Everyone’s new favorite word. Fiber is great because it helps you feel full quicker which means- less of a chance of overeating. Also, it helps you poop... and girls know how stressful their day is if that doesn’t happen.
So, here are 10 reasons why red cherries should be in everyone’s refrigerator right now, and why you shouldn’t feel completely guilty about how much they may cost!
1. They aid in the prevention of Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The bright red color of a red cherry comes from its rich supply of anthocyanins. The red cherry is in the #1 spot at the top of the food chart for having the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).
Research has shown that anthocyanins protect blood vessels and brain cells against oxidative stress. Eating red cherries regularly can provide great health benefits such as the prevention of neurodegenerative ailments like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Anthocyanins are also known to slow the growth of human colon cancer cells.
My grandma suffers from Dementia and Alzheimer’s, and it is genetic. After seeing what it does first hand, I definitely want to do everything I can to prevent it in my future!
2. Helps to prevent cancer.
Cherries contain queritrin, which has been found to be one of the most potent anticancer agents. Basically, when eating cherries, the queritrin is set off in to your body to fight off all of the body’s cancerous cells.
Also found in cherries- ellagic acid- which some researchers believe to be the most effective way to prevent cancer.
Cancer runs in my family, so this is super important to me!
3. The anthocyanin content feeds on free radicals directly.
Why are free radicals bad?
Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly to attack and steal an electron from the nearest stable molecule. When the “attacked” molecule loses that electron, it becomes a free radical itself and a chain reaction occurs. Once that chain reaction begins, it eventually can result in the disruption of a living cell. Environmental factors like pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke, and herbicides also spawn free radicals. Generally, our bodies can handle free radicals so don’t freak out! However, if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes too excessive, damage CAN occur. The reason why most of us, especially woman, don’t want free radical damage is because it plays a significant role in the aging of our skin!!
If you immediately thought of blueberries for your source of antioxidants, think again. RED CHERRIES are SUPER high in antioxidants!!
4. Prevent premature aging and have younger looking skin!!!
Red cherries contain 17 different antioxidant compounds which are, by far, the highest levels of antioxidants compared to any other fruit. The antioxidants fight the free radicals, which are responsible for making our skin look older. So, this proves that cherries can slow down the aging process! Who doesn’t want to look young forever??
5. Fights inflammation caused by gout and arthritis.
The red cherry juice helps lower uric acid levels in the blood. Gout is usually the result of an overload of uric acid in our bloodstream! So we can remain super active, longer!!
6. Helps with migraines and headaches.
When the anthocyanins reduce inflammation in the body, they also help to eliminate migraines and headaches. These compounds have similar activity to aspirin. Athletes often drink red cherry juice to deal with their muscle pain and build stamina. SOLD.
7. They help you sleep.
Cherries can increase melatonin levels!! Studies have shown that cherries can be used to improve sleep quality. Raise your hand if you’ve diagnosed yourself as an insomniac!
8. They can help with skin problems like acne.
Cherries are rich in Vitamin A, which can help to fight skin bacteria and remove toxins from the blood that are often behind acne outbreaks. Ain’t nobody got time for a pimple. We have selfies to take.. and the iPhone 6 is HD status!
9. Healthier, longer hair.
The consumption of red cherries, because of their rich source of antioxidants, is good for hair growth and can control hair loss. Hair for days!!
10. FIBER
Everyone’s new favorite word. Fiber is great because it helps you feel full quicker which means- less of a chance of overeating. Also, it helps you poop... and girls know how stressful their day is if that doesn’t happen.
Basically, ANTIOXIDANTS are everything. If a handful of red cherries is more effective than any other food source, then why wouldn’t you pay $14 for a bag of cancer-fighting, youth-renewing, pain-reducing fruit that tastes delicious??
However, just because red cherries contain all of these health benefits does not mean you should go out and buy 10 bags and make them your #1 source of food. It is best to have a balanced diet!
However, just because red cherries contain all of these health benefits does not mean you should go out and buy 10 bags and make them your #1 source of food. It is best to have a balanced diet!
What do you think? Are you going to run to the store now to purchase some red cherries? Comment below!!
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