Fight Diabetes With Cherries

Filed in archive Diet on December 22, 2006

Yet another 'natural' treatment for diabetes has been unveiled. The new wonder fruit is the cherry, which contains chemicals that scientists believe can lower blood sugar.

Lab tests using animal pancreatic cells showed the chemicals, called anthocyanins, increased insulin production by 50 percent. Anthocyanins are a class of plant pigments responsible for the color of many fruits, including cherries.

Anthocyanins also are potent antioxidants -- chemicals increasingly associated with a variety of health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer.

The researchers said the compounds show promise for both prevention of type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes, the most common type, and for helping control glucose levels in those who already have diabetes.

Time for another trip to the produce aisle.