Round shape, red color, pit inside, slightly tart taste, summer, delicious jam. thirst-quenching compote, juice, or your favorite fruit cake – such associations most often appear when we mean cherry. This popular native fruit of ours has not only unquestionable taste, but also has many health benefits.
Cherries are over 80% water. Nevertheless, the rest of them are valuable nutrients such as:
- vitamins (C, B, PP, folic acid),
- minerals (copper, potassium, iron, magnesium),
- organic acids (malic, citric, succinic).
Thanks to their presence, cherries are an extremely healthy component of the diet. There are many benefits of eating them.
- They are a natural painkillerAnthocyanins, i.e. plant dyes, contained in cherries have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This thesis was presented by American scientists who conducted research among athletes. According to them, cherries are an excellent remedy for pain caused by intense physical exertion and overtraining. They have the ability to block inflammation in the body and contribute to faster healing of damaged muscle tissues.
- They support the work of the heart and circulatory systemAlso due to the anthocyanins present in the fruit, they significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Anthocyanins increase the elasticity of capillaries and strengthen and detoxify the heart. They are also involved in the production of red blood cells. Additionally: potassium protects the heart by removing excess salt from the body. Vitamin C seals blood vessels. Fiber lowers the level of bad cholesterol. Organic acids, in turn, prevent clots and blockages in blood vessels.
- They prevent cancer and slow down the aging processAnd it’s all thanks to the presence of antioxidants. To a very large extent, they protect our body against the destructive effects of reactive oxygen species. There are many antioxidants in cherries that fight free radicals that are dangerous to your health, and this is another important reason why you should eat them.
- They help in the fight against insomniaWe owe this to the melatonin present in cherries. In the human body, it is a hormone responsible for the natural rhythm of sleep and wakefulness. It facilitates falling asleep and ensures good quality sleep, after which we wake up rested and regenerated.
- They support the slimming processCherries are low in calories. They contain pectins, i.e. soluble dietary fiber, which, when combined with water, swells in the stomach, causing a feeling of satiety. In addition, cherries eliminate bad cholesterol, and this is often deposited in the form of excess fat on the belly.
- They are a good medicine for diseases of the urinary systemCherries have strong diuretic properties due to the presence of potassium and sodium. Many specialists recommend their consumption during diseases such as kidney stones or cystitis.