Who doesn't love seeing beautiful red, shiny cherries when they're in the store? These cherries, which we all love to eat, are not just a delicious snack. Inside these little fruits, there are many valuable secrets for your health. So today, let's talk about the amazing benefits of these delicious cherries for our bodies.
Let's first see, what is this cherry?
Simply put, cherries are small fruits with a hard stone inside. They come in a variety of colors and flavors. But they can be divided into two main types: sweet cherries and sour/tart cherries.
- Sweet cherries: These are juicier and less sour. This is the type we usually buy from the store.
- Sour cherries: As the name suggests, these have a very sour taste. They are often used to make cakes, jams, and pies.
Cherry trees generally grow well in temperate climates, so cherries are harvested at different times of the year in different parts of the world. No matter where they grow or how they are eaten, cherries are a delicious and nutritious addition to your balanced diet.
Are there varieties of cherries?
Yes, you might be surprised to learn that there are over 900 types of cherries! But we only see and eat a few of these types on a regular basis. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Cherry type | Description |
|---|---|
| Bing | These are the most popular sweet cherries. They are dark red in color and have a sweet taste mixed with a slight sourness. They are simply delicious to eat. |
| Rainier | This type of cherry, which is a mix of golden yellow and red, is very delicious. However, it is not commonly seen because it is a bit difficult to grow. |
| Black Cherry | This sweet cherry with a dark black skin is widely used to make pies, jellies, and drinks. |
| Maraschino cherry | Remember those dark red, syrupy cherries on top of ice cream and cakes? That's what they are. But these are made with sugar and artificial colors to preserve them, so the sugar content is very high. |
| Dried Cherries | These are made by drying fresh cherries and can be stored for a long time. The flavor and nutrition are both intensified. They are great to add to cakes, yogurt, and salads. |
What are the benefits of eating cherries for our body?
Fresh cherries are a super fruit packed with vitamins and minerals. Among these, vitamin C is particularly important. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, helps our bodies absorb iron, make collagen, which keeps our skin healthy, and protects cells from damage.
Not only that, there are many other benefits.
Relief from muscle pain after exercise
If you're a regular exerciser, you probably know how annoying it is to have sore muscles the next day. Research has found that eating a few tart cherries or drinking their juice daily can help reduce this pain. This is especially true after intense workouts like marathons.
Helps protect against cancer
Chronic inflammation in our bodies can lead to the formation and growth of cancer cells. The powerful antioxidants in cherries can reduce this inflammation.
Some studies also suggest that phytochemicals such as polyphenols in cherries may have the ability to control the growth of cancer cells. However, further research is needed to confirm this.
For a healthy heart
Cherries are a heart's best friend because they are rich in polyphenol antioxidants . These protect our heart cells from damage. A large study has found that people who eat foods rich in polyphenols, like cherries, have a lower risk of developing heart disease.
Cherries are also rich in the mineral potassium , which is essential for controlling blood pressure and maintaining healthy heart function.
What are the nutritional values of cherries?
Fresh cherries are rich in vitamins and minerals. For example, 100 grams of sweet cherries contain about 10.4 milligrams of vitamin C. That's about 14% of the vitamin C we need per day.
In addition, cherries are also a good source of:
- Vitamin B6
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Fiber
Let's take a look at the nutritional value of a cup (about 150 grams) of pitted sweet cherries.
| Nutrient section | Size |
|---|---|
| Calories | 97 |
| Protein | 2 grams |
| Fat | Less than 1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 25 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sugar | 20 grams |
Be careful of these things when eating cherries
The most important thing to remember when eating cherries is to wash them thoroughly before eating them , as pesticides used during cultivation may remain on the skin.
The other thing is cherry pits. Cherry pits naturally contain a very small amount of the toxic chemical cyanide. But don't worry . Swallowing a cherry pit by accident will not cause any harm. Because to be harmed, you would have to eat a large amount of well-crushed cherry pits . Therefore, it is best to remove the pit and throw it away when you eat cherries. Never chew cherry pits or eat crushed pits. If you have any concerns or doubts about this, it is best to talk to your doctor.
There are several ways to enjoy cherries.
When choosing good cherries, choose ones with a light green stem and a firm, dark fruit. The darker the fruit, the more flavorful it will be.
Besides just eating cherries, you can add them to your diet in many other delicious ways.
- Try adding some cherry pieces to yogurt with oats or granola.
- Make a delicious smoothie by adding frozen cherries, bananas, yogurt, and some milk.
- Add some dried cherries to a salad you're making or to a trail mix.
- Try replacing blueberries with cherries when making muffins. Replace prunes with dried cherries when making cookies.
- You can also make a new kind of sambol by chopping up cherries with onions and tomatoes.
Take-Home Message
- Cherries are not just a delicious fruit, but a nutritious food full of valuable nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.
- Cherries can help reduce muscle soreness after exercise, maintain heart health, and protect against certain diseases.
- Always wash cherries thoroughly before eating them. Don't worry if you accidentally swallow a seed, but avoid chewing on the seeds.
- You can enjoy cherries fresh, dried, or added to a variety of dishes. If you have any concerns about your health, always talk to your doctor.
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