Superfoods = Superman


As part of a healthy diet, whole foods play a significant role in helping our bodies function optimally. There are hundreds of extremely nutritious whole foods, but over the next week, I’d like to talk about a dozen or so that do more than contribute healthy nutrients – they help you heal. Every food on this list boasts multiple healing effects, from fighting cancer to reducing cholesterol, guarding against heart disease and more. Eat these super – healing picks and start feeling pretty super yourself.

Cherries

Cherries boast a laundry list of healing powers. For starters, they pack a powerful nutritional punch for a relatively low calorie count. They’re also packed with substances that help fight inflammation and cancer. As if that weren’t enough, in lab studies, quercetin and ellagic acid, two compounds contained in cherries, have been shown to inhibit the growth of tumors and even cause cancer cells to commit suicide—without damaging healthy cells. Cherries also have antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Anthocyanin, another compound in cherries, is credited with lowering the uric acid levels in the blood, thereby reducing a common cause of gout. Researchers believe anthocyanins may also reduce your risk of colon cancer. Further, these compounds work like a natural form of ibuprofen, reducing inflammation and curbing pain. Regular consumption may help lower risk of heart attack and stroke.

In Chinese medicine, cherries are routinely used as a remedy for gout, arthritis, and rheumatism (as well as anemia, due to their high iron content). Plus they’re delicious.

How much: Aim for a daily serving while they’re in season locally. And keep a bag of frozen cherries in your freezer the rest of the year; frozen cherries retain 100 percent of their nutritional value and make a great addition to smoothies, yogurt, and oatmeal.

Tip: Buy organic, since conventionally grown cherries can be high in pesticides.


Healthy Recipes:
Cherry-Vanilla Bean Milkshake

Sources: eatingwell.com, fitnessmagazine.com, healwithfood.org, bestofthislife.com

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4 Comments

  • Reply
    Mindy Whipple
    April 9, 2013 at 4:54 pm

    We grow our own blueberries and freeze for use throughout the year but we just planted a cherry tree last year. We have our first flowers showing just now and I am so excited!

    • Reply
      Robyn
      April 10, 2013 at 9:39 am

      I freeze strawberries and tomatoes and what a delight to have them through the winter months. The roma tomatoes are perfect for sauces.
      I’ve never had a cherry tree, Mindy, I would be very excited too! Do you have to put netting on it to protect the fruit from the birds and raccoons?

  • Reply
    Bam's Kitchen
    April 10, 2013 at 4:32 am

    I can’t wait until their in season. I love visiting Traverse City in Michigan during the cherry festival. Cherry jam, cherry fudge, cherry shakes…

    • Reply
      Robyn
      April 10, 2013 at 9:40 am

      Cherry fudge? Oh my gosh, Bobbi, I could make a trip to Michigan for that alone! lol

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