6 Cherry-Licious Health Benefits of Sweet Cherries

Summer is my favorite time of year and peak growing season for produce. Farms are bursting with flavors and colors. Eating the rainbow of fresh produce, in its whole and minimally processed form, gives you access to a wide array of vitamins and minerals that are supportive of optimal health. This is the perfect time of year to stock up on your favorites. You can enjoy fresh produce now and preserve (can, pickle, freeze) for later.

Did you know that we are in the height of sweet Northwest cherry season?! There is so much to love about cherries. One serving of 21 cherries provides, 12% of the daily value for fiber and phytonutrients along with potassium and vitamin C. Cherries are perfect for anyone who is looking for natural sweetness without added sugars. In fact, sweet cherries are a wonderful complement to your daily nourishment and should be enjoyed regularly.

A sweeter way to healthier, more beautiful skin

Sweet cherries are naturally sweet and a great source of vitamin C and polyphenols, both of which are essential to maintaining skin health. These powerful antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties and are supportive of reducing oxidative stress while reducing free radical damage of the skin.

Consider adding cherries to your morning routine by adding them to your porridge with nuts of your choice.

Quell inflammation and reduce pain

Systemic inflammation is the root of many chronic illnesses. Sweet cherries contain anthocyanins, which can inactivate enzymes that cause tissue inflammation in a similar manner to ibuprofen and naproxen. Decreasing systemic inflammation helps reduce the risk of developing many non-communicable diseases including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

For an anti-inflammatory boost consider adding cherries to your favorite smoothie with a heaping portion of greens!

Rest well

Restful sleep is a biological need and incredibly important in times of stress. Sometimes the body needs help to wind down. Sweet cherries are a natural, flavorful source of melatonin that can aid in improving the quality of sleep. Eating cherries about an hour before bedtime may help stabilize and regulate sleep patterns.

Consider adding cherries to your after-dinner routine for sweet dreams.

Snack on a sweet source of fiber

Fiber, fiber and more fiber! We know that the average American is not meeting the daily recommended intake for fiber. Consuming one cup of sweet cherries can help you get there by providing 3g of fiber. Adequate fiber has been associated with a reduction in blood glucose variability and a reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Consider adding sliced cherries to your greens.

Bypass the blood sugar highs and lows

Reducing variability in blood sugar levels is top of mind for people living with diabetes. In comparison to many other fruits, cherries have a lower glycemic index. They have a slower release of sugars into the bloodstream resulting in reduced blood sugar variability.

Consider making a cherry based ice cream!

Give your microbiome some love

Sweet cherries are a good source of fiber and can help with promoting friendly bacteria in the gut. Having a fiber-rich eating pattern is supportive of gut health while helping to keep our digestion regular.

Consider making a sweet cherry compote to top off your yogurt.

Sources: 

Olas B. Berry Phenolic Antioxidants – Implications for Human Health? Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2018;9. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.00078.

Kelley DS, Adkins Y, Laugero KD. A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries. Nutrients. 2018;10(3):368. Published 2018 Mar 17. doi:10.3390/nu10030368

https://www.nwcherries.com/health-nutrition/nutrition-facts

https://www.nwcherries.com/CherryHealthReview