Fruit
Fruit used to be considered part of a healthy diet. Today, we are hearing otherwise. Many fruits are loaded with sugar, which makes them an unhealthy part of your diet. Fortunately, there are some fruits that are low in sugar, such as blueberries, strawberries, and Granny Smith apples. When many people shop, they pass right by the cherries. This is a mistake. Cherries are better for you than you might think. We aren’t talking about maraschino cherries or cherry pie filling. We are talking about fresh cherries or tart cherry juice. Here are 20 life-changing benefits of cherries that prove they’re more than just a sweet treat.
Weight Management
Anyone who has ever been on a diet knows that it isn’t always easy. It isn’t uncommon to get a sugar craving, and if you give in to the craving, you will set your diet back a lot. If you are on a diet, cherries are more beneficial than you know. There are only about 100 calories per cup, and they contain three grams of fiber. If you are having a sugar craving, cherries will help you satisfy that craving without any guilt.
Treating Arthritis
Anyone with arthritis knows that the pain and stiffness can get so bad that it can have a negative effect on your quality of life. Cherries have anti-inflammatory properties, which have been proven to reduce the symptoms of arthritis. They can reduce swelling in your joints and inhibit oxidative stress. While cherries can help with your arthritis symptoms, you should still take the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Better Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, you should have some cherries before bed. They are a natural source of melatonin, which can relax your mind and body. This will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. They can also help if you have jet lag. Natural melatonin can correct your sleep cycle, helping you get back on track faster.
Improved Vision
While cherries aren’t as good for your vision as carrots, they do contain a high level of beta-carotene, which is essential for eye health. They contain about 19 times more beta-carotene than blueberries, which are rich in anti-oxidants.
Beautiful Hair
Have you always wanted beautiful hair, but it always breaks or falls out? If so, cherries can help. They are rich in vitamin A, which hydrates the scalp. They also help produce retinoic acid, which can stimulate your hair fo9llicles. The vitamin B in cherries improves circulation, which can help your hair grow. Finally, the vitamin C in cherries will keep your hair from breaking or falling out. Cherries can give you the long, lustrous hair you have always wanted.
Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, cherries make a great snack. They are very low on the glycemic index, which means that they won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar, the way that other fruits do. Studies have shown that eating cherries regularly can help to lower your HbA1c levels, which are typically high in people with diabetes.
Lowers Your Cholesterol
If you have high “bad” cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, drinking tart cherry juice daily can help. For every one percent that you reduce your LDL, you can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to two percent. Cherry juice may be tart and challenging to get down, but it can save your life.
Muscle Recovery
If you workout or are an athlete, you should make cherries part of your regular diet. The anti-inflammatory compounds in cherries can reduce muscle soreness after a workout and improve recovery rates. These compounds can also increase muscle growth. Cherries are like magic for bodybuilders and athletes.
They’re Rich In Nutrients
If you are looking for a snack loaded with vitamins and minerals, cherries are it. They contain protein, magnesium, manganese, copper, B vitamins, and vitamin K. These are just a few of the essential vitamins and nutrients that cherries contain. If you are looking for a healthy snack, look no further than cherries.
Increased Energy
If you need an energy boost during the day, grab a handful of cherries. They are rich in B vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, and B6. When these vitamins work together, they can work with your metabolism to give you more energy. If you are worried about having a midday crash, bring a bag of cherries to work.
Protect Your Heart
Most fruits are beneficial for your heart health. Cherries are better than most. They have a high concentration of polyphenol antioxidants such as catechins, flavonols, and anthocyanins. These antioxidants have been proven to prevent cellular damage that is associated with heart disease.
Reduce Belly Fat
Studies have shown that tart cherries can reduce belly fat, even if you typically eat a high-fat diet. While a balanced diet is essential, a glass of cherry juice will allow you to have a decadent dessert without any guilt. Now we’re not saying that if you have a glass of tart cherry juice that you can eat an entire apple pie by yourself without any worries. You can add a small amount of fat to your diet without needing to worry about ruining your diet.
Fight Inflammation
Cherries can fight the inflammation in your body because they are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. These vitamins can also neutralize damaging free radicals that can result in chronic diseases. If you have cherries just a few times a day, your overall health can improve.
Improve Your Memory
Have you found yourself becoming forgetful lately? For some, it is just a sign that they are getting older. For others, it is something more serious, like Alzheimer’s or dementia. If you want to keep your mind and memory sharp for as long as possible, you should start eating cherries regularly. They contain a powerful polyphenol antioxidant called anthocyanin, which has proven to be able to enhance memory. Eating cherries regularly will help keep your mind and memory sharp.
Prevent Gout Attacks
Gout is a form of arthritis, and it is caused by an excessive amount of uric acid in the bloodstream. The uric acid crystals can form in the joints, and your body will react to them by causing pain. Gout usually affects the joints in the big toe and can cause redness, swelling, and severe pain. If you have gout, you should make cherries a part of your regular diet. The anti-inflammatory properties in cherries can help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. A study was performed, which showed that gout sufferers have a 35 percent lower risk of having a gout attack after eating cherries for two days. While you should still take your prescribed medication, eating cherries regularly will really help.
Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is a very aggressive form of cancer. If you want to reduce your risk, start eating cherries. They have a high fiber concentration that regulates the digestive tract. When you eat cherries, it can help to clear harmful free radicals from your body. As the health of your gut improves, so will the health of your colon. This can significantly reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. If you have a family history of colon cancer, eating cherries is especially essential.
Improve Your Moods
Do you find yourself feeling low or moody from time to time? At some point or another, everyone feels this way. If you want to keep your mood up, try eating cherries. Cherries contain proanthocyanidins, which help the brain produce mood-enhancing hormones such as noradrenaline and serotonin. If you have been feeling down, eating cherries for a few days can change your whole outlook on life. Also, when you are happier and in a better mood, the people around you will notice.
Cure An Upset Stomach
The next time you have an upset stomach, don’t bother reaching for the Pepto or high-calorie ginger ale. Instead, try eating a handful of cherries. Cherries are naturally alkaline, which makes them the perfect cure for an upset stomach. Best of all, they are very low in calories.
Reduce Your Risk Of a Stroke
Cherries contain potassium. In fact, a single cup contains 9 percent of the daily recommended amount. This mineral is essential because it can lessen the effects of salt on your body. Since salt is a significant cause of hypertension and stroke, your body needs potassium. Fortunately, cherries are loaded with it, and they taste great.
Slow Down the Aging Process
If the Fountain of Youth existed, it would likely be filled with cherry juice. Tart cherry juice contains a high concentration of antioxidants that can fight off the free radicals that cause your skin to age. If you want to keep your youthful skin longer, you should make tart cherry juice part of your daily diet. It won’t reverse the signs of aging, but it will slow it down quite a bit.
