Reid Fruits today welcomed University of Tasmania research which demonstrates the potential weight loss properties of sweet cherries.
Reid Fruits Managing Director Tim Reid said Tasmania’s major cherry exporter had been extremely excited to be involved with Dr Melanie Blackhall.
“For many there has been anecdotal evidence of the massive health benefits of sweet cherries,” Mr Reid said.
“Dr Blackhall’s research is a fantastic start to providing scientific proof of those benefits, in relation to the properties of the bioactive compound anthocyanin, found in sweet cherries.”
The UTAS Faculty of Health research saw a 19% reduction in weight gain in the sample group which were fed cherry anthocyanin extract compared to those not fed cherry anthocyanin. Furthermore the research proved that cherry anthocyanin can help reduce inflammation.
“That this extract might also have potential weight loss benefits for human beings into the future is also very exciting but obesity is a main contributory factor in many diseases such as heart disease and some cancers and therefore the role sweet cherries can potentially play in reducing the impact of these diseases is very exciting."
Mr Reid said Reid Fruits has major plans to expand production of sweet cherries as well as a focus on value-added products using the cherry anthocyanin extract.
“Through the research, which was done exclusively with Reid Fruit cherries, we are now able to identify the best varieties and production methods to maximise anthocyanin content in our cherries.”
Mr Reid said the company had been working with Dr Blackhall for the past two years and research is ongoing into the anti-inflammatory properties of sweet cherry extract.
For more information: www.reidfruits.com