Are Tart cherries Good For Obesity?

A recent study done on rats, not on humans, concluded that tart cherries may be responsible for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The researchers, from the University of Michigan, believe this is due to the fruit reducing inflammation.

The study was an unusual one – instead of giving the rats tart cherries, they fed 48 rats - half of which were already obese - a high fat, ‘American style’ diet mixed with whole tart cherry powder. The diets were monitored for 90 days and included 45 percent fat and 35 percent carbohydrates (For more information on carbs read- The Glycemic index).

They came to their conclusion on the basis that the rats who received the cherry tart powder did not gain weight as much as those who individuals did not receive the powder. They also reported that the rats eating tart cherry powder had reduced levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

The University of Michigan researchers are currently talking about a clinical trial later this year with humans, to see if the effects are similar.