Cherry health benefits

Information on Cherries

Cherries are loaded with antioxidants, just like many other types of fruit. Antioxidant substances are very efficient in preventingcancer, heart disease, fighting the free radicals and reducing thedamage they cause to the human body. There are certain controversial claimsconcerning capsules, juices and pills made from cherries which question theirability to provide the human body with the promised health benefits. The FDA explainedthat there are certain manufactures who claim that cherries are actually drugswhich can treat diseases.

Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries can be sour or sweet. Sour cherries are a commoningredient in pies, and they are quite often canned. They can also be driedinto delicious fruit snacks and they are often used for the production of thecherry juice concentrate. Sweet cherries are commonly purchased in their freshform, and the most popular type of sweet cherries is known as the Bing cherry.Cherries contain no fats and they contain very low amounts of sodium andcalories. They are an excellent source of vitamins, mineral and all other typesof essential nutrients. Cherries can be consumed in their raw form, they can becooked or they can be used for the preparation of juice. Cherries containsanthocyanins which are very potent antioxidant agents known for its powerfulanti inflammatory properties. Sour cherries are also an amazing source ofmelatonin. It is another natural antioxidant substance which is very efficientin regulating the sleep and slowing down the process of aging. Sour cherriesare very good for all those who suffer from low levels of melatonin in thebody. Cherries can be of great help for all patients who suffer from diabetesbecause they are very efficient in lowering the levels of sugar in the blood.They are also very efficient in reducing colon the risk of colon cancer, strokeand heart diseases, relieving arthritis and gout, reducing the levels of badcholesterol in the blood and increasing the levels of good cholesterol in theblood.

Nutritional Value of Cherries

A serving of 73 grams of cherries contains 50 calories, 1 gramof protein, 1 gram of total fat content, 10 grams of sugar, 12 grams ofcarbohydrates, and 2 grams of dietary fiber. Cherries do not contain any sodiumor cholesterol, but they are an excellent source of calcium, vitamin C, vitaminA and iron. The best known sour cherry variety is called Montgomery. The mostpopular sweet cherry varieties are known by the names of Bing, Lambert, Rainerand Royal Ann.