An ancient 'superfood' sent from heaven
The juice of tart cherries seems to be the most effective form for exercise recovery. There are also studies that suggest cherry juice can improve overall athletic performance.
Cherries are delicious by themselves and dynamic as an ingredient in countless recipes, both sweet and savory. But let's start by learning about this amazing fruit.
It’s well known that there are both sweet cherries and sour cherries, but the variation of this stone fruit is far more extensive. There are more than 1,000 different varieties of cherry! Around half are sweet and the other half are sour. However, only 20 or so of these many varieties are commonly used in commercial production.
You can also add cherries to a barbecue sauce recipe for a uniquely rich and sweet undertone.
Of course, cherries are fantastic in desserts! From cherry pies to black forest gateaux, we've tasted the evidence. Add fresh or frozen cherries to a lemon cake for the perfect combination of sweetness and tartness.
Sources: (Healthline) (Mental Floss) (Olive)
See also: Decadent desserts that are healthier than you think
Preserve fresh cherries by turning them into a spiced cherry chutney. This will be delicious served with a cheese board.
This explains why Turkey is the country that produces the most cherries in the world!
While cherries are hugely popular in the US, and the country is one of the largest producers in the world, they didn’t originate there. It’s believed that cherries are native to Anatolia and were spread around the world from there.
Legend has it that you can spot where the roads built by the Roman Empire were once placed by looking for wild cherry trees.
Clearly, humans have enjoyed the delicious cherry fruit for a long time. What’s more, the health benefits of cherries have been understood since ancient times. Around 300 BCE, the Greek physician Diphilus of Siphnos wrote about their usefulness as a diuretic.
Modern-day Turkey was part of the Roman Empire many centuries ago. Historical accounts suggest that Roman soldiers brought cherries with them as they conquered their way through Europe and North Africa, leaving the stones scattered behind them.
They’re also high in potassium, which is needed for blood pressure regulation, muscle contraction, nerve function, and many other essential processes in the body. Cherries also contain B vitamins, manganese, copper, magnesium, and vitamin K.
Many studies suggest that eating cherries can reduce both oxidative stress and inflammation. This reduces cellular damage and promotes overall health.
Potassium helps us maintain a regular heartbeat and removes excess sodium from the body, regulating blood pressure.
Antioxidants counteract oxidative stress in the body–a condition that is related to many chronic diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. It’s also a cause of premature aging.
Cherries are particularly high in polyphenols. A polyphenol-rich diet is believed to protect against health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, mental decline, and certain cancers.
Cherries are also high in polyphenols, which protect the heart against cellular damage and inflammation. A huge study of 84,158 people found that a polyphenol-rich diet significantly reduced the risk of heart disease over five years.
The powerful anti-inflammatory properties in cherries may help with the symptoms of arthritis and gout. Eating cherries can suppress the inflammatory proteins that cause these conditions to flare up.
As if cherries couldn’t get any better, there are studies to suggest that they can also improve our sleep quality. This may be attributed to the high levels of anti-inflammatory compounds and melatonin they contain. Two studies showed that drinking a glass of cherry juice improved the duration and quality of sleep in adults.
Throw some cherries onto Greek yogurt and granola for a healthy breakfast or snack. Alternatively, add them to a goat cheese salad to elevate the dish.
Cherries aren’t always in season, of course, but during these periods you can rely on frozen cherries and cherry juice. Add frozen cherries to smoothies for a great boost in flavor and nutrition. Defrost them to make a delicious topping for oatmeal.
A diet rich in fruit has been shown to protect the heart and reduce the risk of developing heart disease. One cup of sweet cherries contains 10% of your daily recommended potassium; a mineral that is essential for heart health.
There are so many things to appreciate about cherries. These ruby-colored fruits grow on beautiful trees that decorate cities and parks all over the world. They're packed with nutrients that provide us with countless health benefits, from healthy hearts to better sleep. And did we mention they're delicious? There's a reason we have cherry-flavored chapstick and soda! However, there are much healthier and more enjoyable ways to add cherries to your diet.
Click through this gallery to learn all about this fantastic fruit, its many health benefits, and how you incorporate them into your meals.
Very cherry: Discover the wonders of this magical fruit
July 16 is Cherry Day
FOOD Cherries
There are so many things to appreciate about cherries. These ruby-colored fruits grow on beautiful trees that decorate cities and parks all over the world. They're packed with nutrients that provide us with countless health benefits, from healthy hearts to better sleep. And did we mention they're delicious? There's a reason we have cherry-flavored chapstick and soda! However, there are much healthier and more enjoyable ways to add cherries to your diet.
Click through this gallery to learn all about this fantastic fruit, its many health benefits, and how you incorporate them into your meals.