Cherries Emerge as the New Antioxidant Superfruit

    First-Ever "Cherry Nutrition Report" Reveals an Array of Surprising
    Health Benefits of Cherries

    NEW YORK, Feb. 6 /CNW/ - Health-conscious consumers are abuzz about new
exotic berries from the Amazon with names they can't even pronounce. But
nutrition researchers say they may be missing a home-grown "superfruit" that
provides surprisingly similar amounts of antioxidants: cherries.
    A growing body of scientific research shows that tart cherries - which
can be enjoyed year-round as dried and frozen cherries or cherry juice - have
among the highest levels of disease-fighting antioxidants compared to other
fruits. Most people don't know that. A recent survey(*) found that more than
half (52%) believe that blueberries and cranberries have the most
antioxidants. Yet 7 out of 10 people said if they knew cherries were as
nutritious as blueberries and cranberries, they would choose cherries.
    Today, with the help of some leading health experts, the cherry industry
launched a new consumer education campaign and unveiled "The Cherry Nutrition
Report." Available at www.choosecherries.com, the new report is the first
compendium of cherry-related studies, and documents the surprisingly high
levels of antioxidants in tart cherries. It also reviews the array of research
that links cherries to a variety of health benefits - from easing the pain of
arthritis and gout to offering protection against heart disease and certain
cancers.
    "There's a significant body of evidence suggesting that cherries are one
of the most nutritious fruits you can eat," said panel member Russel J.
Reiter, Ph.D., a prominent nutrition researcher at the University of Texas
Health Science Center in San Antonio. Reiter has pioneered many of the studies
on tart cherries.
    "Cherries not only contain significant levels of antioxidants, but they
provide a unique combination of antioxidants that are not found in other
fruits," Reiter said. "The compounds in cherries act as potent antioxidants
that appear to have anti-inflammatory benefits, which may be particularly
valuable for aging baby boomers suffering from joint pain."
    For decades, cherries have quietly grown a devoted fan base of arthritis
sufferers who attributed tart cherries (especially tart cherry juice
concentrate) to pain relief. Now the research by Reiter and others have put
science behind the cherry folklore.
    "The evidence was always anecdotal, but it was repeated so often and by
so many people that it made us think there was something to it," Reiter said.
"That's why we've explored this connection from a scientific standpoint."
    In the last few years, studies seem to have validated the anecdotal
claims. Research indicates that cherries help inhibit enzymes in the body that
are associated with inflammation. The compounds in cherries were found to have
similar activity as aspirin and ibuprofen.

    The Power of Red
    Cherries contain powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins, which provide
the distinctive red color of tart cherries and may hold the key to the
benefits locked inside. These rich red pigments are a type of phytonutrient
known as flavonoids, which have been linked to a variety of health benefits -
from protecting against heart disease and cancer to keeping the brain sharp.
    Research conducted at Michigan State University found that cherries are
the richest source of anthocyanins 1 and 2 - which help block cyclooxygenase 1
and 2, termed COX-1 and COX-2. Some pain medication works by inhibiting COX-1
and COX-2, which may explain why cherries seem to help ease the pain of
arthritis and gout.
    The researchers found cherries were the highest in these beneficial
compounds compared to various berries such as blackberries and strawberries.
Anthocyanins 1 and 2 are not found in blueberries or cranberries.
    Additionally, cherries are one of the few food sources of melatonin, a
potent antioxidant that helps improve the body's circadian rhythms and natural
sleep patterns, according to studies conducted by Reiter, who is the author of
"Melatonin" (Bantam Books) and is one of the world's leading authorities on
melatonin.
    Reiter and colleagues in Texas speculate that eating just a handful of
tart cherries may help increase melatonin levels in the blood - thereby
promoting a more restful sleep.
    More recent studies reviewed in the "Cherry Nutrition Report" suggest
that compounds in tart cherries may help lower blood cholesterol and reduce
the risk of insulin resistance syndrome, or pre-diabetes, which has become an
epidemic in this country.

    Survey Reveals Consumers Don't Know the Truth about Cherries
    Most consumers seem to be in the dark about the antioxidant content and
nutritional value of cherries. In fact, cherries were ranked as the "least
nutritious" fruit in a recent survey of 1,000 consumers who were asked to
compare cherries with blueberries, cranberries, apples and bananas. However,
cherries were on top when it came to taste. The majority (60%) said they
prefer the taste of cherries compared to blueberries and cranberries.
    "People love the taste of cherries but they tend to think about pie and
other desserts," said Canadian dietitian Lisa Weinberg, RD. "They also think
of cherries as just a summertime treat, but tart cherries in dried, frozen or
juice forms are easy ways to incorporate these antioxidant powerhouses into
your daily diet."
    This may be particularly important for older adults. Conclusions from the
"Cherry Nutrition Report" suggest that tart cherries may offer protection
against age-related diseases.
    "Anything that you currently make with berries or raisins, from oatmeal
to muffins, you can easily substitute cherries," she added.

    A "Red Hot" Trend
    As consumers continue to demand "good-for-you" products that provide both
health and taste, the food industry is discovering the benefits of tart
cherries. A growing number of food manufacturers and restaurateurs are
developing new products and menu items using cherries.
    Cherry Marketing Task Force member Jenifer Smith, owner of Cherry Lane
Frozen Fruits in Vineland Station, Ontario, says cherries are the ideal fruit
because they are so versatile.
    "There is an opportunity in Ontario to educate people that cherries
aren't just a summer fruit, and in fact can be enjoyed all year long in so
many unique, delicious ways," said Smith. "I'm glad to see cherries finally
getting the glory they deserve and hope that this attention helps us build
this category for local growers and processors."
    To get a copy of "The Cherry Nutrition Report" and to learn more about
the unique health benefits of tart cherries, visit www.choosecherries.com. You
can also find new cherry recipes, menu ideas, and more information on where
you can buy tart cherry products.

    The Cherry Marketing Institute (CMI) is an organization funded by North
American tart cherry growers and processors. CMI's mission is to increase the
demand for tart cherries through promotion, market expansion, product
development and research. For more information on the science supporting the
unique health benefits of cherries and for cherry recipes and menu ideas,
visit www.choosecherries.com.

    (*) Survey of 1,000 adults conducted by Opinion Research Corporation's
        Caravan Services, December 14, 2006 on behalf of the Cherry Marketing
        Institute.

    Please note: B-roll Transmission
    --------------------------------
    -  Highlights from the Cherry Nutrition Report
    -  Footage of researchers in lab, tart-cherry processing, dried and
       frozen cherries, cherry juice, and nutrition labels in the grocery
       story, people eating dried cherries and drinking cherry juice

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