Maintaining good health is a priority for all of us, and boosting our daily dose of antioxidants is one thing we can do to help. This is because antioxidants are believed to lower our risk of disease, support the immune system and slow the ageing process, by limiting the damaging effects of free radicals in the body.
Montmorency cherries are a particularly rich source of antioxidants. They’ve also been linked to a number of other health benefits, including lower blood pressure and improved sleep (cherries are a natural source of melatonin, needed for the sleep cycle). Research even indicates they might help to prevent certain respiratory infections and viruses, too.
Breathing easier
Post-race infections are a common problem for marathon runners, and one study investigated if taking Montmorency cherry juice could help. Participants were given either a dose of cherry juice or a placebo, before and after running a marathon. After the race, the runners who took the cherry juice showed lower levels of inflammation than the placebo group, and displayed no upper respiratory tract symptoms, like coughing, sneezing or a sore throat. By comparison, half of the placebo group did show symptoms.
Peace of mind
Although this study involved athletes, the results could be meaningful for those of us whose bodies are under stress for other reasons, including old age, underlying health conditions, or compromised immunity. A daily dose of Montmorency cherry juice might give you the peace of mind to know you’re taking extra care of your health.
CherryActive is an award-winning, 100 per cent-concentrated Montmorency cherry juice, with no additives. One 30ml serving provides four times the antioxidants of a typical five-a-day selection of fruit and veg. Try the concentrated juice in a 473ml bottle, or in 30ml daily sachets; or the capsules, made from Montmorency cherry skins.
You’ll find CherryActive online at hollandandbarrett.com and in stores – with the full range included in Holland & Barrett’s ‘Buy one, get one for a penny’ offer, there’s never been a better time to top up your immunity. And until 5 May, CherryActive capsules are also available for 25% off in packs of 30 or 60.