Generally, ‘Antioxidant’ strength level is measured in Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) units and the whole antioxidant system depends on the food we consume. If the oxygen radicals are more, ORAC score will be higher; the better a food is at supporting our bodies fight at cancer and heart diseases.

‘Cherry‘ fruits have the highest antioxidant levels as same as blueberries. According to the researchers of Michigan, the appropriate amount of cherry intake could potentially aim at good health benefits and reduce risk factors for heart and cancer diseases. Also blood cholesterol levels can be lowered in animals and reduce triglycerides (blood fat which is harmful). On the whole, the research of cherries is encouraging which can lead to real life circumstances.

As one ounce of ‘cherry’ juice concentrate supplies 3,622 ORAC units per day, Nutritionists propose that people should consume 3000 to 5000 ORAC units per day to have positive health impact.

Antioxidant Standard Levels of Cherries

• Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate consists of 12,800 ORAC units
• Dried Cherries consists of 6,800 ORAC units
• Frozen Cherries consists of 2,033 ORAC units
• Canned Cherries consists of 1,700 ORAC units

Strength of Red Cherries – Anthocyanins

Red Cherries consists of high level of antioxidants known as ‘anthocyanins‘ which is rich in source for good health aspects. Anthocyanins are the red pigments that give cherries a red color, are a kind of phytonutrient called  ‘flavonoids‘, which all leads to various health factors.

As anthocyanins seem to have the highest antioxidant capacity level, Surveys propose that these pigments have power of anti-inflammatory and anti-aging qualities. Tart cherries are the most splendid sources of anthocyanins, consists to a greater extent than sweet cherries and berry varieties – raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. People who maintain a good supplementary diet which includes catechins, anthocyanins and proanthocyanins (a group of flavonoids) are eminent for longevity.

Researchers have examined the blood and urine samples at frequent intervals and observed that antioxidant activity level has been increased for about 12 hrs after they consume 1 1/2 cups or 3 cups of frozen cherries.