Nutrition alert: Cherries (138 grams) contain…

– Calories: 87
– Carbohydrates: 22 grams
– Fiber: 3 grams
– Protein: 1 gram
– Fat: 0 grams
– Vitamin C: 16% of the Daily Value (DV)
– Vitamin A: 3% of the DV
– Potassium: 9% of the DV

Cherries are good for your heart health, brain health and may also help you sleep better. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Health Benefits of Cherries

Below are numerous health benefits of cherries as shared by Ansari:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Cherries contain antioxidants and compounds that can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and gout. Some studies have shown that regular consumption of cherries or cherry extracts may help reduce gout attacks and joint pain in individuals with arthritis.

2. Exercise recovery: Cherries, particularly tart cherries, have been studied for their potential to aid in exercise recovery. They may help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery due to their anti-inflammatory properties and natural compounds called anthocyanins. They can be a good snack option before or after a workout due to their natural sugars, fiber, and hydration properties. Some studies suggest that tart cherry juice or concentrates can help reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and soreness.

3. Sleep improvement: Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Consuming cherries or tart cherry juice may help improve sleep quality and duration.

Cherries are a natural source of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. (Pic source: Freepik)

4. Heart health: Cherries are low in calories and fat while being rich in heart-healthy nutrients like potassium and antioxidants. They may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving cholesterol levels and reducing inflammation.

5. Brain health: The antioxidants in cherries may provide neuroprotective benefits and help prevent age-related cognitive decline.

The antioxidants in cherries may provide neuroprotective benefits and help prevent age-related cognitive decline. (Pic source: Pixabay)

Can diabetics consume cherries?

Cherries can be included in a diabetic diet in moderation. “They have a moderate glycemic index and can contribute to blood sugar levels,” warned Ansari. She added that it is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their carbohydrate intake and consider the overall balance of their meals when consuming cherries.

Things to keep in mind

Below are a few things that you need to keep in mind when consuming cherries as shared by Ansari:

1. Individual responses to cherries may vary, and it’s important to listen to your body.

2. While cherries offer health benefits, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet and not as a sole solution for any health condition.

3. If you have any specific health concerns or conditions, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

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