Cardiovascular disease remains the No. 1 killer of both men and women in North America. Changes in diet and exercise can go a long way in helping to keep your heart healthy.

A good place to start is eating more fruits and vegetables, especially deeply hued produce that’s packed with heart-healthy compounds. Typically, the darker the color, the better.

Be sure to add Montmorency tart cherries to the mix. Researchers believe Montmorency tart cherries may provide a number of cardiovascular benefits due to the intensity of anthocyanins inside these ruby-red fruits. Studies indicate that Montmorency tart cherries may help lower levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, reduce inflammation and improve belly fat – all factors specifically linked to heart disease risk.

For More Information:

A look at the evidence

Additional studies on Montmorency tart cherries and heart health:

Tart cherry consumption with or without prior exercise increases antioxidant capacity and decreases triglyceride levels following a high-fat meal.

Effects of tart cherry juice on biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in older adults.

Effects of Montmorency tart cherry supplementation on cardio-metabolic

markers in metabolic syndrome participants: a pilot study.