Cherries are among the fruits with the highest levels of antioxidants (molecules that are the subject of exciting research connected to disease and cancer prevention). This and other properties mean that cherries are one of the best fruits to eat if you want to improve your health. Consider the following motivations to start eating cherries or drinking cherry juice.
1) They are a remedy for gout and can also help to prevent it:
Gout occurs when crystals of uric acid form in the joints, pressing against soft tissue and causing extreme pain. One form of a chemical called anthocyanidin is found in cherries, and ingesting it means that the enzymes producing uric acid are inhibited. With these enzymes inhibited, there is less uric acid available to form those painful crystals characteristic of gout.
2) They protect against certain kinds of cancers:
Like the vast majority of fruits and vegetables, cherries contain quite a lot of vitamin C. In addition to providing other health benefits, vitamin C has been linked to cancer treatment in so far as it appears to slow the replication of cancerous cells whilst helping to kill existing ones. The fiber in cherries also reduces the risk of colorectal cancers. Finally, cherries contain an antioxidant called cyanidin, which is thought to improve the process of cellular differentiation that is crucial when the body is attempting to rid itself of cancerous cells.
3) They are pain relievers:
Cherries contain melatonin and anthocyanins, both of which are naturally occurring pain relievers. In particular, anthocyanins are anti-inflammatories that inhibit the very same enzymes that are inhibited by the painkillers you can buy over the counter in a pharmacy.
4) They can help to regulate sleep patterns:
The hormone melatonin has also been shown to have an ability to regulate sleep cycles. It is sometimes sold as a sleep aid for this reason. Further, some studies suggest that if you have low levels of melatonin then you are more likely to develop heart disease and certain forms of cancer. This makes cherries a good choice of snack for those who work night shifts (as the body mainly produces melatonin when it is dark).
5) They significantly reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol levels:
Recent studies have shown that cherries can help to reduce LDL (i.e. bad cholesterol) levels. Men with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower levels of LDL after a month of food supplements that included cherries. In addition, their levels of good cholesterol had increased. This study also involved a group of men taking a placebo, and their levels of both kinds of cholesterol remained unchanged at the end of the month.
6) They improve memory:
The anthocyanin in cherries is also linked to mental acuity and seems to have a particularly significant impact on memory.
7) They can help those with arthritis:
The Arthritis Foundation reports that drinking a mix of cherry juice and water at least three times a day can help with joint pain and other symptoms of arthritis. This is primarily attributable to the anti-inflammatory properties of the anthocyanins that cherries contain.
8) They can help you to lose weight:
Researchers at the University of Michigan have recently discovered that a diet rich in cherries seems to lower body fat and overall weight. This makes cherries an ideal snack for dieters.
9) They increase digestive system health:
The fiber in cherries makes them particularly good for the digestive system, as the more fiber you consume the less likely you are to have digestive tract problems or constipation.
As is obvious from the above health benefits, cherries are an excellent choice if you want to increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables. When picking cherries, remember that the darker they are then the more antioxidants they contain.
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