Health Benefits of Eating Cherries

Apart from being a blood purifier, other benefits of eating cherries include; its effectiveness in cases of obesity, and also an important fruit seen as a food for metabolism.

It also allows weight loss when a treatment with it lasts at least two days in a week. It is also noteworthy that cherries must be eaten one by one.

The only time to know when they are ripe and delicious is only when birds start to eat them. They are widely eaten in Europe since the time of Romans and Greeks leaving a delicate flavor and somewhat a sensation that’s quite pleasant. However, cherries don’t do well in the tropics.

Other names: Prunus cerasus L. (sour cherry)

French:       Cerise

Spanish:     Cereza, guinda

German:    Kirsche

Description of Cherries

The fruit of the cherry tree (‘Prunus avium’ L.), belongs to the botanical family Rosaceae which grows up to a height of 20 meters.

The size of the fruit is about 2 cm in diameter which is a drupe having colors that varies from light red to deep purple.

Cherry originated from Central and Southern Europe, where they also seem to grow wild. The cultivation has spread throughout cold and temperate regions of the globe.

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Cherries Composition

The following are based 100 grams of raw edible cherries

Energy                           =                 72.0 kcal = 300 kj

Carbohydrates               =                 14.3 g

Protein                           =                 1.20 g

Fiber                               =                 2.30 g

Vitamin A                      =                 21.0 µg RE

Vitamin B₁                     =                 0.050 mg

Vitamin B₂                     =                 0.060 mg

Niacin                            =                 0.400 mg NE

Vitamin B₆                     =                 0.036 mg

Folate                             =                 4.20 µg

Vitamin B₁₂                    =                 ___

Vitamin C                      =                 7.00 mg

Vitamin E                       =                 0.130 mg α-TE

Calcium                          =                 15.0 mg

Phosphorus                    =                 19.0 mg

Magnesium                     =                 11.0 mg

Potassium                      =                 224 mg

Iron                                =                 0.390 mg

Zinc                                =                 0.060 mg

Saturated Fat                 =                 0.216 g

Total Fat                        =                 0.960 g

Cholesterol                     =                 ____

Sodium                          =                 2.00 mg

Cherry Percentage (%) Composition

Fiber                               =                 2.30%

Carbohydrates               =                 14.3%

Minerals                         =                 0.530%

Fat                                  =                 0.960%

Protein                           =                 1.20%

Water                             =                 80.8%

The information above is provided by encyclopedia of foods and their healing powers which is based on % daily value as provided by 100 grams of cherries

Properties and Indications

Cherry has been seen traditionally as one of the sweetest fruits that are pleasant with a little nutritional importance. This may come as none of the nutrients found in cherry is outstanding.

However, it contains all of the nutrients in significant amounts with vitamin B12 excluded. The presence of sugar amounts to 14% and of the sugars, fructose is of utmost importance. This makes them a great food in cases of diabetes and this is one of the benefits of eating cherries.

Proteins and fats are present in the amount of 1% each while all the vitamins (A, B C and E), minerals and trace element are present in small amounts.

They are; phosphorus, calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium (which is the most abundant), zinc, manganese and copper.

Additionally, the fact that they contain non-nutritive components presents more benefits of eating cherries. They components are:

Soluble vegetable fiber

Organic acids

Salicylic acid

Flavonoids

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Soluble vegetable fiber: They are formed of pectin. In essence, one 100 grams of cherries will readily provide 10% of Recommended Daily Allowance of vegetable fiber. This brings about the benefits of eating cherries because they have gentle laxative effects and even lowering of cholesterol.

Organic acids:     Regarding benefits of eating cherries, organic acids such as malic, citric and succinic acids act as stimulants and also as blood purifiers. Cherries that are light red seem to be richer in these acids than the varieties that are darker. It is noteworthy that the sour cherries contain much of these acids.

Salicylic acid: This works as an anti-inflammatory and even as anti-rheumatic. Although, it is available in small amounts but its effect is quite sufficient.

Flavonoids: This gives them diuretic, anticarcinogenic and antioxidant properties which is why the benefits of eating cherries are quite enormous.

Elagic acid is the most notable of them all because it has the capacity to neutralize carcinogenic substances thereby preventing the cell that are still healthy from becoming cancer-prone.

Some Benefits of Eating Cherries

Eating cherries is quite beneficial in cases of the following:

1. Diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Depurant
4. Chronic disorders

Diabetes

Since a half of the sugars in cherries are fructose, it is important to note that diabetes tolerate cherries in controlled amounts. However, when it comes to fruit treatments, it is recommended to do it under professional supervision.

Obesity

Cherries are quite diuretic and have purifying effect, they also lack sodium and fats which make them appropriate for weight loss. Eating cherries one by one favors obese individuals because it offers feeling of satiety while eliminating the urge to continue eating.

Depurant

According to a French phytotherapist, Dr. Valnet, treatment involving cherries in at least two days represents an excellent purifier for the overall body system which fosters the elimination of toxins and wastes.

Chronic disorders

For all types of chronic conditions like gout, chronic constipation, arthritis, chronic rheumatism, chronic hepatopathy, cardiac failure, cancer, autointoxication and other diseases, the use of cherries as a weekly treatment is highly recommended.

Other benefits

Cherries boost mood in that they do well in improving mental health especially the sweet cherries which have shown enormous effects in decreasing cortisol level as well as anxiety. They improve moods thereby reducing mild anxiety.

Another one among the benefits of eating cherries is that they enhance memory especially in adults suffering from dementia.

Therefore, it is recommended for memory improvement. They also reduce heart disease risks because of the presence of anthocyanins found in them.

READ ALSO: Vitamins in Carrots

In summary, according to nutritionstripped.com, they:

1. Facilitate healthy sleep
2. Reduce cholesterol levels
3. Curb risk of gout attacks
4. Make available arthritis relief
5. Protect against free radicals
6. Rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds

The following mentioned above are various benefits of eating cherries.

Preparation and Use

1. Eating them fresh: They must be eaten one by one and should be chewed properly.
2. Treatment: This can be done by eating one-half kilo of ripe cherries as a food and nothing else for about four times for three consecutive days. For those with frail stomach, they should boil them before consumption.
3. Culinary recipes: They go well in a variety of jams, fruit pies and compotes.

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