This post may contain affiliate links. See affiliate disclaimer here.
Cherries are beautifully delicious & so good for you! It is hard to believe that not everyone likes them (like my husband). They can be a bit difficult to eat considering you have to pit the seed or spit the seed. Cherries are definitely not suitable for young children however, they can still reap the benefits by drinking organic tart cherry juice. Click here to order. Just one cup of cherries or about 20 of them contain about 90 calories, 3 grams of fiber and about 16% of your daily recommended vitamin C. Top them off with their powerful antioxidants and they become a powerhouse of healthful benefits.
Here are 8 Health Benefits of Cherries & Why You Should Eat More.
1-Reduce Inflammation
Cherries are known to reduce inflammation and inhibit inflammatory pathways. Cherries have been linked to reduce levels of nitric oxide, a compound associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis or gout you may want to think about adding cherries to your daily diet to reap the benefits.
2-Provide Antioxidants
Cherries are a high antioxidant food. They contain anthocyanins and cyanidin which are powerful antioxidants. Cherries can help prevent eye damage by working as a natural treatment for macular degeneration and glaucoma.
3-High In Potassium
There is no need to stick to bananas and potatoes when you can enjoy cherries. Potassium reduces muscle cramping, improves muscle strength, reduces the risk of stroke, alleviates hypertension and high blood pressure.
4-Better Slumber
Cherries are the only natural source of melatonin which is your sleep-wake cycle hormone. Just 1 cup of the fruit or 8 ounces of the juice can get you a better nights rest including total sleep time and quality of sleep. You should give it a try if you suffer from insomnia or just crave a better nights sleep.
5-Boosts Immune System
When you hear antioxidant powerhouse you naturally think of an immune booster and your right. Cherry’s are loaded with antioxidants which help strengthen your immune system. With a strong immune systems you are less likely to get sick, catch the common cold or flu. Your body will be better equipped to fight off an illness when it’s immune systems is strong.
6-Fight’s Alzheimer’s Disease
According to a study at Central Michigan University cherry’s may help slow the process of Alzheimers and Huntington’s disease.
7-Helps Prevent Cancer
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research cherries can have a significant impact on the growth of tumors, more specifically in the colon. As previously mentioned these fruits contain a compound known as anthocyanins, which has been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells and actually encourage the self-destruction of these cells. Further, lab studies have shown the anthocynanis have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects found to also have a positive effect on the prevention of not only colon cancer, but cancers of the larynx, lungs, mouth, and pharynx.
Start eating more cherries to reduce your risk of developing cancer!
8-Prevents Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic health condition. The pancreas creates insulin, but the cells of the body do not respond to the insulin production properly. This results in what is known as insulin resistance. The pancreas will make more insulin in order to help the cells of the body digest glucose. Over time, the pancreas cannot keep up with the production of insulin. As a result, the glucose starts to accumulate in the bloodstream. When this occurs it can result in devastating consequences and even death.
Cherries can help combat the development of type 2 diabetes due to their powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Cherries also have a very low glycemic index, so they do not cause sharp increases and decreases in the blood glucose and insulin levels. As a result, this fruit serves as a protective agent against diabetes. Cherries can help you manage the condition if you already have it.
Try these easy ways in addition to eating the fruit itself to consume more cherry reaping benefits.
Drink Organic Tart Cherry Juice
I eat my daily serving of Acerola Cherries in addition to 30 more fruits and vegetables by taking encapsulated produce called Juice Plus. Get more info here. To order click here.
