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In fact this summer fruit is so powerful, it could lower your cancer risk by 50%... and your heart attack risk by 30%. Here's how to start benefiting today... Red grapes, apples, citrus fruits ... no doubt you've heard all the great health claims about these fruits. But while scientist have been hard at work studying their healing abilities, one delicious seasonal treat has been quietly putting them all to shame. The surprising new super fruit? Cherries. "Preliminary research is showing they contain unique plant chemicals that can prevent and treat many of today's worst health problems." says University of Iowa biochemist Raymond Hohl, M.D., at the University of Iowa in Iowa City. Sweet, juicy, delicious cherries are in season July through August, and they can help you to: SAFEGUARD AGAINST CANCER: Experts were surprisd when they discovered that cherries are packed with perillyl alcohol - a natural chemical that not only flushes cancer causing substances out of the body, but also helps stunt the growth of cancerous cells. In fact, research suggests that perillyl alcohol is so powerful, it could slash the incidence of all types of cancer as much as 50% - making it five times more effective that limonene the proven cancer-fighter found in red grapefruit. "It appears to shut down the growth of cancer cells by depriving them of the proteins they need to grow," explains Dr. Hohl. "And it works on every kind of cancer we've tested against." KEEP YOUR HEART HEALTHY: Eat just 20 cherries and laboratory studies show you'll be getting 6g. of cholesterol controlling fiber, plus a whopping 524 mg. of potassium - a mineral that doctors say can prevent, and even treat, high blood pressure. "Twenty cherries also provide 25mg. of anthocyanins, powerful chemicals that protect artery walls from the damage that leads to plaque buildup and heart disease," says food science and human nutrition researcher Muraleedharan Nair, Ph.D. In fact, the latest research shows that anthocyanins do a better job of protecting arteries than even vitamins C and E. The bottom line: "Eating 20 cherries daily could cut your risk of heart attack by 30%," he says. RELIEVE ACHES AND PAINS: But anthocyanins are more than just heart-protectors. Recent studies show they're also anti-inflammatory pain relievers 10 times stronger than aspirin or ibuprofen! If you're plagued with the chronic pain of arthritis, headaches, or even gout, pros say a daily bowl of cherries could ease your aches without side effects. "They help shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place. So they can prevent, as well as treat, many kinds of pain." says Nair. BONUS: CHERRIES HELP KEEP YOU BEAUTIFUL! The anthocyanins in cherries can also keep you from developing varicose veins! Researchers say anthocyanins strengthen blood vessel walls, and the stronger they are, the less likely you are to develop varicose veins. Consider stirring them into yogurt, blending frozen cherries into shakes and adding dried cherries to cereals and muffin mixes. Michigan State University has been researching the benefits of cherries and they have found that the anthocyanins and antioxidants in cherries are amazing. It may not be a cure for arthritis but is certainly helps to relieve the pain. previous page |
