4 Health Benefits of Cherries That Will Surprise You
Cherries are one of the most commonly grown fruits in the world, and they’re also one of the most versatile. They go great in desserts, but they can also be used to add a fruity tang to salad dressings or stir-fry dishes. If you’re unfamiliar with cherries, check out these four surprising health benefits of cherries that will give you a new reason to love this summertime favorite fruit!
1) Protect Against Heart Disease
The anthocyanins in cherries have been linked to lower levels of cholesterol, which can help protect your heart health. A 2011 study found that men who consumed high amounts of anthocyanins (the same type found in cherries) had lower total and LDL cholesterol. If you’re worried about your risk for heart disease, adding a few servings of cherries to your diet each week can be a great way to help keep your heart protected.
2) Improve Vision
Dark cherries are packed with antioxidants that protect your eyes from age-related vision loss. The anthocyanins in cherries have been shown to lower your risk for macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness. Eating just one cup of tart cherries can provide 30% of your daily recommended value for vitamin C. Vitamin C also boosts immunity, so you may be less likely to get sick when you’re consuming enough cherry juice.
3) Reduce Joint Pain
Cherries are a potent source of an anti-inflammatory compound called anthocyanins. Research shows that anthocyanins block enzymes that increase inflammation and pain in joints, helping to improve symptoms in osteoarthritis. The health benefits of cherries also extend to your heart and brain—especially if you’re looking for weight loss.1 Another surprise? Cherry pits might be your new secret weapon for better dental health.
4) Fight Against Cancer
Research suggests that compounds in cherries, like ellagic acid, may help fight against cancer and other diseases. In lab tests on leukemia cells, for example, cherries have been shown to slow down their growth and even cause them to self-destruct. Although much more research is needed, it’s thought that antioxidants in cherries may protect our DNA from damage caused by free radicals. (3) However, there are additional health benefits associated with cherries that you probably didn’t know about!
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