Introduction:
Cherry are the sweet red fruits popularly used in desserts or baked food products like cakes, tarts, pies, and more. This fruit not only adds color and beauty to your dessert but also adds valuable nutrients to your diet. They taste sweet with a hint of sourness. Cherries are among the healthiest superfoods for their beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is delicious and nutritious to add to a bowl of cereal or any other breakfast in the morning. Adding to a bowl of fruit salad also makes it vibrant and tasty to enjoy with a meal.
Production and cultivation of Cherry
Cherries are genus prunus with fleshy fruity pulp outside and a hard seed inside. It is found in red and purple colors with two popular varieties, wild(sweet) cherry and tart(sour) cherry. This fruit is popular in many countries for a long span of years consumed in a variety of ways with desserts or juices. As per history, it was introduced to America in the 17th century by European settlers.
Again, the origin of cherries is claimed in Asia which was carried to Europe by birds. They grow well in high altitudes which are about 1500 meters above sea level and in cold climates (1200-1500 hours chilling period). Rainfall requirement is about 100-125 cm annually.
Facts about Cherry, benefits, hazards
- Better nutrition
Cherries do not have any fat content or cholesterol. This fruit is high in Vitamin C which makes it a good antioxidant. They also have Vitamin A, iron, calcium, protein, and fiber content which are beneficial for health. There are also other beneficial compounds like potassium, melatonin, boron, and anthocyanins.
- Helps with sleeping disorders or insomnia
Cherry juice is beneficial for people suffering from insomnia or sleep disorders as it contains melatonin. This also helps maintain healthy joints. The pineal gland in the brain produces melatonin hormone which helps in sound sleep. The melatonin content in cherries thus regulates sleep cycles or disorders. The presence of antioxidants also helps patients with Alzheimer’s and is recommended by doctors to deal with the disease.
Bioflavonoids and anthocyanins present in cherries also reduce inflammation and relieve migraine pain.
- Helps with muscle pain
Studies found with people exercising regularly that regular consumption of cherries helps reduce muscle pain and damage caused due to exercise.
- · Helps manage cholesterol
The presence of potassium regulates heart rate and blood pressure. The phytosterols present in cherries also help reduce bad cholesterol levels. The absence of fat or cholesterol also makes it safe to consume for heart patients or people suffering from obesity. Tart cherries are good for the heart and help prevent stroke.
- Helps reduce gout pain
Cherries are known to be beneficial for gout for a longer period, almost a decade. Studies showed that cherry extract can reduce bouts of pain when combined with allopurinol. Allopurinol is also used to control uric acid.
- Beneficial for cancer patients
Anthocyanins, Vitamin C, and Carotenoids are present in cherries which helps prevent cancer. Cyanidins present in sufficient amount also makes cherries cancer-preventive by controlling the conversion of healthy cells into cancerous ones. The presence of anthocyanins helps arrest the cell cycle and apoptosis.
- Helps with weight loss
Cherries are juicy fruits with water, low in calories, and have good fiber content. Vitamin B6 and B vitamins like riboflavin and thiamine increase metabolic rate and convert nutrients into energy, thus promoting weight loss.
- Improves hair, skin, and Anti-ageing properties
A balanced consumption of cherries or cherry juice acts as a natural energy booster, eases blood circulation, and builds blood cells. Improves hair, skin, and Anti-ageing properties.
Face packs prepared with cherry reduce dark spots and improve skin. The presence of multiple vitamins helps maintain hair growth and skin health. The rich anti-oxidants make dull skin brighter and healthier. It has anti-aging properties as well which fights fine lines and damaged skin.
- Helps maintain Ph balance
Cherries neutralize the acidic content of the body and help maintain Ph balance. This helps maintain healthy digestion.
- Energy booster
A balanced consumption of cherries or cherry juice acts as a natural energy booster, eases blood circulation, and builds blood cells.
It is always good to add a portion of cherries in any form in your daily diet but medical advice is recommended for people with specific health conditions. They have a lot of positive effects when consumed regularly in balanced amounts for the presence of varieties of healthy nutrients.
Side effects and health hazards of Cherry
Although this fruit contains some beneficial vitamins high amount of fiber can create problems. Consuming a high amount of cherries can create bloating or other gastrointestinal issues. Some people also face allergic reactions due to the consumption of this fruit.
Conclusion
It is always good to add a portion of cherries in any form in your daily diet but medical advice is recommended for people with specific health conditions. They have a lot of positive effects when consumed regularly in a balanced amount for the presence of varieties of healthy nutrients.
Internal links:
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External links:
Amrita Vishwas
Date: 27/06/2022