Cherries are considered to be among the most powerful disease-fighting foods available, largely because of their high anti-oxidant content. Cherries are becoming well known for their ability to improve the circulation, along with possessing anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties.

The title of an enlightening U.S.D.A. report was, Arthritis hurts. But fresh cherries may help. Of course, the F.D.A. eventually noticed this report after it began getting quoted at Internet health sites such as ours, so the article seems to have now disappeared, but we archived it at our site. The evidence of this governmental admission can also be found by plugging the report’s title into an Internet search engine, but the entire report has become difficult to find. At one point, the F.D.A. threatened to use the Federal Marshals to arrest cherry farmers, and even confiscate the entire U.S. cherry crop if farmers continued quoting the scientific findings about the medicinal properties of cherries from the government’s own reports.

Cherries are famous amongst naturopathic practitioners for their ability to relieve the pains of arthritis and gout. Researchers from the Michigan State University found that anthocyanins, the same chemicals that give cherries their color, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects. The study showed that these anthocyanins inhibit COX-2 enzymes, which play a key role in the body’s production of prostaglandins – natural chemicals involved in inflammation. Another study affirmed that tart cherries have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that are comparable with prescription drugs.

Unfortunately, cooking cherries is known to kill many of the beneficial compounds found inside them. Therefore, eating cherry pie probably will produce very little benefit. Cherries may be eaten raw, or concentrated cherry supplements can be purchased for higher potency and convenience. Concentrated cherry supplements have been shown to be more effective in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation than pharmaceuticals.

High concentration cherry supplements can also be used for general soreness and joint issues like carpal tunnel syndrome. They are very effective; especially when combined with MSM and vitamin B-6.

by Thomas Corriher For HealthWyze