Health Benefits of Cherries

Cherries are smooth fruit that display a single weak groove. It is native to the Northern Hemisphere and thrives in a temperate climate. The name 'cherry' is Latin in origin, derived from cerasum. The fruit has followed a long sojourn amidst popularity, from Cerasus to Europe, to Tyneham in Kent. The varieties widely cultivated include the wild, sweet, and the sour cherry. The latter is mostly the variety used extensively in cooking. The fruit is never cross-pollinated and is mainly grown for consumption.

The fruit is grown extensively in America, the Iberian peninsula, Baltic States, Scandinavia and Canada. The cherry cultivars are referred to as 'Brooks', 'King', Bing', 'Rainier' and 'Royal Ann'. Traverse City in Michigan, USA, is considered the 'Cherry Capital of the World'. The cherry tree is very revered in Japan. The attractive blossoms are an essential part of spring flower displays. Ornamental cherries like 'Kanzan' are flowering cultivars that flaunt 'double' flowers and are mainly cultivated for decorative value.

Cherries are expensive, but the demand for them remains high. The cost factor generates from required labor for cultivation and propensity to quality on account of hail and rain. The demand for the fruit has increased in the past three decades on account of researched health benefits.

Fruit Nutrition

Cherries are tasty and very nutritious. The fruit is potent in:

• Antioxidants
• Minerals
• Ellagic acid
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Melatonin
• Bioflavonoids
• Anthocyanins
• Perillyl

Health Benefits

There are a number of health benefits associated with the fruit. Among the many wellness promoting attributes of the fruit, the main ones include:

• Cherry is being researched upon extensively in the human battle against cancer. Research, so far, reveals that consumption of the fruit is especially beneficial in fighting organ cancers.
• The anti-oxidants in the fruit clean up the free radicals, or the unstable molecules responsible for cell damage in the human body. This is believed to slow down the aging process.
• Research reveals that the anthocyanin red pigment in cherries helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
• The cherry fruit is also credited with reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes, on consumption. Research reveals that people who include the fruit as it is or in supplement form in their daily diet display lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
• A daily cupful has the ability to address and relieve the discomfort associated with arthritis, and gout.
• The fruit is low in fat and high in water content. Regular consumption helps to boost energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss. It is also being used as a natural cure for Fibromyalgia Syndrome and certain physiological problems.
• High potassium content in cherries controls water retention and aids in the treatment of autoimmune neurodegenerative ailments and connective tissue diseases.
• They are easily available fresh, juiced and canned. Rich servings of the fruit ensures a daily intake of essential iron, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate.
• Probably the most important and benefiting attribute of the fruit is its newly discovered ability to help in the weight loss process. The fruit is low in fat and high in water content. Regular consumption helps to boost energy levels and modify metabolism for effective weight loss. The fruit is being tapped for potential fat burn and blood pressure regulation.