The Amazing Health Benefits Of Cherries

The health benefits of cherries are so abundant the fruit has been labeled as a super fruit, and even “nature’s pharmacy.”

Cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants, which fight free radicals, help to prevent heart disease and cancer, as well as slowing symptoms of the aging process. They are also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamins B and C, whilst being totally fat-free and very low in sodium and calories. Cherries contain only 54 calories per 100 g.

Sour cherries are most beneficial to health, and have a higher antioxidant content than the magnificent blueberry. A daily intake of about 20 sour cherries can offer the same pain relief as ibuprofen or aspirin, while anti-inflammatory relief is supplied by the anthocyanins they contain.

Another of the amazing health benefits of cherries is their high content of melatonin which has been proven to help insomnia, jetlag and slow the aging process. It is also believed cherries can slow, and maybe even reverse, diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

Although sour cherries hold higher levels of beneficial nutrients, sweet cherries are also extremely good for the health. All cherries contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, iron, magnesium, potassium, fiber, B complex vitamins and an abundance of antioxidants. Sweet cherries have the added benefit of containing boron, which aids in the formation of healthy bones.

The flavonoids provided by cherries; anthocyanin, quercetin and the phenolic acid amygdalin, are powerful antioxidants which are helpful in the prevention of cancer. Undoubtedly the most well-known of the amazing health benefits of cherries is their help for sufferers of gout and arthritis; providing pain relief and reducing inflammation.

Cherries have been reported as a health aid since the 15th century, helping to prevent heart disease and diabetes, relieving symptoms of asthma, hay fever, eczema and hives, while also supporting weight loss.

Cherries most beneficial when eaten raw, juiced, or dried. However cooked cherries also retain many of their health advantages. When they are plentiful in summer, cut them in half and remove the pits; these can then be left to dry and packed for later use, or boiled with minimum water for a couple of minutes, so they remain firm and then freeze or jar them for storage.

Taking all the benefits into consideration, it is little wonder that nutrition buffs have chosen to label the common cherry as a super fruit. Additionally, they taste delicious!