Cherries are a small fruit that come in a variety of colors (yellow to dark red) and flavors (sweet or tart).
A cup of raw cherries contains 97 calories and 2 grams of protein. They are an excellent source of nutrients that the body needs to function properly such as vitamin C, potassium, manganese, and fiber.
Health benefits of cherries include:
- They are high in antioxidants which slow the aging process
- They contain high levels of polyphenols which are excellent for combatting inflammation, helping to reduce cell damage, and good for reducing symptoms of gout and arthritis
- They contain beta-carotene and vitamin C both of which are anti-inflammatories and antioxidants. These are useful for relieving muscle pain due to exercise
- They contain potassium which helps to keep the heart healthy by maintaining a proper heart rate and regulating blood pressure
- They contain melatonin which is helpful in regulating the sleep – wake cycle
Cherries can be enjoyed as a raw snack, added to a fruit salad, made into a pie or a fruit juice. They can be found year round in the fruit section of most supermarkets but summertime is when they are most commonly seen. If you are looking for a fruit that is both refreshing and nutritious, cherries are definitely a good choice.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.