What Are The Health Benefits Of Dried Cherries?

Scientific studies have found dried cherries to contain potent chemicals called anthocyanidins, which have been linked to certain health conditions. Tart cherries contain more anthocyanidins than sweet. Both are available as dried fruit on the market and there are also supplements that contain dried cherries in capsule form. However, consult with your doctor before trying to prevent, treat or cure any condition with dried cherries.

Improved Sleep

Dried cherries may help with getting a good night's rest. A study published in December 2009 in "The European e-Journal of Clinical and Nutritional Metabolism" found that twice-daily supplementation with dried cherries led to longer sleep time at night. Also, there is evidence that the dried cherries also improved sleep quality. Specifically, the participants displayed less physical activity while sleeping.

LDL

LDL is the cholesterol that contributes to blockages and ruptures of the arteries, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack. Dried cherry powder was found to lower LDL in a study published in July 2004 in the "Journal of Science and Agriculture." Although the freeze-dried cherries had lower health activity than fresh cherries, dried cherries did show some protective activity.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of symptoms including elevated insulin, excessive fat around the waist and high cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome is a condition that leads to the formation of Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. Rats fed freeze dried tart cherry powder displayed several signs that indicate a reduction in metabolic syndrome, although they were fed a high fat diet. Supplementation with the dried cherry for 90 days led to reduced body fat less and less hyperlipidemia in a study published in "October 2009 in the "Journal of Medicinal Food." Hyperlipidemia is when there is too much fat in the blood.

Gastrointestinal Cancer

The flavonoids, or plant chemicals in cherries, may promote gastrointestinal health. Dried cherries were found to reduce caecal adenomas, or tumors, within the large bowels of rats, in a study published in 2009 in "Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology." This is the area that receives waste material from the small bowel. These types of tumors are benign, but they can progress to cancer. The rats were given freeze-dried cherry powder.