According to preliminary analysis, tart cherries have remarkable high levels of melatonin, higher than other plant products previously studied. Melatonin is a potent anti-oxidant with a variety of reported beneficial health effects. The concentration of melatonin may also account for the beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of cherries. Further funding, specifically on the melatonin in cherries, is planned. These antioxidants also may help prevent varicose veins.
Researchers say antioxidants strengthen blood vessel walls.
The stronger they are the less likely that varicose veins will develop. Recent studies show that the antioxidant compounds in cherries are 10 times stronger that aspirin or ibuprofin in relieving pain. Experts say a daily bowl of cherries or cherry juice could ease the chronic pain of arthritis, headaches or even gout. It is also believed that the compounds in cherries may help to shut down the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in the first place, so they can prevent, as well as treat, many kinds of pain. Researchers also have discovered that cherries are packed with perillyl alcohol, a natural chemical that not only flushes cancer-causing substances out of the body, but also helps stunt the growth of cancerous cells.