The Health Benefits of Cherries
By Sara Butler
Cherries are quite delicious and really good for your health, even if they did lead to trouble for George Washington when he was a boy. Cherries are low in calories, high in Vitamin C, and have a ton of other benefits to your health. Here are a few!
They’re High in Antioxidants
Cherries contain antioxidants and other compounds that can help with inflammation. These can help to ward off chronic diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, cancer, and even diabetes.
In fact, the anti-inflammatory properties of cherries help to keep you healthy, but they’re also low on the glycemic index. That means that the natural sugar found in cherries won’t cause problems with your blood sugar, helping to protect you against diabetes and help you to manage it if you already have it.
They Can Help You Sleep
Tart cherries have been found to help some people fall asleep because they’re a natural source of melatonin, the hormone that helps you to regulate sleep-wake cycles. Several studies have shown that people who drink tart cherry juice between bed increased their sleep time. So, have some tart cherries instead of a warm glass of milk if sleep is eluding you!
They Might Help with Aches and Pains
If you suffer from arthritis, then there may be some hope in the form of cherries! Several studies have found that cherries help to ease the aches and pains associated with osteoarthritis, perhaps because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Making cherries a regular part of your diet could help.
If you suffer from gout, cherries may be a good idea too. Patients with gout who consumed cherries showed a reduced chance of gout attacks when compared with those who didn’t eat cherries. It’s worth a shot!
They Help Your Body Recover from Exercise
If you’re planning a particularly brutal sweat session at the gym, then you may want to make sure to load up on cherries. They have been found to make soreness after exercise less intense and support proper muscle recovery. That’s why tart cherry juice is so popular with competitive and professional athletes.
How to Eat More
You don’t have to wait for cherry season to embrace the health benefits of cherries. While they may taste best when at their peak, they’re also good frozen or dried. You can even find tart cherry juice easily at the grocery store. Just watch out for added sugar!
Cherries are great for you -- just make sure not to chop down any cherry trees!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wichita, Kans.
