{"id":2046,"date":"2018-07-14T07:27:22","date_gmt":"2018-07-14T07:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=2046"},"modified":"2021-03-18T19:51:58","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T19:51:58","slug":"12-outstanding-health-benefits-of-cherries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-outstanding-health-benefits-of-cherries\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Outstanding Health Benefits of Cherries"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

In many parts of the world, cherry trees are bountiful with their deliciously tasty and oh-so succulent fruits. Those red, meaty, sweet, yet somewhat tart fruits have a delightful flavor that is nearly impossible to resist, you may be wondering if they offer any particular health benefits. Well, the answer to that is a resounding YES!<\/p>\n

Cherries are hailed as one of the healthiest of all fruits, and in fact, they are one of the healthiest foods overall. A single cup of this fruit or around 20 cherries has less than 90 calories, about 3 grams of fiber, and plenty of vitamin C (around 16 percent of the daily recommended intake). On top of all that, cherries are also packed with powerful antioxidants, potassium, and even melotonin. With so many valuable nutrients, it\u2019s easy to see why cherries are such a healthy food choice.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a look at 12 of the biggest health benefits you\u2019ll reap when you make cherries a regular part of your diet.<\/p>\n

1. Eases Arthritic Pain<\/h3>\n

If you suffer from arthritis<\/a>, you know how debilitating the pain in your joints can be. The pain can become so unbearable that it can inhibit your ability to complete everyday tasks, such as walking and climbing stairs. That pain and the decrease in mobility can have a direct effect on your overall well-being, making you feel depressed and anxious. However, eating more cherries can prove to be an effective way to help alleviate the pain that is associated with arthritis.<\/p>\n

That is because cherries contain tons of anti-inflammatory properties that have been proven to reduce arthritic joint pain. Tart cherries, in particular, have been found to drastically reduce inflammation in the joints, which is what leads to the pain that those with arthritis experience. So, make sure to add more cherries to your diet or drink natural cherry juice if you want to ease your pain. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

2. Prevents Cancer<\/h3>\n

Believe it or not, eating more cherries can help to stave off the development of certain types of cancer<\/a>. In fact, the American Institute of Cancer Research has stated that cherries can have a profound impact on the prevention of the growth of tumors, particularly in the colon. That is because this fruit contains a high amount of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber helps to improve digestion and maintains health metabolism, thereby reducing the chances that you will develop cancer in the colon.<\/p>\n

These fruits also contain a compound known as anthocyanins, which has been found to reduce the growth of cancer cells and actually encourage the self-destruction of these cells. Furthermore, the anthocynanis have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which lab studies have found to also have a positive effect on the prevention of not only colon cancer, but cancers of the larynx, lungs, mouth, and pharynx. So, if you want to reduce your risk of developing cancer, eat more cherries. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

3. Prevent types 2 Diabetes<\/h3>\n

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic health condition. With this condition, the pancreas<\/a> creates insulin, but the cells of the body do not respond to the insulin production properly, which results in what is known as insulin resistance. Initially, the pancreas will make more insulin in order to help the cells of the body digest glucose, but over time, the pancreas cannot keep up with the production of insulin, and as a result, the glucose starts to accumulate in the bloodstream, which can result in devastating consequences and even death.<\/p>\n

Cherries can help to combat the development of type 2 diabetes. That\u2019s because they contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Even more importantly, cherries have a very low glycemic index, so they do not cause sharp increases and decreases in the blood glucose and insulin levels. As a result, this fruit serves as a protective agent against diabetes. It can also be a powerful way to manage the condition if you already have it. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

4. Aides in Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

If you are looking to shed a few pounds, you are definitely going to want to eat more cherries<\/a>. Eating a balanced diet that contains a healthy amount of fruits is generally recommended for weight loss, and cherries should be high on the top of the fruits that you are eating. Why? \u2013 Because they can help to reduce the levels of fat in your blood, which can have a direct impact on the amount of fat you store in your body overall.<\/p>\n

The Journal of Medical Foods published a study that revealed the effects cherries had on weight loss in rats. This study found that the test rats not only didn\u2019t gain as much body fat as those who did not consume cherries, but that the fruit also helped to lower the levels of fat in the blood of the rats who were fed cherries. Tart cherries were found to have the most significant impact. Plus, considering that they are low in calories and high in dietary fiber, cherries can further aide in weight loss. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

5. Promote Better Sleep<\/h3>\n

If you are having difficulty fall asleep, than you might want to try eating more cherries. This fruit contains high amounts of several vital nutrients, including melatonin<\/a>, a substance that is produced by the brain and helps to moderate the cycles of sleep and wakefulness. By eating more cherries, you can substantially increase your levels of melatonin, which will help you get a better night of sleep<\/p>\n

A study that conducted on men and women who suffered from insomnia found that those who consumed tart cherry juice when the woke up and before they went to bed were able to fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer than those who were given a placebo. Therefore, if you are having a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep, adding more cherries to your diet \u2013 either by consuming the fruit, by drinking cherry juice, or by taking supplements \u2013 will be able to help you get a more restful night of sleep. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

6. Treats the effects of Gout<\/h3>\n

Gout<\/a> is an arthritic condition that affects the joints, particularly the joints located in the big toes. This condition is the result of an excess accumulation of uric acid, which leads to the formation of crystals in the joints. The body reacts to the crystals that are formed by uric acid buildup by engaging its inflammatory response, which can lead to severe pain.<\/p>\n

Several research studies found that cherries can reverse the effects of gout by reduce uric acid levels in the body. That is because of the powerful anti-inflammatory properties that this fruit contains. In one particular study, it was found that eating 20 cherries a day significantly reduced the incidence of gout flare-ups in those who participated in the study. Therefore, if you are prone to gout, consuming more cherries on a regular basis could help you avoid experiencing a painful flare. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

7. Improved Heart Health<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s no secret that the heart is one of the most important organs in the body. It pumps blood to all other vital organs, including the brain<\/a>, which means that it needs to be in good condition in order to maintain your health. Cherries may be able to drastically improve the health of your heart, according to a study conducted at the University of Michigan. In this study, it was found that the anti-inflammatory properties in cherries helped to substantially increase the heart health of those who participated<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the high levels of antioxidants that cherries contain also contribute to improved heart health, as those antioxidants help to ward off various conditions that can affect your heart, such as high cholesterol. It was also found that eating more cherries can reduce the incidence of stroke, a condition that can be deadly and is directly related to the health of your heart. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

8. Relieves and Reduces Muscle Pain<\/h3>\n

Muscle<\/a> pain is not an uncommon ailment; in fact, many people complain about experiencing aches and pains in their muscles, particularly those who exercise on a regular basis. In a study conducted at the University of Vermont, 14 participants who worked out for a span of one week were examined. The participants in this study drank either cherry juice or apple juice.<\/p>\n

Those who drank apple juice reported that their muscle pain was reduced, but not as much as the reduction in muscle pain experienced by those who drank the cherry juice. The reason? \u2013 Cherries contain anti-inflammatory properties, so they can help reduce the inflammation that causes muscle pain. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

9. Reduces High blood Pressure<\/h3>\n

Another way that cherries can help to improve the health of your heart is by reducing your blood pressure levels. This fruit is packed with potassium<\/a>; in fact, a single cup full of cherries will give you about 9 percent of the daily recommended intake of potassium. Potassium is a vital mineral that helps to maintain the proper function of several vital organs, including the heart.<\/p>\n

It also helps to lower high blood pressure levels and hypertension, which helps to improve the overall health of your heart and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. So, if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or hypertension, speak to your doctor about using cherries as a way to bring your blood pressure levels down. Whether you eat the fruit, drink the juice of the fruit, or take cherry supplements, you could see a substantial improvement in your blood pressure. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

10. Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/h3>\n

Dementia<\/a> and Alzheimer\u2019s disease (one of the most common forms of dementia) are degenerative conditions that affect the brain, disrupting mental processes. These conditions are marked by memory loss, impaired reasoning abilities, changes in personality, an inability to speak, and various other devastating side effects. Eventually, as dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s progress, they will affect other processes of the body, and ultimately cause death.<\/p>\n

While there is no cure for dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s, it has been found that cherries can help prevent these degenerative conditions. Cherries contain powerful antioxidant compounds; one compound in particular \u2013 anthocyanins (which give the fruit their red color) can help to stave off dementia. That\u2019s because antioxidants help to fight free radical damage. Damage caused by free radicals can have a profound impact on all parts of the body, including the brain, and have been linked to the development of dementia. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

11. Improved Immune System<\/h3>\n

If you find that you are coming down with colds, the flu<\/a>, and other illnesses more frequently, there is a good chance that your immune system is weak and leaving you more susceptible to bacterium and viruses that cause various types of illnesses. If you are looking for a way to give your immune system a boost, try eating more cherries.<\/p>\n

This fruit is packed with various essential vitamins and minerals that can help to strengthen your immune system, including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, all of which can help to boost your immunity and protect you against infections that are caused by viruses, funguses, and bacteria. They also contain antioxidants that help to repair the damage caused by free radicals, which make you more prone to illnesses. So, if you are looking for a way to prevent illnesses, consider eating more cherries or drinking more cherry juice. <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/h3>\n

12. Improved Eyesight<\/h3>\n

Vision is one of the most important senses, and cherries can help to ensure that your vision remains in tip-top condition. The fruit can help to prevent damage caused by free radicals that can do damage to both the external and internal structures of the eyes, resulting in dryness, macular degeneration, and dryness. How can cherries help to fight off free radicals and help to improve your eyesight?<\/p>\n

Because they contain tons of powerful antioxidants<\/a> that are effective for combating the oxidative stress caused by free radicals that impact your vision. In addition to all of these benefits, cherries can also help to maintain the right amount of ocular pressure, which can further prevent you from suffering from vision loss. Given all of the powerful nutrient that cherries contain and the powerful anti-inflammatory effects and the free radicals that they contain, it is easy to see why cherries are such a good choice for your eyes. \r\n

<\/div>