Cherries Health Benefits

Cherries health benefits….Low in calories and fat, high in water, contain the red pigment ‘anthocyanins’ which happen to help in inflammation and pain relief. Cherries are very tasty fruits, full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

• They are brought to Rome from north eastern Turkey- Pontus region.

• Biggest cherry producers are Turkey, USA, Iran and Italy.

• They can grow in most temperate climates and have a very short season.

• Cherries are great in different recipes or eating fresh as fruits.

• They are high in potassium, low in sodium, low in fat, have no cholesterol and are a great source of fibre.
Cherries health benefits....Low in calories and fat, high in water, contain the red pigment 'anthocyanins' inflammation and pain relief

Health Benefits of Cherries:

• Antioxidants like melatonin help clean up the free radicals which cause damage to other healthy cells, and damage to cells means ‘fast aging’. Cherries can protect against the signs of aging.

• Sweet cherries as a great source of ‘boron’ may help in bone health.

• Anthoncyanin pigments help to reduce pain due to muscle damage, gout and arthritis. A handful of cherries are known to be a lot more effective than standard pain killers.

• Through lowering the bad cholesterol and inflammation, cherries can help protect against heart disease and stroke.

• Melatonin in cherries may help you sleep easily and regulate your sleeping and waking patterns.

• A powerful cancer fighting element queritrin, perillyl alcohol and elagic acid make cherries help reduce the risk of different cancers.

Cherries Glycemic Index:

Being a good source of carbs, cherries are tested for glycemic index. Despite their high sugar content, they are one of the lowest in glycemic index- only 22, hence reduce insulin spikes in your body.

Antioxidants like melatonin help clean up the free radicals which cause damage to other healthy cells, and damage to cells fast aging

Cherries Storage and Selection:

• The darker the colour, the sweeter they will be. They should be bright, clean and have no blemishes, bruises or cuts. Damaged cherries may cause others to spoil too.

• You may freeze cherries after pitting or the pit will give them an almond flavour.

• Keep cherries in the coldest part of your fridge to protect the flavour and texture and wash them just before eating.

• Leave them out on the counter for a while as they taste better at room temperature.

• Try cherries and chocolate, they taste great together.

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References:

Steve Goodman, Cherries: Powerful Pain Relief, Cancer Defense, and Neuroprotection, Life Extension Foundation Journal, Nov 2007: 81-83.

Kim DO, Heo HJ, Km YJ, Yang HS, Lee CY, Sweet and sour cherry phenolics and their protective effects on neuronal cells, Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Oct 2001; 49(10): 4898-4902.

autoimmunedisease.suite101.com/article.cfm/ the_benefits_of_cherries#ixzz0VVkeibPG, cherries health benefits

homecooking.about.com/od/foodstorage/a/cherrystorage.htm

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