Tart Cherries Reduce Effects of Jet Lag

LANSING, Mich.Eating melatonin-rich tart cherries may be a natural way to reduce the effects of jet lag. Cherries, rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, are linked to potential health benefits in numerous studies and one of the few known, researched food sources of melatonin, a potent antioxidant produced naturally by the body to help regulate biorhythm and natural sleep patterns.

Studies suggest eating tart cherries one hour prior to the desired sleep time on the plane and for three or more consecutive evenings after arrival, depending on the number of time zones crossed.

Travelers will often consume melatonin supplements to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle during long-haul flights," said Russel J. Reiter, Ph.D, a nutrition researcher at the University of Texas Health and Science Center one of the world's leading authorities on melatonin. "But choosing cherries may be a natural alternative."