Health Benefits of Cherry
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jun 30, 2021 • 3 min Read
Cherry is delicious and packed with vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, and plant compounds with powerful health effects.
Cherries are used in tandem with chocolates in several desserts and even used as a garnish to cocktail drinks. People further incorporate it into healthy diet by mixing cherries in fruit salads, smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, etc.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of cherry, from Organic Facts:
1. Boosts Immunity
Apart from protecting against the damage of free radicals, the antioxidants also boost immunity and protect us from bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, particularly those of the colon, urinary tract, intestines, and excretory. According to a published study, cherries are also effective in helping prevent arthritis and inflammation. They are also very effective against flu, fevers, and gout.
2. Anticancer Potential
According to the American Institute of Cancer Research (AICR), cherries are rich in nutrients and dietary fiber and may help in getting rid of the excess body fat which is linked to a higher risk of developing cancer. Research conducted and published suggests that cherries contain properties that may help lower your risk of colon cancer. Another study shows a potential activity of apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
3. Eye Care
The antioxidants in cherries can play a powerful role in maintaining healthy eyes. They can protect the eyes against damage done by free radicals and aging such as vision loss, macular degeneration, and dryness. They also help in soothing the eyes, reducing inflammation, and maintaining proper ocular pressure.
4. Improves Brain Function
The antioxidant properties of cherries may improve the efficiency of the brain, memory, and cognitive function, which are otherwise reduced due to the action of free radicals as a nearly unavoidable part of aging. It may also protect the nervous system from age-related disorders. Thus, they may help give relief from nervous disorders, depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
5. Aids in Digestion
The fiber in cherries helps relieve constipation and acid aids digestion. Again, the antioxidants in cherries keep the digestive system in order. The flavonoids stimulate the gastric juices for the breakdown of food particles and bile, which helps break down fats and fat-soluble vitamins for better absorption and usage.
6. Reduce Heart Diseases
The nutrients in cherries are excellent cardio-protectors. They protect the heart from damage done by the oxidants. They help maintain proper heart rate, prevent blood vessels from stiffening or hardening (atherosclerosis), and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks. They also can strengthen the cardiac muscles.
7. Improves Sleep Quality
Cherries also contain a high amount of melatonin, or a hormone that helps regulate the sleep cycle, and is released from the pineal gland in the brain. In a study, cherry juice can improve sleep in older adults experiencing insomnia.
8. Anti-aging Properties
Cherries effectively neutralize free radicals and protect us from ailments associated with aging. They also prevent the negative effects of oxidants such as weakening of the heart and nervous system, loss of vision, macular degeneration, hair loss, wrinkling of the skin, loss of libido, as well as colon and prostate cancer.
Indeed, cherry is the little red fruit with a powerful health punch. Go start adding a cherry to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
