Eating fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.
Cherries are very nutrient dense fruits and have relatively low calories.
They are rich in:
- Dietary fiber
- Vitamin C
- Bioflavonoids (i.e. anthocyanins – powerful antioxidants)
- Potassium
- Tryptophan
- Serotonin and
- Melatonin
Researchers have extensively studied the health benefits of cherries and of products made from them (juice, powder, concentrate and even capsules).
Published human studies showed that cherries:
- Decreased oxidative stress
- Decreased inflammation
- Decreased exercise-induced muscle soreness and loss of strength
- Decreased blood pressure
- Decreased arthritis symptoms
- Improved sleep (quantity and quality)
- Reduced stress and anxiety and improved memory, mood and cognitive function
- Decreased hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) – a marker of long-term glycaemic control
- Decreased very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) – a marker of heart disease
- Decreased triglycerides and increased high-density lipoprotein (the good cholesterol) in women with diabetes
By following a healthy lifestyle and adding seasonal colorful fruit like cherries into your diet you can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation, delay ageing and prevent chronic disease.
Dietitian / Nutritionist
M.Sc. Nutritional Medicine
