Health Benefits of Cherry
1. Cherries are small stone fruits that come in a variety of colors and flavors. There are two major categories — tart and sweet cherries, or Prunus cerasus L. and Prunus avium L. respectively. Their colors can vary from yellow to deep blackish-red.
All varieties are highly nutritious and packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
One cup (154 grams) of sweet, dried, pitted cherries provides ( 1Trusted Source ):
Calories: 97
Protein: 2 grams
Carbs: 25 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
Potassium: 10% of the DV
Copper: 5% of the DV
Manganese: 5% of the DV
These nutrients, particularly fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, benefit health in many ways. Vitamin C is essential for maintaining your immune system and skin health while potassium is needed for muscle contraction, nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and many other critical bodily processes ( 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source ). Cherries are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your digestive system healthy by fueling beneficial gut bacteria and promoting bowel regularity ( 4Trusted Source ). Plus, they provide B vitamins, manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K.
2. Though the amount and type can vary depending on the variety, all cherries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. This high antioxidant content may help combat oxidative stress, a condition that is linked to multiple chronic diseases and premature aging.
3. Research shows that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in cherries may help relieve exercise-induced muscle pain, damage, and inflammation.
4. Increasing your intake of nutrient-dense fruits like cherries is a tasty way to protect your heart.
5. Due to their potent anti-inflammatory effects, cherries may reduce symptoms of arthritis and gout, a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid that can lead to extreme swelling, inflammation, and pain in your joints.
6. Eating cherries or drinking tart cherry juice may help improve your sleep quality.
7 . Cherries are versatile and incredibly delicious.
