Cherry: Prunus cerasus Tart cherries contain an extremely significant quantity of melatonin, enough to produce positive results in the body.A gram of cherries can contain up to 13.5 nanograms (ng) of melatonin.
Melatonin is a potent antioxidant, possibly more effective than vitamins C, E and A. Melatonin is soluble both in fat and water and so can enter some cells that vitamins cannot. Eating cherries with high melatonin concentrations will increase the antioxidant capacity in the body. Brunswick Laboratories state that tart cherries have high ORAC values and contain compounds called SOD (super oxide dismutase). Tart cherry products range from 1,700 to 12,800 ORAC units per 100 grams. The ORAC test accurately quantifies the antioxidant capacities of foods by taking into account the fact that most natural products are a complex mix of phyto-chemicals of which many are antioxidants. A good diet requires you consume 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC units per day to have an impact on health. SOD (super oxide dismutase) acts as super scavengers of dangerous free radicals, destroying them throughout the body. Few natural foods contain SOD and the human body is often lacking SOD.
Tart cherry juice concentrate has 12,800 ORAC units per 100 grams of concentrate. This is a very high value, significantly higher than other fruits, including prunes, blueberries and strawberries.See www.cherrypharm.com for such commercial products. Cherries have 19 times as much vitamin A and beta carotene as available in blueberries and strawberries. They are high in potassium, dietary fiber, containing vitamins B6, C, E, iron, magnesium, folic acid and are very low in fat and sodium. | 
