What the Experts Are Saying

Health professionals and researchers have long known that cherries pack a powerful nutrition punch and are linked to many health benefits. Here's what some of them have to say about the emergence of cherries as the new "Super Fruit."

Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D.
University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

Dr. Russel Reiter, Ph.D.Dr. Russel Reiter is a prominent researcher at the University of Texas Health Science Center and has pioneered many of the studies on tart cherries. "There's a tremendous body of evidence suggesting that cherries are one of the most nutritious fruits you can eat. Tart cherries not only contain significant levels of antioxidants, but they provide a unique combination of antioxidant compounds that are not found in other fruits. The antioxidant compounds in tart cherries appear to have potent anti-inflammatory benefits, which may be particularly valuable for aging baby boomers suffering from joint pain."

Reiter also authored "Melatonin" and is one of the world's authorities on this powerful antioxidant.

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Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D.

Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D.Ellie Krieger is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health communications, and author of Small Changes, Big Results (Clarkson Potter, February 2005). She also is the host of the Food Network's Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger and is a regular contributor to nutrition columns in major women's and parenting magazines.

"As a dietitian, I'm a big proponent of foods that can help you live healthier and feel better, which is why I love cherries. Cherries are not only rich in several vitamins, but they are an antioxidant powerhouse. Because they are available year-round in a variety of forms, including dried, frozen or juice, tart cherries are a delicious, convenient way to add more disease-fighting compounds to your diet everyday throughout the year. Including cherries in your diet may be especially important for older adults as studies show that tart cherries may offer protection from age-related diseases, such as arthritis and gout.

Best of all, incorporating cherries into your diet is easy. Substitute anything you currently make with berries, from topping your cereal or salad with dried cherries, baking or making yogurt parfaits with frozen cherries. Or, substitute your regular juice by mixing cherry juice into a smoothie once a day."

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Chef Geoffrey Zakarian
Town Restaurant, New York City

Chef Geoffrey ZakarianGeoffrey Zakarian is the chef/owner of the widely acclaimed TOWN restaurant located on Manhattan's East Side. Trained classically by of some of the finest master chefs in his native France, this award-winning chef brings a traditional excellence to his innovative culinary style. Before opening TOWN in 2001, Zakarian trained at some of the most respected restaurants in Manhattan, including Le Cirque, where he was named Chef de Cuisine and later the legendary 21 Club, where he was named Executive Chef.

"I'm always looking for the hot, healthy ingredient because that's what my customers want. Cherries are so great because they are nutritious, delicious and versatile enough to include in any dish because they come as dried, frozen and in juice forms. The flavor of cherries also complements many other foods, from tomatoes to chocolate, so the possibilities for how you can enjoy them are endless."

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Cheryl Forberg, R.D.

Cheryl Forberg, R.D.Cheryl Forberg, R.D. is a weight loss and anti-aging nutrition expert, who travels throughout the United States lecturing and giving cooking classes and demonstrations. Forberg is also a professional chef and registered dietitian, whose expertise in nutrition and healthy recipe development is showcased in her book, Stop the Clock! Cooking: Defy Aging? Eat the Foods You Love (Avery/Penguin Group). She also is the consulting dietitian to NBC's The Biggest Loser.

"Anti-aging is one of my primary areas of interest, which is why I love tart cherries. Studies suggest that incorporating more antioxidant-rich cherries in your diet may help reduce the risk of many diseases associated with age, including arthritis and gout, as well as heart disease, diabetes and certain kinds of cancer. And it's so easy to incorporate cherries in your diet everyday. They're an easy swap for foods you'd normally think about for blueberries. For example, I've created muffins, smoothies and even dressing for the Spinach Cherry Salad with dried and frozen cherries and cherry juice. The flavor and texture of cherries also lends them to unique dishes such as a cherry chili I developed."

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