| |
Why Antioxidants
and Other Natural Compounds are Important
|
|
|
Antioxidants
are vitamins, minerals, and other compounds
found in foods that can help slow down
or prevent the oxidation process. There
are at least 17 compounds in Montmorency
tart cherries with antioxidant properties.
Antioxidants help prevent or repair damage done to the body's cells by free radicals.
Simply put, a free radical is a molecule with a missing electron. An antioxidant,
such as vitamin C, vitamin E or beta carotene, may donate one of its electrons
to the free radical. If no antioxidants are present, a free radical takes an
electron from vital cell structures, damaging the cell and eventually leading
to disease. Antioxidants have been shown to increase immune function and possibly
decrease risk of infection and cancer. Based on the research at MSU, tart cherries
are a rich source of naturally occurring antioxidants, which could be effective
replacements for synthetic antioxidants.
| Anthocyanins |
| |
- Anthocyanins are natural colorants
belonging to a group of compounds
called the flavonoids. They are
widely distributed among fruits,
such as cherries, vegetables and
flowers. In addition to their colorful
characteristics, anthocyanins possess
potent antioxidant properties.
The antioxidant activities of the
anthocyanins may account for the
beneficial effects derived from
the consumption of fruits and vegetables
high in anthocyanins, such as cherries,
against cardiovascular and other
diseases.
|
|
| Melatonin |
| |
- Across the nation, insomniacs are gobbling
up melatonin in rapid fashion. The hormone
is being touted as a natural way to get
a more restful sleep. Richard Wurtman,
the inventor who holds the patent covering
the use of melatonin for controlling sleep,
says that melatonin levels in the body
are responsible for controlling the body's
daily circadian rhythms. Research shows
that cherries have a high melatonin content.
|
| Vitamin C and E |
| |
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant
and also helps make another antioxidant--vitamin
E--more effective. The current Recommended
Dietary Allowance of 60 milligrams of
vitamin C could likely be set much higher,
but a healthy diet provides plentiful
vitamin C.
High doses of vitamin E have been linked
to the prevention of heart disease because
it helps prevent the oxidation of LDL,
so-called "bad" cholesterol
inside the arteries. Oxidation of LDL
can cause heart disease and stroke.
The 17 compounds in tart cherries that
have antioxidant properties are considered,
in total, to be superior to the activity
of vitamins E and C.
|
Orchard Fresh Cherry Juice Concentrate
For Your Health!
for
a month's supply
32
Servings - only $0.43 cents a day!
FREE SHIPPING on
Case Order
Toll
Free: 1-888-802-7872 |
|
|
|
