The health benefits of cherries include an improved vision, a stronger immune system, relief from infections, and improved digestion. They are rich in anti-aging and antioxidant properties which help in preventing many disorders.
Cherries, which have the scientific name Prunus Avium, are one of the most romantic fruits. You find them invariably on Greetings Cards, poems, and love stories, while cherry blossoms are traditionally associated with birth, marriage, turning points and even the death of heroes and heroines. Besides all of that, they are also eaten all around the world and are often a favorite flavor or ingredient. Predominantly a fruit of cold countries, cherries look and taste wonderful. Their vibrant color and tangy taste are indicators of the equally vibrant and magical health benefits these little fruits contain. Let’s explore just what health benefits these fruits have in store.
Health Benefits of Cherries
- Anti-Aging & Free Radicals
Like all other berries, cherries are store houses of antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids. They effectively neutralize free radicals and protect us from all ailments associated with aging or the action of oxidants, such as weakening of the heart and nervous system, loss of vision, macular degeneration, hair loss, wrinkling of skin, loss of libido, as well as cancer of the colon and prostate. This effect of cherries can also help with sleeplessness, nervous disorders, and many other mental discomforts. The antioxidants, such as Carotenoids and Flavonoids (Anthocyanins), repair the damage done by free radicals and neutralize them so they are unable to wreak any more havoc on the body’s systems.
- Infections & Immunity
Apart from protecting against the damage of free radicals, the antioxidants (vitamin C, Carotenoids, and flavonoids) also boost immunity and protect us from bacterial, viral and fungal infections, particularly those of the colon, urinary tract, intestines, and excretory system as well as coughs and colds. They are also very effective in giving protection against flu and other fevers.
- Prevent Cancer
The flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamins like vitamin A and vitamin C are extremely powerful anti-carcinogenic compounds. They efficiently inhibit the growth of cancerous cells as well prevent the triggering of new cancerous growths, free radicals being the main culprit behind them.
- Eye Care
Again, the antioxidants in cherries play a powerful role. They protect eyes against all damage done by free radicals and aging such as vision loss, macular degeneration, and dryness as well as soothes the eyes, reduces inflammation, and helps maintain proper ocular pressure. They also protect eyes from common infections.
- Brain Function and Nervous System
Flavonoids and carotenoids are very effective in improving the efficiency of the brain, improving memory and keeping it active, which are otherwise reduced due to the action of free radicals as a nearly unavoidable part of aging. Those who are afraid of having a dull brain and a low memory capacity in their old age, start eating cherries! You can remain quick and mentally clever even into your nineties. The antioxidant properties of these cherries also protect the nervous system from age-related disorders. Thus, they can be helpful in treating nervous disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, disappointment, undue anxiety, and chronic stress.
- Constipation & Digestion
While the fiber in cherries helps relieve constipation, the acid in them aids digestion. Again, the antioxidants in cherries keep the digestive system in order. The flavonoids stimulate the digestive juices and bile while the vitamins help in the proper absorption of the nutrients.
- Heart Disease
The nutrients in cherries like vitamins, antioxidants (flavonoids and carotenoids) and minerals like phosphorous in cherries are excellent cardioprotectors. They protect the heart from nearly all damage done by the oxidants. They help maintain proper heart rate, prevent blood vessels from hardening, and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. They also strengthen the cardiac muscles.
- Other Benefits: The darker the cherry is in color, the more healthy and beneficial it is because they are richer in antioxidants. The fructose in cherries provides energy without harming diabetic patients. Cherries prevent oral infections and keep away bad breath. The acids and flavonoids in cherries are good appetizers. They are even effective in protecting you from seasonal infections like a cough, cold, pox, mumps, and measles
Tired of reading this black and white text? Soothe your eyes and refresh yourself with a few cherries. The options for both health and ways to eat these powerful fruits are almost limitless, so enjoy!
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21229414
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23710994
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3510330/