Cherries - A Super Fruit

Cherries have claimed the title of "Super Fruit" because they are packed with anti-oxidants, which fight disease.  They have a low Glycemic Index (GI) of 22, foods below 55 are considered to be low-glycemic foods.  This means they will not rapidly or significantly affect blood sugar levels.  Fresh cherries are best, and their GI is lower than apples, bananas, peaches, grapes, oranges, pears and watermelon.  They are even 2 points lower than the Super Food packed meal replacement Shakeology, which has a GI of 24.  WOW!  If you have trouble finding the fresh cherries in your area, cherry juice concentrate is a great way to still get the health benefits.  It can be mixed with water or taken straight by spoon.

Cherries + Chamomile Tea = Sleepy Time
These little low-calorie super fruits contain melatonin, which helps the body regulate natural sleep cycles in your body.  This is great for those who have trouble "turning off their brain" when they lay down at night, or those suffering from jet lag.  Melatonin has also been said to prevent memory loss and to delay the ageing process.  A good night's sleep has a multitude of great health benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory in a tasty package.
Cherries are know to be one of the best fruits for inflammation.  They are a low calorie source of not only anti-inflammatory compounds, but also anticancer and anti-aging compounds.  Chronic inflammation could increase disease risks especially common for those who are overweight or obese, especially those of us with extra weight around our middles.  Women with PCOS have been shown to have more inflammation issues than the general population.  This increases our risks of heart disease and can worsen insulin resistance, arthritis, gout and eye infections. 

Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is a great way to get the benefits of Cherries into your diet if you have trouble keeping the fruit on hand.  Find it here.

Cherries can help Gout
Gout is caused by high levels of uric acid in the body, these crystals pool in low places, like the feet (especially the big toe), ankles and knees.  Gout can be incredibly painful and damaging to joints if left untreated.  Studies have found that eating 20 cherries a day can lower the risk of recurring gout attacks by as much as half and are 40% less to suffer a flare up.

Resources    
PCOS Nutrition Center
Livestrong.com - Glycemic Index information
WebMD - cherries, gout, inflammation and arthritis