Relatively low in calories, cherries are loaded with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anticancer compounds that don’t show up on your average nutrition facts label. The cancer-fighting agents in cherries include a flavonoid called quercetin as well as ellagic acid and perillyl alcohol. The secret to the benefits of cherry juice are compounds called anthocyanins, which are the pigments that give cherries their bright red color and are also believed to be the key to helping the body relieve inflammation. As an added bonus, these same anthocyanins may significantly reduce your risk for colon cancer, the third leading cancer in America. Unfortunately cherries found themselves on the Environmental Working Group’s 2003 list of 12 foods most contaminated with pesticides so it’s wise to seek out the organic ones. Hint: They’re unbelievably delicious frozen, with a little fresh yogurt mixed in. It’s a natural “Cherry Garcia”.
Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS, author of The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
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