The Benefits of Cherries

The cherry is a small and fleshy round stone fruit or drupe that is either red or black when ripe. There are two types of cherries -- the sweet and the tart or sour ones.

Cherries taste best when eaten raw and fresh. They can also be cooked, dried, juiced or added to bakes like pies, cookies and muffins. They can be stored in the freezer for later consumption, but the pips should be removed first.

Recent studies suggest that the cherry is a super fruit. It is rich in nutrients and offers a range of health benefits. Cherries contain potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, bioflavonoids and B-complex vitamins.

Benefits of Cherries

Cherries contain anthocyanin, a red pigment that is also found in berries. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that help fight signs of aging, prevent cancer and eliminate harmful free radicals and toxins from the body.
The anthocyanins in cherries also have anti-inflammatory properties. They help relieve body ache, back pain or joint pain as well as the pain resulting from arthritis and gout. They also ease the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Tart cherries have high melatonin levels, which help regulate sleep patterns.
Cherries can also lower blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Since cherries are low in fat and calories and have a high percentage of water, they increase the body's metabolism, resulting in the efficient burning of fat and weight loss.
Cherries are rich in potassium. Adding them to your diet can promote cardiovascular health, and prevent stroke and heart attacks.
Cherries boost energy levels. Add some to cereal or oatmeal for a power-packed breakfast or snack that keeps you going all day.