Cherry (Prunus Avium) is well known popular super-food – the nutritional powerhouse fruit with several incredible health benefits. According to scientists, cherry consumption increase antioxidant activity for up to 12 hours after the consumption of cherries. Cherry health benefits based on fight with damaging free radicals and include anti-aging, anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and anti-infection effective functions – strengthening immune system, fighting aging, eliminating cancer development, improving eye health, reliefing from infections and improving digestion.
The darker the cherries are in color, the more healthy and beneficial they are, because they are richer in antioxidants. Cherries contain fiber, protein, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate and vitamins A, C, E. The most powerful properties of cherry are antioxidants (beta carotene, anthocyanins, cyaniding, quercetin).
Cherries are packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins which support in the reduction of heart disease and cancer. Cherries also contain antioxidant melatonin which regulates heart rhythms and human sleep cycles. Cherries are known as “food for brain” – supporting brain health and preventing memory loss. Thanks to anthocyanins, cherries can reduce inflammation and symptoms of arthritis and gout. Cherries can reduce the risk of diabetes. Cherry’s fiber is important for digestive health.
Cherry health benefits – aging
Cherries contain antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids which can effectively neutralize free radicals and protect from aging processes (heart weakening, damage of nervous system, loss of vision, macular degeneration, hair loss, skin wrinkling, libido reduction, cancer development).
Cherries antioxidants carotenoids and flavonoids are able to repair the damage done by free radicals and neutralize them. This effect of cherries can also help with elderly sleeplessness, nervous disorders and several other mental discomforts.
Cherry health benefits – immune system
Cherries’ antioxidants vitamin C, carotenoids and flavonoids can also boost immune system and protect human body from bacterial, viral and fungal infections (especially in colon, urinary tract, intestines and excretory system). Same antioxidants are very protective against coughs, colds, flu and other fevers.
Cherry health benefits – inflammation
Cherries contain many anti-inflammatory compounds which can “treat” (reduce or eliminate the pain) several inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
Cherry health benefits
Cherry health benefits – cancer
According to scientific studies, the flavonoids, carotenoids and vitamins A and C are extremely powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds – they not only efficiently inhibit the growth of cancerous cells but also prevent the triggering of new cancerous growths. Actually mentioned anti-carcinogenic compounds fight and eliminate free radicals responsible for cancer development – they trigger cancer cells apoptosis (“cancer cells suicide”).
Cherry consumption can reduce risks for cancer development. Some experts suggest that dietary fiber in cherries helps lower the risk of colon cancer.
Cherry health benefits – eye health
Powerful antioxidants in cherries play crucial role in eye health protection – they protect eyes against all damage done by free radicals and aging such as vision loss, macular degeneration, dryness and soothes the eyes. Same antioxidants reduces eye inflammation and help maintain proper ocular pressure. They also protect eyes from common infections.
Cherry health benefits – brain
Cherries flavonoids and carotenoids are very effective in improving the efficiency of the brain (anti-aging function) – enhancing and improving memory as well as keeping brain active.
At the same time, antioxidant properties of cherry also protect the nervous system from age-related disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, chronic anxiety, disappointment and stress.
Cherry health benefits – digestive system
Cherries fiber helps relieve constipation and support digestion. In addition, cherries antioxidants keep the digestive system in proper health – flavonoids stimulate the digestive juices and bile while the vitamins help in the proper absorption of the nutrients.
Cherry health benefits – heart disease
Cherries are excellent cardio system protectors – vitamins, antioxidants (flavonoids and carotenoids), minerals (phosphorous) protect the heart from several dangerous damages done by free cadicals. Cherries strengthen the cardiac muscles and help maintain proper heart rate, prevent blood vessels from hardening, reduce so called “bad cholesterol” and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks.
According to scientists cherries can provide similar cardiovascular health benefits like prescribed drugs used to help regulate fat and glucose in patients with metabolic syndrome. Some scientists suggest that sour cherries can reduce the risk of stroke even when they are taken with the prescribed medications.
Cherry health benefits – diabetes
The fructose in cherries provides energy without harming diabetic patients. Preliminary laboratory tests show that cherries antioxidant “anthocyanin” is able to increased insulin production by 50%. Anthocyanins are natural colorants that provide pigments in fruits and have numerous health benefits.
Cherry health benefits – healthy sleep
“Beyond anti-oxidants, cherries are the only natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the body’s internal clock and sleep-wake cycles”
nutritionist Rania Batayneh, MPH
Cherries contain natural melatonin, which is a powerful antioxidant responsible for human sleeping cycles – it helps to cool down and reduce oxidative stress. It also plays a vital role in sleep and bodily regeneration – insuring proper sleeping cycles and protecting healthy sleep.
