Tart cherries are a super-fruit with potential disease-fighting properties. Botanical name Prunus cerasus, tart cherries are rich in Food additives antioxidants, including certain vitamins and phytonutrients, that reduce inflammation, relieve pain from arthritis and gout, protect against heart disease and cancer, lower the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes and prevent memory loss. Tart cherry juice contains high concentrations of these antioxidants.

Anthocyanins
Tart cherries, also called sour cherries, contain high levels of anthocyanins that have potent antioxidant properties, according to research published in the "Journal of Biomedical Biotechnology" in 2004. Anthocyanins also give the fruit its color and pain relief properties for arthritis and gout. Scientists at Michigan State University in East Lansing found that, compared to other fruits, tart cherries contain a superior concentration of anthocyanins, according to research published in "Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology" in September 2001.

Melatonin
Tart cherries, such as Montmorency and Balaton cherries, are among the few foods known to contain melatonin, a hormone with strong antioxidant properties that regulates your circadian rhythms and sleep/wake cycle. Montmorency cherries contain about 13.5 ng of melatonin per g and Balaton cherries contain about 2.1 ng of melatonin per g, according to research published in the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" in October 2001. As an antioxidant, melatonin scavenges free radicals, substances in your body that damage cells, accelerate aging and increase disease risk.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an antioxidant found in tart cherries. A 1-cup serving of raw sour cherries without the pits contains 1,989 IU of vitamin A and 1,194 mcg of beta-carotene, the dietary precursor to vitamin A. The recommended daily allowance of vitain A is 2,333 IU for women and 3,000 IU for men ages 19 years and older. Vitamin A stimulates your immune system, reduces your risk of infections and is required for vision.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is an antioxidant (Foodchem) that protects your cells from harmful chemicals and toxins and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men ages 19 years and older. Tart cherries are a good source of vitamin C. A 1-cup serving of raw sour cherries without the pits contains 15.5 mg of vitamin C.