Cherry season begins in June in most of the states and continues throughout the summer and into early fall. Not only are cherries delicious, but they offer many health benefits. There are two main categories – tart cherries and sweet cherries. Both are highly nutritious.
Are Cherries Good For You?
Cherries are an excellent source of polyphenols. These plant chemicals help fight cell damage and promote a healthy immune response, making cherries an antioxidant-rich food. Other antioxidant, immunosupportive nutrients in cherries include vitamin C and beta-carotene.
Cherries also contain melatonin, the amino acid that regulates sleep. There is a higher concentration of melatonin in tart cherries. Consider drinking tart cherry juice daily to promote better sleep.
Cherries are also a good source of potassium, a mineral key for keeping our heart healthy. Potassium helps us maintain a healthy heartbeat. Cherries also have high levels of plant sterols which are beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Cherries are low on the glycemic index. The fiber in cherry skins helps slow down what little sugar the fruit has, making it a perfect snack for people with diabetes.
Snacking on cherries is one way to enjoy the health benefits, but we can incorporate cherries into some of our dishes. Chopped cherries go well in coleslaw, wild rice pilaf, and as a replacement for raisins. For a main dish like salmon, top the fish with fresh cherries and roast together for an absolutely delicious meal.
We can easily eat 1 cup of cherries daily without breaking the bank on calories. One cup has only 74 calories and 15 grams of naturally occurring sugar.
It’s nice to know that something that tastes so good is also very good for us.
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