Top 10 Health Benefits of Cherries
(BeWellBuzz) Once known only for its pie persona, cherries have recently emerged as one of the hottest Super Fruits available in the market. Today, there are plenty of research studies that have uncovered the many health benefits of cherries and they have been proven to be the powerhouse of antioxidants.
Recent scientific studies have confirmed that the nutritional contents of cherries are very beneficial for maintaining good health.
- The red color of cherries is due to the anthocyanin pigment, a dietary antioxidant that plays preventive and therapeutic roles in a number of human diseases.
- Cherries are a very rich source Vitamin A, which is due to the presence of phytochemicals and Beta Carotene.
- Many of Vitamin B family and Vitamin C are the building blocks of cherries, which include Folic Acid, Niacin and Riboflavin.
- Small quantities of Iron, Magnesium, Protein and potassium are also found in cherries.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Cherries?
Cherries are the red, fleshy and mouthwatering fruits that are not only delicious but also have lots of health benefits. Until few years ago, people were not even aware of amazing health benefits of cherries; however, thanks to medical research that know more about this wonder fruit, and how we can use it as a natural source for keeping our bodies fit and healthy. Some of the health benefits associated with cherries include:
- Good For Digestion
When we eat cherries, there is more production and secretion of digestive juices, which subsequently improves our digestive system.
- Anti-Oxidant
Cherries contain high levels of antioxidants, and we all know that foods with antioxidant contents are great for our health; especially, for our heart and cardiovascular system.
- Detoxification
Cherries contain nutrients that have cleansing properties and scientists have confirmed that cherries help our liver and kidneys to get rid of toxicity which makes them perform better.
- Anti-Inflammatory
Scientists have proven relationship between arthritis, gout and cherries. It has been observed that patients, who consumed large quantities of cherries regularly, reported reduction in pain of arthritis and gout. These problems generally occur due to excessive production of uric acid. So, when consumed in large quantities and regularly, cherries may help control excessive uric acid production in the blood.
- Improve Immunity
Cherries contain a substance called Melatonin. This substance is essential for our immune system, and it helps maintain a healthy sleeping pattern.
- Healthy Heart
Cherries are known to minimize cardiovascular risks by lowering melatonin levels.
- Anti-Aging
Melatonin found in cherries also slows down the aging process. Regaining your face glow is a good reason to start eating cherries now!
- Fighting Cancer
Cherries contain high Beta Carotene (Vitamin A) content and this also helps fight the cancer in organs and glands.
- Weight Loss
Many studies have shown that people who regularly consume cherries, are not bulky and have reduced risks to heart related issues. In the study, people who ate more cherries exhibited the following results:
- Lower total body weight
- Reduced belly fat
- Reduced cholesterol
- Pain Relief
Cherries can help reduce post-exercise muscle and joint pains. They help in speedy muscle recovery. A study also proved that regular consumption of cherry juice reduced insomnia with older adults.
Cherries vs. Cherry Products?
There has been a rising debate about whether to eat cherries as a fruit and if the health benefits remain the same in the products made from cherries.
Many cherry growers are against the use of words like “health benefits,” often used by the cherry product manufacturers worldwide, to attract buyers for their cherry products. These controversies are confusing and leaving buyers in a dilemma, if they should choose cherry fruits over the other cherry food products. However, it has not been disproved that cherry products lack any of the original nutrients of the fruit.
Should You Include Cherries In Your Daily Diet?
A study by researchers from University of Michigan revealed that a cherry enriched diet reduced inflammation markers in animals by up to 50 percent. Another study proved that drinking eight ounces of tart cherry juice daily for four weeks significantly reduced important markers of inflammation in overweight and obese adults.
While scientific research on cherries started very recently, we have been able to find out the various health benefits that we can achieve from this small juicy red fruit. Many universities and scientific laboratories continue to find out more health benefits and usage of cherries and their food products. It’s may be just a matter of time when we may find out that cherries are the healthiest addition to our daily diet.
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