3. Promotes heart health
Cherries might actually be better than drugs for cardiovascular benefits, according to animal studies from the University of Michigan. Apparently, tart cherries can reduce the risk of stroke. Drugs called PPAR agonists, which help regulate fat and glucose, were considered promising for patients with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that link to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But, studies have shown that long-term use of PPAR drugs can also increase the risk of stroke. Research now suggests that tart cherries provide similar cardiovascular benefits as the prescribed medications. In addition, tart cherries also reduce the risk of stroke, even when taken with other drugs.
