Cardiovascular / Heart Health

Some studies indicate the antioxidants and other compounds in cherries may play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The antioxidants called anthocyanins, which provide cherries with their rich, red color, are a type of phytonutrient known as flavonoids. The anthocyanins in cherries have been shown to lower blood lipids, thus reducing heart disease risk.

Several studies conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Program showed that tart cherries may help reduce risk factors for heart disease and metabolic syndrome. In these animal study, both lean and at-risk animals experienced lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels on cherry-enriched diets, two key risk factors for heart disease.

The latest research presented by University of Michigan researchers shows tart cherries may help reduce inflammation, a key risk factor for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  As science continues to reveal inflammation may be a marker for many chronic diseases, the researchers say emerging studies like this are important in examining the role diet may play in disease management and prevention.

“We’re learning how important reducing inflammation is for our overall health and lowering the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes — two of the most critical health epidemics we have in this country today,” said study co-author Dr. Steven F. Bolling, a cardiac surgeon at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center who also heads the U-M Cardioprotection Research Laboratory, where the study was performed.  “This study offers further promise that foods rich in antioxidants, such as cherries, could potentially reduce inflammation and lower disease risk.”

In this new animal study, both lean and at-risk animals also experienced lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels on the cherry-enriched diet, two other key risk factors for heart disease.  The most at-risk animals also reduced their abdominal fat and total fat mass – particularly important given the link between excess abdominal fat and disease.

For more information on cardiovascular/heart health, visit the American Heart Association Web site at www.americanheart.org