A Natural Way to Decrease Inflammation
This is information that drug manufacturers do NOT want you to know. Tart Cherries and berries produce the same anti-inflammatory benefits as Ibuprofen (Advil) or Naproxen (Aleve). ~But without the nasty side effects.
Cherry growers were threatened by the FDA in 2005. They were to face penalties if they did not remove written evidence on cherry packaging that described health benefits. Bob Underwood, a cherry distributor explained, “We have the government telling people to eat more fruits and vegetables, and we have the U.S. Department of Agriculture funding some of these fruit studies, and now we have another arm of the federal government that says you can’t use the research.” (Associated Press, 2006). The Department of Agriculture fruit studies proved that dark red fruits can be used medicinally to improve certain ailments. The growers just aren’t allowed to make any claims in marketing. We’re on our own to consider our options.
Tart Cherries contain high levels of an antioxidant compound called anthocyanins– Literally, ‘flower blue’. Acai berries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, blood orange, eggplant, concord grapes, purple corn and red cabbage also contain high levels of the molecule. Anthocyanins block the enzymes COX-1 and 2, which produce inflammatory compounds called prostaglnadins. In easy to understand terms: Dark purple and red plants are an important part of our diet. They help our bodies regulate inflammation. When we have lower amounts of inflammation, we see benefits to our health.
Tart cherries have cardiovascular benefits and help lower cholesterol. They have been proven to decrease inflammation and pain. Especially in osteoarthritis patients.
They boost muscle recovery in athletes.
“A study conducted at the University of Vermont gave 12 ounces of cherry juice or a placebo twice a day for eight days to 14 college men. On the fourth day, the men were asked to perform strenuous weight lifting of two sets of 20 repetitions each. Strength loss after exercise was only 4 percent with the juice compared to 22 percent with the other beverage, and pain significantly decreased after cherry juice consumption. The researchers concluded, “consumption of tart cherry juice before and after eccentric exercise significantly reduced symptoms of muscle damage.” (www.choosecherries.com).
And still, the FDA doesn’t want the news to get out that a natural food could have the same effects as a drug. Their stance is that only drugs can treat or cure a disease or ailment. Cherries have not gone through the appropriate testing to become a ‘drug’ and therefore cannot be marketed to mimic drug effects. Of course, drugs are a big business in the US and the FDA won’t let cherry farmers have it.
Adding tart cherries or anthocyanins to you diet could make a difference in your health or pain control. With no side effects, what do you have to loose? Well, except for the giant 1000 tablet bottle of Ibuprofen on your shelf!
