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Another berry extract to add to your antioxidant arsenal

I recently noticed a new product available in the Vitamin Shoppe Brand family of products: Tart Cherry Extract. I have recommended cherry extract in the past, but I had never seen one labeled as “Tart” before. Upon further review and research, I learned that this is no ordinary cherry extract. Here’s why:

First, the extract comes from the actual growers and is “Phyto-preserved” which means that all of the goodies contained in the cherries are locked in upon harvesting. Fresh from the tree is the way to go in my book!

Tart Cherry extract is an excellent source of flavonoids, which help the strength of capillaries, collagen, eyes, joints and arteries. The anthocyanidin and proanthocyanidin flavonoids in cherries help fight free radical damage in the body (refer to my antioxidant article). We know that the damage caused by free radicals is linked to many of the serious diseases that we face today. Adding another powerful antioxidant like this to your supplement program will aid in the fight against those diseases.

Tart Cherry Extract also has anti-inflammatory benefits. It is well accepted as a supplement for gout, but most of us don’t realize that cherries also will help decrease inflammation in the body (not just joints).Add in the collagen support, and you are getting a double benefit for your joint health issues.

The more flavonoids a supplement contains, the greater their efficacy at helping to lower the risk of heart disease.

Yep, I said sleep. I would have never thought about recommending a cherry extract for sleep, but this cherry extract contains naturally occurring melatonin. I always preach if you can get your nutrients from a food source that they will be better utilized by the body. By adding this powerful antioxidant to your daily use, you will also get a better night’s rest.