Got Antioxidants? Cherries Do!

Cherries contain several different antioxidants. Did you know that cherries rank among the top 20 foods with the highest concentration of antioxidants? In fact, the standard one-cup serving of sweet cherries has the capacity to carry 4,873 antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules found in foods that protect the body’s cells from several chronic diseases, including cancer.

Antioxidants occur naturally in foods and may protect cells in the body from damage during oxidation, a chemical reaction in the body that can produce free radicals. These radicals start a chain reaction, and if that reaction occurs in a cell, it can severely damage or kill the cell. Oxidative stress is the cause of many diseases, and the antioxidants found in foods are a great way to combat that stress.

Cherries contain several different antioxidants (and more are being uncovered through research), including: melatonin, phenols, quercetin and a flavonoid called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin gives cherries their deep red color (just like red wine), and are believed to be good for the heart. Cherries can offer the heart and surrounding tissues protection, as well as inhibit plaque formation via these powerful antioxidants.

Eat a bowl of Stemilt sweet cherries and give your body an antioxidant boost! Read more about cherry nutrition on our blog.