Nutrition Profile
Cherries rank high among the most favored fruits, cherished for good reasons. Let’s explore the remarkable health benefits they offer.
Cherries stand as one of the most beloved and sought-after fruits, and it’s not without reason.
Not only are cherries delicious, but they also come packed with vitamins, minerals, and other active compounds that offer powerful health benefits. Let’s delve into some of the impressive advantages cherries provide.
Benefits of Cherry Consumption
Stuffed With Nutrients
Cherries, small stone fruits, come in various flavors and colors, with two main types: tart (Prunus cerasus L.) and sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.). Despite their differences, both varieties are highly nutritious, rich in vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
A serving of one cup (154 grams) of sweet cherries offers approximately:
- Calories: 97
- Vitamin C: 18% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Potassium: 10% of the DV
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbs: 25 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Copper: 5% of the DV
- Manganese: 5% of the DV
The nutrients found in cherries, particularly fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, contribute significantly to overall health.
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting the immune system and maintaining skin health, while potassium aids in muscle contraction, blood pressure regulation, nerve function, and various other vital bodily processes. Cherries, rich in fiber, promote a healthy digestive system by nourishing beneficial gut bacteria and ensuring bowel regularity. Additionally, cherries contain B vitamins, manganese, magnesium, copper, and vitamin K, each offering valuable health benefits.
Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, cherries serve as a valuable source of these beneficial substances.
The high concentration of active compounds in cherries likely contributes to the fruit’s numerous health benefits. While the specific amount and type of antioxidants may vary depending on the cherry variety, all cherries contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
The antioxidants present in cherries can combat oxidative stress, a condition associated with several chronic diseases and premature aging. Research indicates that regular consumption of cherries significantly reduces inflammation in 11 out of 16 reviewed studies and oxidative stress markers in 8 out of 10 studies, as demonstrated by one study.
Cherries boast a high polyphenol content, comprising a broad range of plant compounds that combat cellular degeneration, reduce inflammation, and support overall health. Diets rich in polyphenols, such as those found in cherries, may offer protection against various chronic diseases, including diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers.
Cherries have the potential to promote physical recovery
Research indicates that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of cherries can alleviate exercise-induced muscle discomfort and inflammation. Tart cherries appear to be particularly effective in this regard compared to sweet varieties. Nonetheless, both types of cherries may offer relief from physical pain for athletes.
Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that cherry products can enhance exercise performance. A study involving 27 endurance runners showed that those who consumed 480mg of powdered tart cherries daily for ten days before a half-marathon exhibited 13% faster race times and significantly reduced muscle soreness compared to a placebo group.
While many studies on the relationship between cherries and exercise focus on athletes, tart cherry juice may offer similar benefits to non-athletes as well.
While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that they are primarily associated with concentrated cherry products like powder or juice. The exact quantity of fresh sweet cherries needed to replicate these results remains unclear.
Cherries may offer benefits for heart health
Consuming more cherries, which are nutrient-dense, could be a flavorful method to safeguard heart health. Numerous studies support the connection between diets abundant in fruits and a lowered risk of heart disease. Cherries, with their high nutrient and compound content, are particularly beneficial for heart health.
A serving of one cup (154 grams) of sweet cherries offers approximately 10% of the Daily Value (DV) for potassium, a crucial mineral for maintaining heart health. Potassium plays a vital role in supporting a regular heartbeat and aiding in the removal of excess sodium from the body, thereby regulating blood pressure.
Indeed, increased potassium intake has been associated with a decreased risk of heart disease and stroke. Additionally, cherries serve as a rich source of potent polyphenol antioxidants, including anthocyanins, flavonols, and catechins, which collectively contribute to protecting the heart against cellular damage.
Cherries might contribute to improved sleep quality
Incorporating tart cherries into your diet or consuming cherry juice may aid in enhancing sleep quality. Adding cherry juice to your daily healthy smoothie is also a viable option. These benefits for sleep improvement could be attributed to the high concentration of plant compounds found in cherries. Furthermore, cherries contain melatonin, a natural substance that assists in regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
A study involving 20 participants revealed that individuals who consumed tart cherry juice for seven days experienced significant increases in melatonin levels, as well as improvements in sleep duration and overall quality, compared to a placebo group.
Alternatively, a small study conducted with seniors suffering from insomnia found that consuming 1 cup (240 ml) of tart cherry juice before bedtime resulted in a remarkable increase in sleep time by 84 minutes. However, it’s important to note that these studies are linked to concentrated cherry products. Whether eating a few fresh cherries before bed would yield the same effect remains uncertain.
Takeaway
Cherries are highly nutritious and provide numerous health benefits. They are packed with rich plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, and they also contain nutrients that can enhance sleep quality, support heart health, and expedite recovery after exercise. Whether sweet or tart, cherries are delicious and versatile, making them a delightful addition to various recipes.