Cholesterol

The study also showed the cherry-fed groups had lower levels of a plasma marker of oxidative damage and increased blood antioxidant capacity — not surprising since cherries are one of the richest sources of antioxidants.

Additionally, the cherry-enriched diets reduced "fatty liver" or the accumulation of triglycerides and The amount of cherries used in the study is estimated to be about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups of whole frozen cherries or a little more than 1/2 cup of dried cherries.

People with metabolic syndrome — characterized by abdominal obesity (or belly fat), high triglycerides, low HDL Previous studies have shown that the compounds in cherries may offer protection against heart disease due to enhancements in blood vessel health.

Other studies suggest that cherries have anti-inflammatory benefits that may help ease the pain of arthritis and gout.

The new study on cherries and metabolic syndrome has been submitted for publication.

The study was funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute, which provided an unrestricted grant to the University of Michigan to conduct the research and was not directly involved in the desi...

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