All About Cherries
Cherries: those brilliant, ruby-red globes of happiness that offer far more than just their sweet, tart presence in pies, jams, and desserts. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that are beneficial for your health. You may know them for their decadent taste alone, but the humble cherry is concealing a powerhouse of health treasures beneath that glossy exterior.
The Health Treasures in Cherries
Cherries, both sweet and tart, have notable health benefits. They’re packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These are vital soldiers in the fight against oxidative stress, which is linked to several chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants are particularly abundant in tart cherries, dubbing them as a superfruit. Bet you never knew you could fight serious diseases with a bowl of cherries!
Studies have demonstrated that these antioxidants can even enhance your recovery post exercise by reducing muscle soreness and strength loss.
Sweet cherries are a good source of fiber, which is necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Consuming them ensures the smooth running of your gut, heading off constipation and supporting overall gut health.
Melatonin and Sleep Quality
Suffering from insomnia? Drop the pills; pick up a cherry! Both tart and sweet cherries are naturally high in melatonin- a hormone that regulates our internal body clock to control our sleep cycles. A glass of tart cherry juice before bed can actually improve sleep quality and duration.
Gout and Arthritis Relief
Tart cherries are also considered a powerful tool in combating gout and arthritis. People who suffer from these conditions often have high levels of uric acid in their bodies. Tart cherries, a rich source of anthocyanins, have been proven to reduce inflammation and lower uric acid levels. This makes the cherry, especially in juice form, a natural treatment for these painful conditions.
A Cherry on the Top for Your Brain Health
Tart cherries have also been linked to improved brain health and function. Due to the high amount of antioxidants they contain, they can help fight off the oxidative stress that contributes to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Several studies have shown that diets rich in antioxidants can reduce the symptoms of these debilitating diseases.
There you have it — cherries are just as healthful as they are delicious, hiding a multitude of benefits within their rosy exterior. Now, there’s even more reason to fill up your fruit bowl or whip up a cherry-laden dessert. Your health will thank you for it!
