7 Health Benefits of Cherries
Last updated on November 7, 2010
Cherries are not only delicious, they’re also good for you. Here are seven health benefits of cherries that will make you want to eat them more often.
Cherries have gained fame as one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories, which means they’re beneficial for many different conditions. This is due to the anthocyanins in cherries that researchers have found prevent free radical damage and inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes better than many anti-inflammatory drugs.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, drinking tart cherry juice mixed with water three times a day may be beneficial for people with arthritis. This is due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
A study at the University of Michigan found that a diet that includes a lot of cherries lowers all the overall risk factors for heart disease, including inflammation, body fat, and cholesterol.
Researchers have found sweet cherries to be cancer fighters thanks to their high level of an antioxidant called cyanidin. Cyanidin is an important free radical scavenger and may also promote cellular differentiation, an important process in the body’s fight against cancerous cells.
Anthocyanin is also good for the brain and has been shown to improve memory.
High in Beta Carotene
Cherries are high in beta carotene, containing 19 times more than blueberries or strawberries.
Cherries contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s sleep cycles.