Cherries: discover all its properties and benefits

One of the favorite fruits of summer is the cherry. The season of this fruit runs from May to July and it is very difficult to find fresh cherries the rest of the year, so you have to take advantage of the season of this rich fruit very well.

It is common to see cherries as decoration in cakes and various desserts. Perhaps this is because in addition to the flavor, this small fruit has a very peculiar appearance that serves very well as a decorative touch, but the cherry has multiple properties and benefits.

Learn about all the benefits that cherries bring to your health

There are basically two types of cherries: sweet and sour or sour. Although in general the two have the same properties, sweet cherries and cooked tart cherries are recommended to be eaten raw as part of a dessert or other dish.

Once the cherry has been harvested, its life cycle is very short. A good option is to freeze it, in this way this small fruit can last much longer. Without a doubt, the cherry is a fruit that you should consume whenever you can, learn about its properties and benefits here.

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1. Antioxidant

Cherries are one of the antioxidant fruits par excellence. Contain quercetin, anthocyanins, and cyanidin, which together make this fruit one of the ones with the highest antioxidant content and efficacy.

This property provides the body with multiple benefits related to slowing down the cell aging process. In addition, the skin and hair also benefit by protecting them from the effects of free radicals.

2. Vitamin A

Vitamin A is present in a significant amount in cherries. This fruit has beta-carotene, which when entering the body is converted into vitamin A. Its content is more than 15 times higher than that of fruits such as strawberries or even blueberries.

This vitamin is essential for good visual health, so it is recommended in children and people with some weakness in the organs involved in sight. It also favors the health of soft tissues and bones.

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3. Fiber

One benefit of cherries for the body is its good amount of fiber. The skin and pulp of this small fruit have a significant amount of fiber. This benefits intestinal transit helping in episodes of mild constipation.

It is also a fruit with a high water content. This helps soften the stool, along with fiber, promote bowel movement. For this reason, consuming cherries regularly helps prevent constipation.

4. Improve sleep

Cherries have among their properties to help you fall asleep. This is because this fruit contains natural melatonin, which is a chemical compound that acts directly on the pineal gland.

In this case, the consumption of cherries in juice is recommended, and preferably it should be sour cherries since it is these that contain a greater amount of melatonin. Its consumption must be daily for a period greater than two weeks to perceive its benefits.

5. Assistant in diabetes treatments

For patients with diabetes, cherries are an excellent alternative. They have a very low caloric index, in addition to a glycemic index of 22, making it a safe food for people with diabetes.

But not only that, also consuming cherries has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing diabetes. This means that not only do they help those who have already had this disease, but their regular intake can help prevent it.

6. Against muscle pain

Cherries help relieve muscle pain. Cherry juice is widely used by athletes to relieve tendon and muscle pain after training. This is due to its great anti-inflammatory power.

Muscle recovery after intense effort is much faster with the consumption of cherries than with other specialized products for this. For this reason, many athletes opt for a specific consumption of this fruit after their training.

7. They strengthen the immune system

The vitamins contained in cherries help strengthen the immune system. Contains Vitamin C in significant amounts, in addition to vitamin A, iron, potassium, magnesium and folic acid.

Because of this, the immune system is benefited by consuming cherries, and thanks to this, the defenses are ready to attack viruses and prevent diseases, especially during the winter season.

8. Helps cognitive functions

Some people have named cherries a "super fruit." This name has been assigned primarily for the benefits it provides to the brain. Thanks to its important antioxidant content, cherries favor neurological aspects such as memory.

Because antioxidants have the ability to counteract the effects of free radicals in the body, they also protect cells involved in brain processes. The most vulnerable to them is the hypothalamus, for this reason the antioxidants in cherries help to strengthen memory.

9. Auxiliary in the treatment of arthritis and gout

Cherries are a recommended food for patients with arthritis or gout. This is because they have anti-inflammatory properties. One of its main components is anthocyanins, which have the ability to reduce inflammation of the joints.

Because of this, the regular consumption of cherries is recommended for people suffering from arthritis pain and gout. In addition to reducing inflammation, they provide relief from the rest of the symptoms.

10. Auxiliary in diets for weight reduction

This fruit can be included in any regimen that aims to reduce weight or measurements. It is an ideal option to consume it as a snack, because in addition to water and fiber, its caloric intake is minimal.

Also, as already mentioned, eating cherries at night helps you fall asleep, so as part of a diet, a good option is to make them part of the dinner since in addition to being light, they benefit the break.

Bibliographic references

• Kelley, D. S., Adkins, Y., & Laugero, K. D. (2018). A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients, 10 (3), 368.
• Letitia M. McCune, Chieri Kubota, Nicole R. Stendell-Hollis & Cynthia A. Thomson (2010). Cherries and Health: A Review, Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition.