It’s summer, and that means cherries are in season! Cherries are small in size, but they are packed with powerful nutrients. Not only do they taste amazing, they can also help ease pain, lower cholesterol, fight memory loss and reduce stress. They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and compounds that help with weight loss and can even prevent heart disease and improve mental functioning. Here are just a few of the many benefits you can get from eating these delicious treats:
Sleep better Cherries contain high levels of melatonin, a natural sleep aid. Low levels of melatonin have been associated with higher cancer rates and heart disease, and artificial home lighting often lowers the amount of melatonin that the body produces. Cherries can help replenish the body with some of that melatonin, and in turn help regulate sleep.
Age gracefully Cherries contain anthocyanins, the natural chemical that gives them their vibrant, deep red color. Anthocyanins produce essential amino acids in the body to protect its cells from the damaging effects of nitrogen, oxygen and UV radiation. Additionally, the melatonin in cherries has been shown to play a role in delaying the effects of aging.
Ease pain Several studies have shown that cherries can help lower levels of pain in arthritis and gout patients. They can also reduce the pain of muscle damage and can lower cholesterol, which is a contributing factor in heart disease and strokes. Furthermore, the anthocyanins in cherries have anti-inflammatory properties which can relieve pain in much the same way as over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
