Cherries boost your heart health, improve sleep quality, and relieve some symptoms of arthritis and gout
It’s the summer - and the time for markets to be flooded with stone fruits. Among them is the tart Cherry – a bright or dark red coloured fruit that is extremely low in calories but a powerhouse of important nutrients and antioxidants. According to nutritionists, you must eat cherries daily for breakfast to elevate your overall health and well-being.
Experts say cherries boost your heart health, improve sleep quality, and relieve some symptoms of arthritis and gout. Here are a few benefits of eating cherries.
Reduce inflammation
According to studies, tart cherry consumption can help lower levels of an inflammatory marker in the bloodstream called C-reactive protein or CRP. This protein, which is naturally produced by the liver, increases when the body experiences inflammation.
This could be key for reducing the risk of chronic health conditions like cancer or diabetes, which are linked to long-term inflammation.
Boosts exercise benefits
Antioxidants in cherries speed up recovery after exercise and protect muscle function. According to experts, cherries also help enhance exercise performance by giving you more energy and reducing oxidative stress. Cherry juice helps you recover quickly from muscle damage and soreness.
Protects your heart
Antioxidants and fibre are key to great heart health due to the regular consumption of cherries. Since they are low in sodium and high in potassium, it promotes healthy blood pressure and lowers the risk of developing heart disease.
Improves symptoms of arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of cherries help improve the pain and swelling caused due to arthritis. According to many studies, cherries inhibit oxidative stress and decrease inflammation by suppressing inflammatory proteins.
They are also instrumental in reducing uric acid levels in your body, thereby lowering gout flare-ups.
Helps in weight loss
Since they are extremely low in calories and sugar, cherries – a high fibre fruit are an ideal snack for those looking to lose extra weight. Cherries have a low glycemic index because of their fibre and anthocyanin content – which regulates blood sugar levels and contributes to overall weight management.
Elevates brain health
Cherries help improve cognitive performance, apart from the perception of fatigue and alertness. Studies suggest that antioxidant levels in cherries protect brain health and are also instrumental in improving memory and cognition in older adults, thereby reducing the chances of conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Are there side effects of eating too many cherries?
A lot of people experience gastrointestinal or GI issues after consuming a large amount of cherries as the fruits are packed with fibre. It can thereby lead to stomach pain, gas, and bloating. Even though it is rare, you may also develop a cherry allergy, signs of which include:
- Hives on the skin
- Itchiness on the face, mouth, tongue, or lips
- Swelling around the mouth and face
According to experts, immediately see a doctor for symptoms of a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis - which includes swelling of the throat and difficulty breathing.
