Getting Enough Zzzzzzs?
The problem of not being able to sleep well at night is a burden shared by millions of North Americans. It is estimated that 1/3 of our adult population—about 70 million—has trouble in getting a consistent full night’s sleep at some point in their lives, with nearly one out of five adults considering their sleep problem to be serious.
We’re more prone to sleep disorders as we age, with the elderly especially experiencing a decrease in total sleep time with more frequent awakening during the night.
Because of this, drug companies are constantly developing drugs for this ever-growing market. But not everyone wants to put these often harmful drugs in their bodies. Have you ever listened to a sleep aid commercial? It invariably ends with a long list of possible side effects that you risk in order to get your sleep. When it comes to sleep drugs, it seems the cure could be worse than the illness.
The most exciting area of research into tart cherries over the last couple of years has been the work done by Dr. Russel Reiter, the dean of melatonin research. Dr. Reiter has been painstakingly unlocking the secrets of melatonin for over 30 years. Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland; its concentration in the blood varies throughout the day, peaking at night-time, triggering sleepiness. Melatonin levels seem to decrease with age, which may explain why, as we age, we have more problems sleeping.
Research at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio has shown that tart Montmorency cherries contain significant quantities of melatonin. According to Dr. Russel J. Reiter, “Tart cherries, specifically the Montmorency variety, contain an extremely significant quantity of melatonin, enough to produce positive results in the body.”1
Montmorency cherries, bursting with delicious flavor are apparently bursting with the benefits of melatonin as well! Take full advantage of this natural solution to sleeping difficulties.
What are the benefits of melatonin for you?
Helps to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep
Helps to relieve the daytime fatigue associated with jet lag
Helps to improve your total sleep time when your sleep is restricted or your sleep schedule is altered
Not Getting Enough Fruits and Vegetables?
There are many benefits gained from eating fruits and vegetables, but one that much research has focused on is the ability of these foods to provide us with antioxidants. Although our body produces the “master antioxidant” glutathione, we also need antioxidants from our foodstuffs for optimal health. Good news here, the antioxidant power of tart cherries is head and shoulders above the vast majority of the fruits you’ll find at the marketplace!