Compounds that color autumn leaves are some of the same disease-fighting phytonutrients found in certain fruits and vegetables, KMBC's Kelly Eckerman reported.

Red found in tart cherries has been shown to have health-promoting properties.

"In tart cherries, the anthocyanins that give it the red color are antioxidants which help with the diseases of aging, like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases," said food specialist Dr. Elizabeth Sloan.

Eckerman reported that there is a whole science developing, studying how pigments that color fruits have properties that go way beyond pretty.

"One of the hottest trends is these super fruits are high in antioxidant potential. The reason that's so important is the role they play in preventing serious diseases of aging, such as heart disease," Sloan said.

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Read more about the benefits of tart cherries.