During their childhood, people often recollect the memories of their mothers making ice creams, cakes and fruit salads. In all those dishes, the most colorful and common ingredient was the yummy red fruit, cherry. The taste of cherry is amazing and relishing at the same time. But besides the taste, it has many nutritional values as well which benefits an individual in many ways. People have the misconception that cherry is only a decorative and tasty fruit without health benefits of its own. Cherry fruit benefits are not very well known as compared to other fruits in the market.
About Cherries
Cherries are not only delicious and versatile, but they are healthy too. They are packed with numerous vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It is a small red fruit which grows in temperate latitudes and seasons in between the months of May to August. Cherry fruit health benefits are many, but we have listed down a few to make people aware.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Anti-Cancer Agent
Queritrin, in cherries is a potent flavonoid and is found to be an effective anti-cancer agent by researchers. When you eat cherries, this compound gets released and fights off all the body’s cancerous cells. It is also called as anti-cancer fruit. It also contains Ellagic acid which is a phenolic compound and is effective enough to prevent cancer because of its anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties. Another compound that is found in cherries is Perillyl alcohol and is extremely powerful in decreasing the risk of developing various types of cancer. Researchers have identified that Perillyl alcohol stops the growth of cancerous cells by depriving them of the crucial proteins they need to develop. Perillyl alcohol has worked on every kind of cancer that it has been tested against.
For Insomnia
The melatonin component present in cherries is good for sleep. Body has a mechanism to absorb melatonin fast into the blood and so it is good for a sound sleep. According to recent studies, drinking cherry juice 30 minutes before dinner and 30 minutes after waking up in the morning shows a significant increase in total sleeping time. It the best natural remedy for insomnia.
Anti-Gout Agent
Recent studies conducted by U.S. department of agriculture states that a woman who consumed approximately 45 cherries after fasting, had balanced uric acid levels in her urine. Another study conducted on rats showed their anti-inflammatory properties because of the presence of flavonoids and anthocyanin present in cherries.
Related: Are You Suffering from Gouty Arthritis?
Benefits of eating cherry are such that it works against gout and arthritic pains. Its anti-inflammatory action is as good as drugs like Ibuprofen.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Cherries are loaded with potassium, which helps lower high blood pressure. Potassium helps in regulating the levels of excess sodium in our body which may protect people from hypertension. There are very few fruits for blood pressure and cherries are one of them. Queritrin present in cherries maintains blood vessel integrity as well.
Eliminates Oxidative Stress and Prevents Aging
Cherries are rich in antioxidants such as Queritrin and Isoqueritrin which reduces free radicals and helps in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This is how the aging process is slowed down.
Helps in Weight Loss
Out of several fruits that help in weight loss, cherries is one of them. One cup of cherries contains less than 100 calories and 3gm of fiber, which will keep your stomach full for a long time. They also contain many vitamins such as Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin B6, etc. which are crucial for building metabolism rate in the body and converts food into energy.
People should know the benefits of cherries. Having them daily and enjoying their taste as well will keep you healthy and fit in multiple ways. You can add cherry to all your desserts and other delicious recipes or can even intake it in juice format as well. Share it with your family and friends the unlimited benefits of cherries and make them aware of all the diseases which cherries can eventually cure. This fruit is easily available and people can take benefit out of it.
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