What are the health benefits of tart cherries? That is a question we get asked a lot. So what exactly is this tiny red super fruit good for? The Michigan-grown, Montmorency tart cherry provides a number natural health benefits and is a natural
source for a number of nutrients. The stories of the natural health benefits of this ruby red fruit have been passed down from generation to generation. They have been passed from mother to daughter and grandfather to grandson.
In addition, a number of the world’s leading food research universities and organizations have studied the tart cherry. Many of these studies are being funded by USDA grants (United States Department of Agricultural), private funds and public grants.
The purpose of this special blog post is to introduce you to the health benefits and antioxidant properties of the tart cherry. Ongoing research from leading medical universities and research organizations suggests tart cherries may…
Provide the body with highlevels of ORAC units
Helps maintain a healthy cardiovascular system*
Helps maintain healthy sleep patterns*
Helps maintain healthy joint function*
Similar to other foods, tart cherries are a natural source of antioxidants. However, thanks to the unique makeup and combination of the antioxidants found in tart cherries is what makes the tart cherry so special. According to research, tart cherries are a source of beta carotene, melatonin, fiber, potassium, anthocyanins and more.
Also, when comparing the tart cherry to other types of fruit, the cherry offers very good nutrient values. For example, according to the USDA National Database on Food Nutrition, frozen tart cherries are higher in beta carotene than frozen strawberries
and blueberries. (Below is a comparison chart for your review) However, before we view the entire chart, here are some of the nutritional values for different types of cherry products:
Nutritional Information on Select Tart Cherry Products
Daily serving (1/4 cup – 45g) of dried tart cherries provides the following:
138 Calories
4.55 g protein
28.9g Carbohydrates
.23g Fat
Daily serving (1 oz. – 28.3g) of tart cherry juice concentrate
74 Calories
.92 g protein
17.5g Carbohydrates
0g Fat
Daily serving (1/2 cup – 67g) of frozen tart cherries
28 Calories
.65 g protein
6.35g Carbohydrates
.4g Fat
Daily serving (1/2 oz. – 121g) of canned tart cherries
37 Calories
.90 g protein
8.13g Carbohydrates
.07g Fat
* Nutritional analysis conducted by the American Analytical Chemistry Laboratories Corporation