Have a Cherry Kind of Day
By Donna Stark
There’s no diet I would follow that rules out cherry pie. It’s one of my favorites, so naturally, I have been so excited to see the little bits of deep red goodness popping up at the local farmers market and lining the bins at the neighborhood grocery store. Cherries always make everything a little bit better. In addition to pie, they are great in smoothies, cobblers, ice cream, and cake. But you don’t need all of the extra ingredients to enjoy them because they are divine simply on their own. If life really is a bowl of cherries, then I believe we are all in pretty good shape -- literally -- because cherries are so good for our health.
Pretty Please, With a Cherry on Top
In addition to their sweet, delicious flavor, cherries are also packed with nutrients like vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, and are a good source of fiber. It doesn’t matter if you buy them fresh or frozen, just be sure to buy them! Here are some reasons why you will want to add them to your diet.
- Heart health - Cherries help to maintain heart rate, strengthen heart muscles, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure which reduces the risk of heart attacks, stroke, heart disease, and diabetes.
- Inflammation - Cherries have been shown to be just as effective as prescription drugs to reduce inflammation in the body but without the risks that come with medications. They also reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, muscle and joint pain.
- Quality sleep - Cherries are a great food option to choose if you are having trouble sleeping because they help promote melatonin production in the body.
- Immunity boost - The antioxidants found in cherries boost immunity and protect the body from infections, ranging from the common cold and flu to those of the colon, urinary tract, and intestines.
- Eye health - Again, the antioxidants in cherries play a critical role, this time with the health of our eyes. Adding cherries to your diet will help to reduce the risk of vision loss, degeneration, dryness, and infections. Cherries also help to soothe the eyes and reduce any inflammation.
The Cherry of My Eye
As you can see, cherries are pretty amazing not only in taste but also for your health. So take some time to try new recipes or simply put them on top of your morning oatmeal and yogurt. They are extremely versatile and this is the time of year when you should take advantage of their abundance. If you are lucky enough, you may even be able to pick your own!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.
