Published By: Darielle Britto

Health Benefits of Cherries

Here are a few reasons to add cherries to your diet.

There are many reasons to love cherries. They pack a punch, look beautiful and are extremely delicious. More importantly, cherries are loaded with nutrition and contain numerous health benefits. A cup worth of cherries contains a good amount of vitamin C too. Best of all you can incorporate this fruit into your diet in numerous ways.  Here are some of the health benefits of cherries.

Cherries contain antioxidants

Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants. They are also one of those foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming a good amount of this fruit regularly could help slow down the ageing process and more. It could also help to reduce your risk of serious health issues and protect your health. Cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is why it is ranked lower than other fruits on the glycemic index. This is could be especially beneficial for those who might have issues with their blood sugar and insulin levels.

Cherries may improve sleep quality

Cherries, particularly tart cherries, contain melatonin, which is a hormone that helps control one's sleep-wake cycles. Consuming tart cherry juice first thing in the morning and then at night two hours before bed could help to improve one's sleep quality. If you have had trouble sleeping and have tried everything else, give cherries a try. However, it is best to seek medical advice before making any changes to your diet.

Cherries may help reduce post-exercise pain

It is natural to feel sore after an intense and grueling workout. Consuming cherries after exercise could help make the post-workout pain less intense. It could also help your muscles recover and prevent cellular wear and tear from exercise. If you exercise regularly, give tart juice a try.

Ways to get the most out of cherries

There are all kinds of ways to consume cherries and add them to your diet  - fresh, frozen, freeze-dried powders, preservative-free dried cherries, and juice. If you can opt for tart cherries. There are many ways you can incorporate this fruit into your diet. The key is to find recipes that work for you and your lifestyle. You can add frozen or powdered cherries to your smoothie or make overnight oats with it. You could even toss some fresh cherries in a salad or make a healthy dessert with it.