Researchers say both studies are encouraging and will lead to further clinical studies in humans to explore the link between diet, inflammation and lowering disease risk.

The Power of Eating Red

This new study is the latest linking cherries to protection against heart disease and inflammation. Researchers believe it's the anthocyanins - powerful antioxidant compounds in cherries - also responsible for the fruit's bright red color, that link cherries to reduced inflammation, even inflammation related to muscle recovery post-exercise.

Since cherries are available year-round in dried, frozen and juice forms, it's easy and delicious to incorporate them into the daily diet to help manage inflammation, from topping dried cherries in oatmeal to enjoying a post-exercise smoothie of cherry juice and lowfat yogurt.

Source: Weber Shandwick Worldwide