Adios, Jet Lag

Tempted to gulp a sleeping pill or a stiff drink as you hurtle across time zones? That’s not the best strategy for beating jet lag—pills can plunge you into a long-lasting fog, while alcohol-induced sleep is shallow and less restful. A more natural approach for a confused body clock: tart cherries. These little red gems are potent sources of melatonin, the hormone involved in regulating circadian rhythm and promoting sleepiness.

According to recent research by Russel J. Reiter, PhD, professor of medical neuroscience at the University of Texas Health and Science Center and a leading expert on melatonin, tart cherries are not only one of the few food-based sources of melatonin, but they’re also rich in anthocyanins, flavonoids that add color to food and have powerful anti-inflammatory and antiaging effects.

To stave off jet lag, consume 1/2 cup of dried tart cherries (such as Montmorency) or 2 tablespoons of juice concentrate (equal to 1 cup of juice) one hour before a mile-high nap, and for three days after you land. The cherries are delicious by the handful, or you can blend 2 tablespoons of juice concentrate with yogurt, banana, ice, and a splash of orange juice for a soothing smoothie.