Cherries are a nutritional powerhouse fruit with so many incredible health benefits. One cup of raw cherries has 87 calories, 22 grams of Carbohydrates, 1 gram of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Enjoy them now while they are at their peak because their season is way too short.
There are two types of cherries, sweet cherries and tart cherries, both cherries thrive in cooler climates, so you see them being grown in northern states such as Washington, Oregon, Utah and Idaho. Each type of cherry prefers a different weather zone while sweet cherries like zones 5-9, tart cherries prefer zones 4-9. Read on for some of the great health benefits of eating cherries.
1. Arthritis:
People suffering from arthritis are most likely to benefit from this fruit as the Arthritis Foundation recommend drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water at least three times a day, which can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Improves Heart Health:
In a study conducted by the University of Michigan, diets which encourage people to consume a substantial amount of cherries contribute to lowering the risk of Heart disease apart from cholesterol, body fat and inflammation.
3. Boosts Memory:
Anthocyanin, the antioxidant that gives the cherry its red color, has been found to be excellent for the brain by improving one’s memory power apart from a slew of other benefits as well.
4. High in Beta Carotene:
Cherries are high in beta carotene, containing 19 times more than blueberries or strawberries.
5. Anti-oxidant Rich Fruits Pigment:
Pigment contained in cherries is a flavonoid polyphenolics compounds or so-called anthocyanin glycosides. Some bright colors found in fruits are Anthocyanins, for example red, purple or blue, these colors are anti-oxidant component is very strong.
6. Aids in Sleep:
Cherries contain a nutrient known as melatonin that manages the body’s sleep cycles, and this in turn, helps one to sleep better.
7. Sleep Disorders:
Balaton cherry juice is also a source of melatonin. Made in the brain by the pineal gland, melatonin helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle and may also act on the vascular system to reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that eating tart cherries or drinking Balaton cherry juice may help raise the melatonin level in the blood, possibly helping people with sleep disorders.
8. Protection from Cancer:
Apart from the aforementioned antioxidant anthocyanin, cyanidin (another antioxidant) is present in cherries. Most scientists and researchers consider this nutrient to possess the ability to combat cancer. Apart from this, cyanidin also possesses the ability to neutralize free radicals that can cause to your body’s cells if not kept in check.
9. Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Most researchers and physicians in the scientific community consider the cherry to be one of the best fighters against inflammations. This is because of the presence of anthocyanin which prevents free radical damage to the body as well as stops cyclooxygenase enzymes better than most anti-inflammatory drugs that are available.
10. Weight Loss:
The cherry fruit is low in fat and high in water content. Regular consumption helps to boost energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss. It is also being used as a natural cure for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and certain physiological problems.
Cherries is also helpful in the following cases: Anemia, Colds (runny nose), Obesity, Cramps, Intestinal worm, High blood Pressure, Rheumatism, Asthma.