Cherries are rich in antioxidants. These are natural chemicals that can help your body deal with day-to-day damage to your cells. The havoc may come from normal metabolism, inflammation, exercise, smoking, pollution, or radiation. Some studies show that both sweet and tart cherries help reduce this damage. One small study found that drinking a little bit of tart cherry juice for 2 weeks helped.
Evidence that cherries fight inflammation is mixed. Researchers reviewed 16 studies to get an answer. Eleven showed that eating cherries or cherry products lowered signs of inflammation. But other studies don’t find that benefit. It’s worth noting that many of these studies include very few people. Proof of a health benefit requires large groups of people.