Cherries are a good source of potassium. Increasing evidence shows that a diet rich in potassium may help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk for hypertension and stroke.
click here to read moreInflammation
An important new area for nutrition research is the role of naturally occurring compounds, primarily in plant foods, to modify the inflammatory process in humans. Low-grade inflammation is a potential risk factor for a wide range of chronic illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. In addition, obesity has been shown to be associated with elevated inflammaroty response. While Americans are often advised to take low-dose aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications to offset this problem, researchers are looking for new ways, such as diet modification, to enhance anti-inflammatory response.
The phytochemicals in cherries have been shown to inhibit the cyclo-oxygenase enzymes responsible for inflammatory response. In a cell culture study assessing COX-1 and -2 enzyme activity, the anthocyanin cyanidin, common to sweet cherries, along with malvidin, were shown to have the greatest inhibitory effects (Seernam, 2003). In relation to anti-inflammatory properties, cherries have been investigated in relation to pain control. Evidence suggesting a role of dietary constituents in reducing pain is expanding (Tall, 2004).