Cherries - Health Benefits

I can't get enough of cherries, health benefits in cherries are far more numerous and varied than in any other fruit.

Cherries have been called ' the super fruit' and 'natures pharmacy' due to the incredible amount of vitamins and minerals; all the wonderful benefits to our health.

Cherries are a huge source of antioxidants; fighting free radicals in the body, and helping prevent cancer and heart disease as well as helping to slow the negative symptoms of the aging process.

Even discounting cherries' health benefits, they are a delicious fruit which can do absolutely no harm, are completely fat-free, low in sodium and calories (only 54 cal in 100 g) .

As to the benefits, they are countless; very high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and B complex, and potassium.

Whether you eat them raw or cooked, or drink the juice, all are beneficial. Most widely known for their benefits are 'tart' or sour cherries. They, or their juice, as well as when dried, are higher in antioxidants than blueberries, and a more powerful health aid than vitamin E. About 20 tart cherries a day, or their juice, can give the same relief from pain as aspirin or Ibuprofen, and the anthocyanins in cherries also give them powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

The melatonin they contain (a natural antioxidant produced by the body itself) has been shown to help fight jet-lag and various sleep problems, as well as helping to slow the aging process, and it is believed they may slow, and possibly even reverse, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Any help to increase levels of melatonin in the body can only be beneficial.

Not only tart cherries but also the sweet ones are among the healthiest items you can eat:With any illness, particularly those which kill the appetite, they are the obvious choice.

Both types of cherries; sweet or tart, contain beta-carotene, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, fibre, potassium, B complex vitamins, as well as an incredible amount of antioxidants.

The tart type have higher levels of vitamin C and beta carotene, and fewer calories, but all have their benefits. Sweet cherries also contain boron, which increases health in the bones.

Latest research shows cherries as aids to preventing cancer, because of their antioxidants, which are the flavonoids quercetin and anthocyanin, also amygdalin; a phenolic acid.

Cherries are one of the most well-known natural aids for reducing pain and inflammation in arthritis.

Gout sufferers everywhere will swear by cherries.

This delicious fruit's other claims to fame include helping to prevent diabetes, heart disease, even memory loss. Also helping to promote weight loss, and help regulate sleep patterns, especially in cases of jet-lag.

Cherries have also been linked to easing allergic conditions, including eczema, hay fever, asthma and hives.

History shows cherries being used for medicinal purposes as far back as the 15th century.

Before you reach for snacks to nibble on, take a handful of cherries instead;, much healthier and much tastier, and you may actually be doing your body good !

In summer, while they are plentiful, halve them and take out the pits, and put some aside for drying. Then cook the rest very gently, with minimum of water, for just a couple of minutes, so they are still firm.

Then freeze some, or use some for canning; for times when they are hard to find. Even frozen, dried or canned they are still very good for our health.

Cherries have so many health benefits, and so far nothing bad has been seen to come from eating them, so indulge!

Delicious, sweet, juicy health remedies direct from Mother Nature !