Health & Beauty Snapshot

Australia’s red-hot ‘super fruit’ offers homegrown health benefits. Emerging studies show fresh cherries are a rich source of certain antioxidants and contain other phytonutrients – plant pigments that have been linked to a variety of health promoting benefits including anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity effects.

Your daily diet powered by red. It’s easy to enjoy fresh cherries every day in a variety of ways. For example you can include them in a trail mix as a snack, juice them for a refreshing post-workout drink or use them as a sweet addition to a savoury entree or main meal.

When it comes to cherries, fresh is best. Fresh cherries appear to not only retain more of their nutrients than processed cherries, they also provide a unique combination of phytonutrients in one package that work together to deliver health benefits not available in antioxidant supplements or pills. According to a new study from the University of Michigan, the unique compounds in sour cherries may work in concert to deliver a powerful ‘cocktail’ of antioxidants.

Guilt-free indulgence. Cherries have only 250 kilojoules (60 calories) per 100 grams and contain virtually no fat or cholesterol. Research suggests that 1-2 cups daily – particularly of sour cherries – may help provide some of the health benefits identified.

Soothe aching muscles. Emerging research suggest that anti-inflammatory components in cherries may promote the repair of muscles that have been damaged by exercise. This effect has been attributed to specific anthocyanins shown to relieve muscle pain and joint soreness associated with inflammation.

Banish wrinkles. Free radicals are believed to be a major contributing factor in the production of fine lines and wrinkles by destroying the collagen and elastin network which keeps skin supple and firm. Eating plant foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh cherries, may help to reduce and neutralise free radicals and slow the signs of skin ageing.