A growing body of science suggests
antioxidant-rich fruits can be a natural way to protect against the signs and
conditions of aging.
September is Healthy Aging Month, and experts suggest stocking up on
«Super Fruits» such as cherries, which are one of the few known, researched
sources of melatonin, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to play a
role in delaying the effects of aging.
A 2007 study conducted at the University of Granada in Spain and published
in the journal Free Radical Research found that melatonin neutralizes the
oxidative and inflammation process caused by aging (1). In fact, researchers
suggest that daily melatonin intake in humans from the age of 30 or 40 on
could potentially help delay illnesses related to aging.
Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D, a nutrition researcher at the University of Texas
Health Science Center and co-author of the Granada study, recommends eating
just a handful of cherries a day to reap the melatonin benefits.
«Studies have shown melatonin can provide many potential health benefits
that would be important to people as they age, including helping to protect
the vascular system and improving sleep,» said Reiter. «As people look for
natural ways to promote longevity, including cherries in their daily diet may
be helpful.»
A growing body of evidence also shows cherries may help reduce risk
factors of age-related conditions such as inflammation and heart disease.
According to registered dietitian Cheryl Forberg, author of Positively Ageless
(Rodale 2008) and nutritionist for NBC\’s «The Biggest Loser,» the antioxidant
compounds that make up cherries\’ rich red color are the key to their naturally
protective benefits.
«Most people don\’t know the truth about this powerful fruit,» said
Forberg. «But tart cherries have just as many antioxidants as blueberries. As
a dietitian, I look first to foods and beverages with health-promoting
properties to help people optimize their health.»
