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High Source of Antioxidants

Anthocyanins and cyanidin are two components of cherries that provide powerful antioxidants. Their presence help make cherries a high-antioxidant food. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Natural Products found that the anthocyanins and cyanidin isolated from tart cherries exhibited better anti-inflammatory activity than aspirin.

Anthocyanins from sour cherries have been shown to not only possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but to inhibit tumor development in mice and the growth of human colon cancer cell lines. The body uses antioxidants to prevent itself from the damage caused by oxygen, which plays a major role in diseases today and has been linked to health conditions like cancer, heart disease and dementia.

Relieves Inflammation

Cherries are one of the top anti-inflammatory foods. A study published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition evaluated cherries’ ability to reduce muscle damage and pain during strenuous exercise. In the study, 54 healthy runners ran an average of 16 miles over a 24-hour period. Participants drank 355-milliliter bottles of tart cherry juice or a placebo cherry drink twice daily for seven days prior to the event and on the day of the race.

Boost Heart Health

The antioxidants found in cherries are known to improve cardiovascular health. Research done at the University of Michigan suggests that tart cherries provide cardiovascular benefits and can reduce the risk of stroke. The study showed that tart cherries activate peroxisome proliferator activating receptors (PPARs) isoforms in many of the body’s tissues.

Research also suggests that the anthocyanins and fiber in cherries contribute to heart health by reducing metabolic risk factors, improving LDL cholesterol levels and benefiting glucose metabolism.

Preserves Brain Function

Degenerative brain disorders like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's are thought to be caused, in part, by oxidative stress.

Tart cherries and their juice contain large amounts of antioxidants and other beneficial plant compounds that may have protective effects on brain cells.

In one study, consuming 16 ounces (480 ml) of tart cherry juice daily improved antioxidant defenses in healthy older men and women.

In another study, older adults with mild-to-moderate dementia consumed either 6.5 ounces (200 ml) of tart cherry juice or a placebo for 12 weeks.

Adults in the cherry juice group experienced improvements in verbal fluency and short-term and long-term memory, whereas those in the placebo group experienced no improvements.

High Source of Antioxidants

Cinnamon is packed with a variety of protective antioxidants that reduce free radical damage and slow the aging process. In fact, researchers have identified at least 41 different protective compounds found within the spice to date.

Cinnamon health benefits are attributed to its content of a few specific types of antioxidants, including polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids. These compounds work to fight oxidative stress in the body and have been found to aid in the prevention of chronic disease.

Relieves Inflammation

The antioxidants in cinnamon can help relieve inflammation, which may help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, cognitive decline and more. Researchers have identified many different types of flavonoids in the spice, all of which are highly effective at fighting dangerous inflammation levels throughout the body.

Because this powerful spice lowers swelling and prevents inflammation, it can also be beneficial in pain management. In fact, studies show that it helps reduce muscle soreness, decrease menstrual pain, lessen the severity of allergic reactions and relieve other age-related symptoms of pain as well.

Boost Heart Health

Studies show that one of the top cinnamon health benefits is its ability to improve heart health. In fact, it has been shown to reduce several of the most common risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels and high blood pressure to keep your heart healthy and strong.

It has also been found to reduce high blood pressure, which is another risk factor for heart disease or a stroke.

Research shows that it is a helpful blood coagulant and can stop excess bleeding by helping the body to form blood clots. Cinnamon also increases circulation and improves tissue repair, which may be especially helpful for regenerating heart tissue in order to help fight heart attacks, heart disease and stroke.

Preserves Brain Function

Because it is rich in antioxidants, research shows that this spice may boost brain function and can help defend against the development of neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.

Although human studies are lacking, in vitro studies show that cinnamon helps block the buildup of a specific protein in the brain to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. It’s also been shown to protect neurons against oxidative stress to reduce the risk of inflammation and cell damage in animal models, which can help preserve brain function and prevent cognitive decline.