Very Cherry: Bright Red Benefits
By Brandi Goodman
Cherries are good for more than just added flavor. The bright red fruit boasts a lot of benefits. No matter the variation you find, cherries can give you a boost in health that you're looking for.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants work to fight off toxins within the body. Foods with bright colors tend to have large amounts of antioxidants in them, and the red-hued cherries are no exception. If you're hoping to slow down signs of aging, fight heart disease, and even prevent cancer, then cherries should be consumed.
You may also experience a reduction in arthritis symptoms when you eat cherries. The antioxidants found within them can help to ease inflammation. A better source, however, is a tart cherry juice, rather than just the cherries themselves.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is beneficial for reproductive health, a healthy immune system, and strong vision. It's a good thing that one cup of cherries provides such a large amount of the vitamin. You'll get nearly 2,000 IUs. Your lungs, kidneys, heart, and other organs can all benefit from it.
Melatonin
If you're hoping to get better sleep, eat some cherries. The fruit contains a high amount of melatonin. It's one of the few foods that actually helps to promote sleep. Melatonin can help you to fall asleep faster and ensure you get more rest at night. You don't need to take a supplement to achieve this. Just eat some cherries and you may notice a better night's rest than usual.
Protein
Though they aren't one of the highest sources, cherries do provide protein. Eat one cup of them and you'll get 2 grams of protein. This is great for snack time when you're looking to get satisfied without taking in a lot of calories.
Fiber
Fiber is good for keeping you full as well. It's also beneficial for digestive health. Cherries can provide nearly 3 grams of fiber. The nutrient also assists with heart health, helping to reduce inflammation and blood pressure.
Low Calories
A snack low in calories is best. You'll get that with cherries. One cup of cherries is under 100 calories, making them ideal to munch on when you need to eat something small to satisfy your hunger.
Though cherry season usually begins in May and lasts through August, you can find canned cherries throughout the year. It's even February that is deemed National Cherry Month. No matter when you're trying to eat the sweet, red fruit, you'll get all the benefits it has to offer.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Gold River, Calif.