Pondering Cherries during Sakura Matsuri - Sleep Better Slim Down Reduce Aches

 This Cherry Blossom Time Lapse  video from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is the Editor's Pick on vimeo and a lovely preview of what I am set to see this weekend at the annual Sakuri Matsura Cherry Blossom Festival right here in Brooklyn. The BBG has 17 different varieties of cherry trees on the grounds. Like heaven on earth, what a joy it is to walk under the trees, taking in the fragrances of magnolia, cherry and the incoming wisteria. The fruit of the cherry tree is a wonderful source of antioxidants that helps stimulate melatonin production, the usherer of a restful nights sleep.

 Melatonin and Body Fat Reduction

The tart or sour cherry variety in particular boost melatonin as well as helping to reduce inflammation in such a sweet way! The juice of the cherry helps reduce uric acid and helps the body burn fat. Sweet cherries I have discovered are rich in potassium and provide a summertime source of it and an alternate to the banana. Potassium is a great way to lower high blood pressure levels and control heart disease. Being a red fruit they are high in anti oxidants like our delicious friends blueberries, raspberries, dark grapes and blackberries. Eating 2 cups of cherries per day while they are in season will be effective in delivering their health benefits. When I went to high school in Michigan, cherries were one of the prime fruits of the region aside from apples. This store sells Tart Cherry Juice by mail order. While you may not be able to indulge in this treat everyday,  you can also insure your body gets enough melatonin with Usana's Pure Rest. I use it on a regular basis and it has been effective in helping me get the beauty sleep I need here in the City that Never Sleeps. It's a high quality pure form of melatonin that is vegetarian friendly. It has also proved useful while changing time zones and avoiding the perils of jet lag and sleeping pills. Now knowing what we know about the link between a reduction of body fat and the role sleep plays in weight management here is wishing you sweet, sweet dreams.